We recently connected with Yingxuan Dan and have shared our conversation below.

Yingxuan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

If I had to choose one person as my hero, it would be Eminem. He was the first artist who introduced me to hip-hop and rap culture. I first heard his music in middle school, and it completely changed my perspective on music. His lyrics were raw, powerful, and full of emotion, which made me want to understand them better. Since my first language is Chinese, his music motivated me to learn English so I could rap along and truly connect with his words.

As I got older, my passion for hip-hop grew. Inspired by Eminem, I started writing lyrics and making beats during my undergraduate years. I even released some of my own music. This experience shaped my creative journey, leading me to work in music-related design. It was also one of the reasons I joined Warner Music Group and later worked at 300 Entertainment, where I got to design for hip-hop artists. That felt like a full-circle moment—connecting my love for hip-hop with my career in design.

One of my favorite Eminem songs is “Stronger Than I Was”, and I’ve made it my personal mantra. I always want to be stronger than I was yesterday, improving both creatively and personally.

Besides Eminem, I also find inspiration in designers like David Rudnick, whose bold, experimental approach to typography has influenced my music design work. Over the years, I’ve realized that heroes come in many forms—musicians, designers, mentors, and even friends. They have all shaped the way I see creativity, and I hope to carry that inspiration forward in my own work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Yingxuan(Eilis) Dan, a graphic designer and music visualizer specializing in music-related visual storytelling. My journey into design started with a deep love for music, typography, and experimental aesthetics, which naturally led me to work at the intersection of graphic design and the music industry.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with major record labels like Warner Music Group and 300 Entertainment, as well as independent musicians and underground music collectives. I’ve worked with artists from New York’s music scene, talented musicians from Berklee College of Music, and rising stars in China, continuously pushing myself to explore new visual narratives in the music industry.

While I’m honored to have received awards such as the London Design Awards and DNA Paris Design Awards, what I’m truly most proud of is my ability to stay true to my passion and continue working in the music industry. I never stopped seeking out inspiring artists, experimenting with new creative directions, and allowing my love for music to guide my work. Every project is a new opportunity for me to grow, to challenge myself, and to create something that excites both me and the artists I collaborate with.

For me, design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about capturing the raw emotion of music, translating sound into visuals, and creating something that resonates on a deeper level. No matter where my career takes me, I hope to always stay connected to music, to keep evolving, and to continue crafting visuals that amplify the voices of artists around the world.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to visually translate music into something tangible and emotional. Music has always been my greatest inspiration, and through design, I get to bring those sounds to life in a visual form. Every project allows me to dive into an artist’s world, understand their emotions, and craft something that amplifies their voice.

Beyond the creative process itself, I find fulfillment in continuous growth and discovery. Whether it’s collaborating with hip-hop labels, underground musicians, or experimental bands, I’m always exploring new artistic directions. Staying true to my passion in the music industry while constantly evolving as a designer is what excites me the most.

Most importantly, the feeling of seeing my work resonate with artists and audiences is something irreplaceable. Knowing that my designs contribute to the storytelling of music, helping artists shape their visual identity, makes every challenge and late-night creative session worth it. This journey is about passion, persistence, and the joy of creating something that connects people.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, I wish I had engaged with the industry earlier instead of focusing solely on academics. During university, I was dedicated to perfecting my work but had limited exposure to the real-world music scene. It wasn’t until after graduation that I actively connected with musicians, labels, and creative communities, which expanded my perspective.

At first, I regretted not starting sooner, but I realized that growth happens at its own pace. Moving to New York was a turning point—being surrounded by diverse music genres, from jazz to techno, reshaped how I approach design. I now see visuals as an extension of sound and storytelling.

Another key lesson was stepping out of my comfort zone. While I wasn’t naturally the bold, entrepreneurial type, my passion for music pushed me to seek collaborations and engage with artists. Curiosity and persistence have been my greatest resources, and I’m grateful for the journey that continues to unfold.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dddandesign.cargo.site/

Image Credits

Personal Pic / Works_1 (Solo Exhibition) /Works_2 (Awarded) / Works_3 (Awarded) / Works_4 (Byebyetechno) / Personal Pic (300 Entertainment)