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

Hi Danting, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose a creative career because I genuinely enjoy using my design skills to help rebrand businesses and elevate their visual identity. I am good at balancing business objectives, client needs, technical limitations, and strong design thinking. I also love the flexibility of being able to create from anywhere with just my laptop, whether I’m in the office or on the go, rain or shine.

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.
I’ve put in significant effort over the years to refine both my design skills and aesthetic sensibilities. I’ve worked at multiple companies, learning from coworkers and supervisors with a variety of working styles. The journey hasn’t been easy—I’ve faced many challenges along the way.

For example, I built templates for the LPL Spring Gala, adapting to a wide range of design styles under intense time pressure and tight deadlines. I collaborated closely with other designers and developers on the UI/UX design for ConsultSpace by SylphAI, which we successfully launched on Product Hunt. I’ve also taken full design ownership of website and brand development for clients including Redpoint, Scorpio Luxury, Da Village, Nutrigent, and Venus Jewelry.

Through these experiences, I’ve grown tremendously—not only honing my craft but also developing the resilience to navigate fast-paced, high-stakes projects. I’ve come to understand that design is never just about visuals. It intersects with business objectives, technical constraints, client expectations, budget limitations, time pressure, and, of course, aesthetics. A great designer knows how to balance all of these elements thoughtfully and strategically.

I’m eager to share more of my work with the world, receive meaningful feedback, and continue pushing my design practice forward.

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 would love to bring my best friend, Candice, to visit Badger in the Wall Gallery in Lancaster, United Kingdom, where my artwork “Spring’s Painted Canvas” has been juried into the Surf & Turf Exhibition. This piece visually interprets the ephemeral beauty of Carrizo Plain during its peak wildflower bloom, using compositional layering and vivid color theory to transform the natural landscape into a dynamic visual tapestry. I believe Candice would deeply appreciate the curatorial environment and the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of contemporary works in situ.

In addition, I hope to take Candice to San Francisco—a city I called home for nearly a decade and one that continues to influence my creative perspective. As a vibrant hub of art, design, and innovation, San Francisco offers a unique confluence of cultural richness and visual storytelling. I’d love to explore institutions like the de Young Museum, SFMOMA, and the Exploratorium with her, each offering distinct curatorial approaches and immersive design experiences. We’d also visit iconic viewpoints such as Twin Peaks and the Golden Gate Bridge to take in the city’s architectural landmarks and natural topography—an inspiring backdrop for any visual thinker.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a heartfelt shoutout to Anna Winter, who managed my first full-time role as a graphic designer. Throughout my design career, Anna stands out as one of the most inspiring leaders I’ve had the privilege to work with. Her leadership style strikes a rare balance—strategically structured yet creatively liberating. She offered crystal-clear guidance while empowering designers to push boundaries, explore bold visual narratives, and craft thoughtful, user-centered solutions.

I also want to recognize one of my exceptional clients, Xin Feng, founder of the elegant jewelry brand Venus Jewelry. Working with Xin has been both inspiring and rewarding—she brings a strong creative vision paired with a sharp understanding of her brand’s positioning. Her ability to communicate clear, design-forward ideas while remaining open to expert input makes the design process fluid and productive. Together, we’ve shaped a refreshed brand identity that feels both contemporary and uniquely her own.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atapayphones/

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

Other: https://sparksglo.com/

Image Credits
All image credits: Danting Li

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.