Meet Xiaodie Huang | Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xiaodie Huang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xiaodie, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Shaoguan, a small city in the northern Guangdong Province of China. Shaoguan is unique to me because the people there collaborate and work together more closely than in other major Chinese cities. As a result of my background, I am able to lead and participate in large-scale events and activities. During my time studying in the United States, I enjoyed art exhibitions and social activities tremendously. These experiences have prepared me to be an independent and productive team member.

While I was an intern at Koto, a branding studio in Culver City, I had the opportunity to direct a packaging project for the Curtsy brand. Understanding the client’s demands and establishing three design directions based on the production cost informed my strategy for the shipping kit. The purpose of shipment kits was to streamline the selling process for vendors and boost brand recognition. I expanded their updated visual elements with printing applications. In addition, I saw that the branding words and picture style on the shipping kit must be modified to correspond with the new brand identity. To meet the tight deadline, I was also responsible for the production process, which included packaging die-lines and color proofing. Apple’s Newsroom Content team is one of Elephant’s clients, and my present position is Associate Creative, UI designer. I assisted in the dissemination of Apple-related news in numerous categories. I assisted the team in completing the press releases for Apple Event 2022 recently. By virtue of my design expertise and collaborative nature, I contributed positive energy to the team. I found working with the team to be a lovely and delightful experience. It’s been a joy to receive acknowledgment and praise from the team, and I want to continue delivering Apple-related news that is both interesting and informative!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a graphic designer with a base in Los Angeles who focuses on creating editorial design, spatial experiences, and visual identity systems. My design process looks for emotional resonance and meaning in my work. Design, in my opinion, is the ideal tool for helping me turn those intangible emotions into something concrete.

I come from a musical background, so initially I had no idea what graphic design was. I participated in the school’s art show and the art department’s volunteer event as I started my design journey to become as active in the design community as possible. I was able to work with other skilled artists and get practical experience. In order to inspire people to connect with others through the use of art, the Pasadena Public Health Department’s “Parks After Dark” event gave me the chance to install a creative and interactive space pertaining to vaccine information with the team. My awareness of the various design processes and production techniques was greatly enhanced by my participation in practical design activities. It is a fantastic way for me to meet new people and unlock my creativity and inclusiveness. As a result of these wonderful encounters, I have developed my ability to view things from a number of angles. The capacity to take into account several points of view and sort through complexity without concentrating only on one style is a crucial part of my design process.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have lived in many cities in China and America. For me, walking is the best way to get to know a city, and the Art District in Los Angeles is an undeniably artsy neighborhood for a pleasant walk. The journey can begin with a cup of excellent coffee from Verve Coffee Roasters, followed by a walk to one of the finest art galleries, Hauser & Wirth. The Hauser & Wirth gallery’s outside patio is a great place to sit and converse with others; you can also purchase some exquisite books from the gallery’s bookstore. My favorite organic and plant-based restaurant in Los Angeles is Cafe Gratitude. If you are seeking more savory food, Little Tokyo is just a few blocks away, where you will find a vibrant street lined with real Japanese ramen restaurants, sake bars, and delicate boutiques. Enjoy a pleasant evening out with a variety of delicious culinary selections. How incredible is that? One street will take you from an artsy ambiance to a completely another cultural one. Los Angeles is a diverse and tolerant city that enables all good things to coexist.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout is given with great pleasure to my mother and my best friend Ruiyi Zeng, who never leaves my side regardless of the time of day in China.

Throughout my creative journey, my mother has consistently and generously provided me with support. She is my best friend, mentor, and supporter in every part of my life. She had no understanding of what I meant when I stated my interest in Graphic Design as a future job, but she trusted me and said, “I want you to realize your full potential in your study; have fun!” Her positive energy encourages me to believe in myself, and her support has boosted me through every difficulty.

My best friend, Ruiyi Zeng, deserves an enormous amount of thanks. Since we have known each other for over a decade, having her in my life is significant. Even if we haven’t seen each other for many years, the beauty of our friendship is that we still talk about anything!

Website: http://xiaodiehuang.com

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/xiaodiehuang