Meet graphic designer from Hong Kong, Melanie Wong.

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a 23 years old passionate graphic designer from Hong Kong. I’ve been in the graphic design field for 5 years. I do branding, art directions, print design, digital design, and packaging. I particularly enjoy working in the art and design industry because no two days are the same. When things feel new it becomes easy for me to throw myself into the work. I am a positive and chill person. I love exploring new things around me and traveling. I like having lunch in different places every day. I wish I can travel around the world and see creative industries in different places.

 

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

I’m really lucky to live in Hong Kong. I like the fast pace of life in Hong Kong. I also love the urban energy of Hong Kong restaurants to dine in, bars to drink in, clubs to dance in and attractions to enjoy. Living in this international and lively city, I have met so many professionals from all over the world who are in different fields and with different views. I get better perspectives from the community.

 

Living in this international and lively city, I have met so many professionals from all over the world who are in different fields and with different views. I get better perspectives from the community.

 

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

Best: People are friendly and the community is small and international. It’s easy to network. The lifestyle offered by Hong Kong is enviable. With a huge variety of restaurants and bars; there’s always something new to try. I would say Hong Kong is a real food paradise as you can find quality food in every corner of Hong Kong. Hong Kong public transport is modern, clean and reliable. You could basically travel around Hong Kong by public transportation. I can travel everywhere easily.

Worst: Hong Kong is always too humid. Sometimes it makes me sick due to the weather. Hong Kong is a fast-paced and crowded city. Everywhere is full of people. I often have to work overtime, so sometimes it’s hard to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

 

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

fun, modern, challenging

 

How did you start your career in art?

From a young age, I knew that I wanted to do something creative. I studied Art in high school and I think it’s the start of my love for the art and design field. Like many other designers, I started studying graphic design without fully understanding. I learned how to design and do branding during my college years. After I graduated, I really enjoyed the fast-paced and intimate working environment in the art and design field. 

 

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

I am really thankful that my family and friends are supportive. Some families in Hong Kong would not like their children to do design and art as there are not many Hong Kong people employed in the design sector. My family doesn’t have a design and art background, but they do appreciate it.

 

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

My goal is to open my own production line and my own studio. Then, I could be freelancer every 5 years and travel around the world with my family and friends.  On the other hand, I would also love to improve my design skills and my use of design tools. I want to master the newest features in Photoshop.

 

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

I would love the collaborate with Malika Favre. I love her use of colors in her illustrations. I would love to learn from her and work with her.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

Women around me are strong, independent, confident, decisive and determined. In my workplace, all the ladies know their own directions. They mostly know their strengths and weaknesses and work calmly. Also, they are brave to try new things and do what they want to do. They are able to do things all on their own. 

 

Women around me are strong, independent, confident, decisive and determined

 

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

Definitely Victo Ngai. She was a senior in my high school and one time she came to give us an inspiring talk about her life as an illustrator. I was so impressed by her work and how she lives her own dream. I wish I can be like her. Her way of creative thinking and how she connects local culture in her works inspires me a lot.

 

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

Creative Directors are mostly males in the advertising industry. It’s always hard to get appreciated as a female creative. Sometimes boys’ opinions and views are more easily accepted. That’s why I am working extra hard than others to challenge myself and earn recognition.

 

Creative Directors are mostly males in the advertising industry. It’s always hard to get appreciated as a female creative.

 

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

Don’t always seek praise but seek criticism. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and never stop trying.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Melanie Wong.