Meet Michelle Chiang | Designer & Creative

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

Hi Michelle, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Raised by first generation immigrant parents, there was no concept of work life balance in our household. I was taught to study and work hard, as my parents had no choice but to work multiple, tireless jobs to support our family. I’m grateful to have developed a strong work ethic with anything that I do, though over the years I’m also learning that a balance is much needed to rejuvenate the mind and body. As someone often drawn to creative expression, periodic reflection and self-care encourages inspiration. I find joy and motivation when I’m able to decompress by spending more time with loved ones and in nature.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Developing and maintaining expertise in a profession is a constant challenge and comes with many different paths along the way. During grade school I was most interested in Art, English, and P.E. classes. It still seems like an odd combination to me, but I’ve always been drawn to the act of creating and experiencing. I started exploring my career path in Graphic Design during the early 2000s, believing that this profession would present me with opportunities to help others, while also allowing me to be creative and become financially independent. Starting with traditional print and branding based design, my career path naturally shifted with technological advancements to encompass more digital projects. I became interested and involved with design for websites, applications, and digital platforms. This shift allowed me to learn many new skills, while still applying traditional design principals I’ve learned to appreciate (Gestalt Theory anyone?!). If there is something I’m continuing to practice all the time, it’s allowing my curiosity to help me grow as a person. Striving for a work life balance ratio that fits my lifestyle, gives my curiosity the space and time it needs to keep ideas flowing!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When my friends may visit safely while preventing the spread of COVID-19, I’ll be so excited to show and explore different neighborhoods with them! We’d hang out in the Arts District and gallery hop. Take a trip to the Getty and LACMA. Visit Bruce’s Beach early in the morning or during sunset. See a show at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Go on a hike. Eat delicious food and support local businesses! @borneokalimantancuisine @casitadelcampo #pasadenafishmarket @joyonyork @sunnyblue_inc @roscoesofficial

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am without the constant support from my whole family. Sending boundless love to my mom and dad, sister, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and extended relatives. I continue to be in awe by their journeys through life and their resilience. To my chosen family of close friends, I’d love to dedicate my gratitude to Kriss Knapp and Kat Brokate (@the_magic_cactus), who have taught me self confidence and love. Oscar Salguero (@softcoreny) for always sparking creativity and thought. Etele Illés (@gyikember) for opening my eyes to work life balance, and for championing individual quirkiness. Jared Langel (@_jaredlangel), my significant other, for encouraging the best parts of my personality to shine and for being a wonderful partner to grow with. Shoutout to Golden (@goldenapp), and Anna Rehm who recommended me to Shoutout LA! I’m incredibly grateful to be working with a company that engages organizations, schools, and individuals with volunteering in an effortless, fun, and fulfilling way.

Website: https://www.michellechiang.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekchiang/
Other: https://www.goldenvolunteer.com/