Today we’d like to introduce you to Qing Lei
Hi Qing, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Qing Lei, from a small city in Guangdong Province, China. I am a graphic and UI/UX designer with a passion that began in childhood, influenced by frequent doodling and a love for Japanese manga. My formal training started in fifth grade when my parents encouraged me to take drawing lessons. In middle and high school, I focused on still life sketches and color theory, but the repetitive nature of this work eventually felt limiting.
Seeking new creative horizons, I majored in visual communication design during my undergraduate studies. This field opened up innovative ways for me to express my ideas through color, typography, and layout. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I pursued further education at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta, USA. My master’s program broadened my understanding of visual communication and introduced me to cutting-edge design trends and practices across various fields, including UI/UX, interactive web design, and motion media design. At SCAD, I learned that design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a functional, multi-level communication tool that can address real-world problems and enhance people’s lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Design is my passion, but it comes with its challenges. One major hurdle has been evolving my design thinking and skills. Initially, I found myself trapped in my own aesthetic preferences, which led to repetitive designs in terms of colors, fonts, and layouts. This stagnation was frustrating, prompting me to explore new tools and methods, such as 3D design, to broaden my visual design possibilities.
Another challenge was learning interactive design. Eager to code my own websites and communicate effectively with engineers, I taught myself programming—a grueling process without guidance. Despite the difficulties, this self-directed learning expanded my knowledge and skill set, significantly enhancing my interaction design capabilities.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently based in Vancouver, serving clients globally across the US and Asia. My expertise now primarily revolves around UI/UX design, extending beyond traditional graphic design. I have a robust background in establishing visual systems and designing websites for brands. Additionally, my freelance projects include creating logos, posters, and marketing materials for social media.
Pride in my work comes from being a multidisciplinary designer, proficient not only in graphic design but also in user interface and experience design. I possess additional skills in video editing, motion animation, and illustration, which allow me to confidently tackle diverse client requirements.
My passion lies in brand and web design and development. I am driven by the diversity and richness each client brings, and I relish the opportunity to explore unique brand stories. Helping brands articulate their voice and make a memorable impact on users is what I find most rewarding. My design philosophy extends beyond aesthetics; it’s about impacting lives and enhancing user experiences through sustainable and effective design. This vision guides my approach to every project.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I often go online to stay updated with the latest design trends. Additionally, during my free time, I reflect on social issues and public welfare topics, which serve as excellent exercises in design thinking. While commercial projects are essential and sometimes constrained by costs or other factors, I strive not to let these limitations define my creative boundaries. It’s important to me that my design practice remains dynamic and thoughtful, avoiding the trap of becoming routine or mechanical. I aim to maintain an active and questioning approach to problem-solving in all aspects of my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luiqieng.com/
Image Credits
LUIQIENG Design