Meet graphic designer from Hong Kong, Cloris Chan.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a graphic designer based in Hong Kong. In 2009, I graduated from the Hong Kong School of Design and started my career in the design industry. I have been working in this industry for almost ten years mainly focusing on branding and logo design.

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

I live in Hong Kong, a fast-paced and competitive city. It’s a city where the East meets the West and this inspires a lot of the creativity in my designs.

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

The best thing is that opportunities are everywhere – as long as you are willing to put in the effort and take a chance, you will always find something for yourself.

The bad is that the pace of life may sometimes be too fast. It becomes extremely tiring at times, and you really have to make it a priority to slow down and relax.

The best thing is that opportunities are everywhere – as long as you are willing to put in the effort and take a chance, you will always find something for yourself.

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

Challenging, Disheartening, Disrespected.

How did you start your career in art?

My reason was very simple. When I was young, a lot of people said that those who were not good at academics should go into design, so I decided to give it a try and enrolled in a design program. After working in the industry for a while, I’ve realized that I enjoy the process of design immensely, so I kept developing my career in this direction.

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

Luckily, my friends and family are all very supportive of my decision. I feel blessed that I am able to do something I enjoy and build up valuable skills at the same time.

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

I hope to, through my own specialty in brand design, to raise awareness of the importance of branding in Hong Kong. At the same time, I hope that my designs can bring some simple pleasures to the masses in their day-to-day life.

I hope to, through my own specialty in brand design, to raise awareness of the importance of branding in Hong Kong

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

That would be the American graphic designer Paula Scher! I believe that I would learn so much from her.

How would you describe the women around you?

Most of the women around me are very individualistic. They’re self-sufficient and do not rely on others for their own livelihood. They have a strong idea of the lives they want to lead and they don’t let anyone tell them that they cannot achieve it.

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

Since there are many famous male designers (graphics field) in Hong Kong, such as KAN Tai-Keung and Alan Chan etc. I have no local female creatives that I looked up to when I was growing up.

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

Obviously, there are many males in this industry. As a woman, sometimes they may ignore my opinions and ideas so I need to put more effort to prove and convince them that I can do it.

If young women would like to enter the creative/design industry, they will need patience, persistence and a progressive mentality.

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

If young women would like to enter the creative/design industry, they will need patience, persistence and a progressive mentality. In the process, you will encounter many blows and criticisms in design opinions or what your friends say about the industry prospects. You need persistence to face this. Create designs in your free time to build up your portfolio and your uniqueness. Your works are often the best way to express yourself.

Photos courtesy of Cloris Chan.