Meet Chenwei Xu | Graphic and Motion Designer & Illustrator

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

Hi Chenwei, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe risk-taking is an essential part of personal growth.

One of the biggest risks I’ve undertaken was relocating from my home country shortly after college to pursue graduate school and career opportunities in the States as an international student. The challenges international students face can be stressful, including cultural shock, language barriers in the workplace, work sponsorship and visa issues, which create a constant risk of rejection or job loss.

Despite these difficulties, I am grateful for my decision. Stepping outside of my comfort zone has provided me with invaluable self-awareness, enriched my skill set, given me confidence, and enabled me to identify and leverage my unique strengths, even after facing countless rejections and failures.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a multidisciplinary designer with many interests and passions, I strive to create impactful and memorable visual experiences that resonate deeply with audiences, whether it’s for illustration, 2D/3D motion design, graphic design, corporate design, or video editing. My dedication to creativity, combined with my commitment to execution and comprehension, gives me a unique perspective in the field.

My journey to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy. Like many, I’ve faced numerous challenges, from cultural adjustments and visa issue as an international student to the uncertainties of freelancing and the relentless pursuit of networking opportunities. However, each challenge has been a valuable learning experience.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and resilience. Embracing rejection as a natural part of the growth process and viewing it as an opportunity to learn and improve has been important in my professional development.

I want the world to recognize Chenwei Xu Design as a symbol of passion, creativity, and profession. As I aim to elevate my work on bigger stages, my goal is to be a creative professional who leaves a lasting impact through compelling visual storytelling.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My fav places in LA include The Huntington Library Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, the gorgeous Getty Museum and Villa, and the historic Bradbury Building in DTLA. The Colonnade Naples Island in Long Beach is another favorite. Plus, LA’s dining spots like Chulita for amazing Mexican food, Republique Cafe, and Verve in DTLA are go-to places for tasty coffee, bites and inspiration.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am beyond grateful to my team at VMLY&R, Shanghai. During my very first internship, I met an exceptional group of professionals who introduced me to the world of design and creativity.

A special shout-out to the MFA Design program at School of Visual Arts. I am grateful for the support, guidance, and opportunities provided to me throughout my grad program.

Additionally, I’d like to express my gratitude to all the industry professionals I’ve networked with. After sending hundreds of cold emails and messages on LinkedIn, I’ve been fortunate to connect with some individuals. Their valuable insights and guidance have been so helpful, especially during the early stages of my career.

Website: https://chenweixu.com

Instagram: chenweixudesign

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenweixu/