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

Hi Yuying, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

As a designer, I believe that the ability to sustain oneself is essential. I view design as a lens through which to comprehend the world, and my pursuit of it extends beyond mere employment. For designers, career options are not confined to corporate roles; they also encompass entrepreneurial ventures. I consider starting a business as a designer to be a cost-effective and viable choice. By collaborating with diverse businesses and merchants, I can gain insights into their operational methods, product lines, and more.

Moreover, my enthusiasm for brand design stems from my belief that every minor detail can amplify a brand’s value, while also yielding profits. This fervor may be influenced by my family’s business-oriented background in the finance industry, which has instilled in me an entrepreneurial mindset.

During my graduate studies, I regret missing out on MICA’s entrepreneurial competition opportunities. However, I am resolute in seizing future entrepreneurial chances and establishing my own enterprise. I believe that entrepreneurship will enable me to cultivate skills in sales, communication, time management, and beyond, thereby realizing my intrinsic value. I aspire to ascend to the position of CEO in the design realm, equipped not only with technical versatility but also with the capacity to transcend disciplinary boundaries and possess interdisciplinary knowledge and curiosity. Such accomplishments entail more than just mastering tools and techniques; they entail merging design and business through entrepreneurial endeavors.

Additionally, I want to address the current saturation in the market for design or creative talent. Whether from the impact of AI or other disruptive forces, the industry is facing challenges. In response, I believe that venturing into entrepreneurship offers a viable strategy to navigate these changes and mitigate risks.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the field of design, I exhibit several different manifestations. When engaging in personal design creation, I display an expressive and bold demeanor. However, in the professional design domain or when interacting with clients, I prioritize balance and professionalism to ensure the maturity and solidity of design works. My journey in design is not easy, as I may share similarities with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), although I have never been diagnosed. I dislike dealing with text due to some reading obstacles, which makes it difficult for me to maintain order and balance, and control detailed elements to organize everything into a structured position.

But the good news is, despite the challenges I’ve faced, I gradually unveil the veil on the designer’s path, seeing the order and path ahead, which brings me comfort. Perhaps because my perspective is different from others, I create some novel works as a result. I believe the relationship between time invested and rewards gained is not always proportional. I may exert much effort, but the rewards may not match my desires. Just like how I aspire to be a logical and orderly designer, yet no matter how hard I try, I can only reach one-fifth to one-sixth of that level. Effort and outcomes are not always a fair trade.

I feel that my growth journey contradicts comfort, which is my understanding. Everything has two sides, and I realize that sometimes I should understand my strengths and weaknesses and try to leverage my strengths. The initial concept of my design studio, C&CTOO (Chance and Change), was to adapt to the changes of the times and seize opportunities. This vision was inspired by the Chinese architect Ieoh Ming Pei, who once said he doesn’t follow fashion. I also hope to create high-quality and resilient brand designs that adapt to changes in the times through my own design capabilities. At the same time, I also want to adapt to the changes of the times, keep up with the pace of the times, and become a lively and creative designer.

I position myself as a multidisciplinary visual communicator + designer, seizing the magical moment for you! This is also because I often find myself able to perceive subtle aspects, thereby better digesting and generating design concepts. I believe design is not just about design, but also a manifestation of the heart and mind. The bigger the heart, the bigger the stage, so I hope the power of design can flow freely.

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?
If you’re in New York, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum would be a good choice. I also recommend the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You could begin your trip with a flâneur trip, taking a city walk in some neighborhood. New York City has many exciting places beyond just Times Square. I enjoy drifting on the river on a ferry at sunset, gradually distancing myself from Manhattan. There’s also a Michelin-starred Japanese ramen shop in a Brooklyn neighborhood that I like. New York offers various international cuisines and stationery stores. I have a favorite coffee shop, but I prefer not to share it with everyone. If you message me on Instagram, I’ll let you know.

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’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my MICA graduate mentors, Jennifer Cole Philips, Ellen Lupton, and Abraham Burickson, for their guidance and support. While I don’t consider myself exceptionally talented in design, with their help and encouragement, I successfully completed my design journey, particularly during the final stages of my thesis. I’m grateful for their tireless dedication, companionship, and teaching, which played a crucial role in helping me achieve my learning goals at MICA.

Website: https://kakacnotdesign.cargo.site/

Instagram: @aka_kakac.notdesign | @kaka.cc_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuying-chen-kakac/

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