Meet UI/UX designer, photographer and flower arranger from Kaohsiung, Aco Hsu

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Aco, originally from Taiwan, working on commercial and self-initiated projects at the intersections of digital design and flower arrangement. My work encompasses UI/UX design, brand identities, photography and flower arrangement, provides diversity in the creative solution for the clients to solve business cases. Besides, I love drinking a cup of warm water every morning.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Kaohsiung is the second largest city of Taiwan and mixes the history and a vibrant future. It’s also a safe city, a lot of food choices at an affordable price. Food is something I miss the most while living aboard.

After living in Berlin for a year, I moved back to my hometown this year. When you live aboard for a while and then back in somewhere you are familiar. I realise the more unusual moments, things and people in this city I didn’t notice in the past two decades. During the day off, if I have enough time, I enjoy getting on a bus randomly, and just get off at an irregular stop to have a walk. That is a good way for me to delve into unfamiliar parts of the city!

During the day off, if I have enough time, I enjoy getting on a bus randomly, and just get off at an irregular stop to have a walk. That is a good way for me to delve into unfamiliar parts of the city!

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Community, Struggling, Vibrant

How did you start your career in art?

I slowly figured out how my works blended my background as a countryside kid, hence I begin to work at the intersections of digital design and flower arrangement.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

My family and friends are very supportive of my creative career. Even tho I’ve been through a tough period, they are still there to cheer me up. I truly appreciate their wisdom and always grateful for that!

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

With a multidimensional mindset, my vision is to push my boundaries through the medium of digital design and flower arrangement, see how far I can reach, and do good for others within my ability. Furthermore, to still have my feet on the ground, plus to trust in myself and in what I embrace.

With a multidimensional mindset, my vision is to push my boundaries through the medium of digital design and flower arrangement, see how far I can reach, and do good for others within my ability.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

How would you describe the women around you?

Authentic, cheerful, independent

Authentic, cheerful, independent

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

My mom mentioned I was a naughty kid and drew everywhere in the house. While I got older, I brought the painting skill as an assistant, my cram school teacher and I went to a different classroom to do space decoration. She was the first person to let me realise how much fun of arts and crafts. Those experiences were like a direction which guided me to start my journey into the creative world.

We still kept in contact when I grew up, she encouraged and motivated me on the different topics of life. A few years ago, she passed away, but the lessons she taught me, I will carry throughout my life.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Not as far as I feel, being a female in my industry, I am blessed to work with people who focus on your ability and work quality more than gender. However, It is essential to stay confident and with a mind of wide scope to face the challenges.

Only when you take good care of yourself, you could find the balance between life and work, also look after other people.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Be gentle to yourself! Only when you take good care of yourself, you could find the balance between life and work, also look after other people.

Photos courtesy of Aco Hsu