We had the good fortune of connecting with Jean He and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jean, how do you define success?
To me, success is not a static destination; it is a dynamic and ever-evolving journey. I firmly believe that true success lies in constant growth and adaptation, embracing both successes and failures as valuable learning opportunities. It is about setting meaningful goals, fostering personal growth, and continuously pushing boundaries.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a UX Lead Designer at Fantasy Interactive, a renowned global design agency, I have the privilege of working on product design projects with industry giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Alibaba, Snowflake, Vimeo, and other technology leaders. I have achieved tremendous success in this role by leading a team of designers in creating intuitive, user-friendly products that not only solve problems but also drive the success of our business partners. Guaranteeing the success of these productions involves defining an innovative vision, site structure, and wireframe work that lead to higher user engagement and satisfaction rates, as well as meticulously attending to countless details to ensure every design element is pixel-perfect. My work as a UX Lead Designer is essential to the success of these productions as I am responsible for creating new interaction models and frameworks that determine how these digital channels are structured, in turn redefining the user experience in order to drive up business value. In this challenging process, I have learned to embrace failures as valuable lessons, foster personal growth, and persist in my pursuit of excellence.
In addition to my work as a UX Lead Designer, I also express my creativity as a Creative Director for other successful projects. My work has been recognized with prestigious awards from renowned organizations in the industry such as A’ Design Awards, International Design Awards, and Awwwards. These are extremely sought-after honors that are highly regarded in the industry and indicative of one’s acclaimed success in the field.
However, the true essence of success for me lies in holding onto the passion to explore new avenues in design. Despite being an additional commitment alongside my full-time job, it allows me to fulfill my personal growth and serves as a constant reminder to never lose sight of my initial passion for being a creative.
Moreover, I believe that success is also defined by the impact we have on others. Receiving emails from individuals around the world who express their appreciation for my work and how it inspires them, or being commissioned as a Creative Director by a notable Chinese-owned design studio like Mineup LLC. to contribute to the broader influence of design in the Chinese community, demonstrates the meaningful influence I strive to have.
Ultimately, success is not solely measured by external achievements but by the journey of continuous improvement and the positive impact we create along the way. It is about challenging ourselves, stepping outside our comfort zones, and making a difference in the lives of others. By constantly learning from both successes and failures, nurturing personal growth, and persevering in the face of challenges, I believe we can redefine success and achieve fulfillment in both our professional and personal lives.
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.
During my best friend’s week-long visit, I would create an unforgettable itinerary encompassing cultural immersion, culinary delights, and exploration of local gems. We would start by visiting renowned museums like LACMA and The Getty Center, indulge in authentic Chinese and Japanese cuisine at Chengdu Impression and local izakayas such as Osawa. We would enjoy beach vibes at Santa Monica or Venice Beach, try gourmet food trucks and Grand Central Market’s diverse offerings, and embark on a scenic hike in Griffith Park. Exploring the art scene at The Broad, retail therapy at The Grove, and discovering hidden gems in neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Echo Park would be on the agenda.
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 am incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system consisting of my family, friends, and the brilliant individuals I have had the opportunity to work with. Throughout my journey, my mentors give me valuable guidance and help me overcome challenges. Their wisdom and insights have played a significant role in shaping my path to success. Additionally, I have had the privilege of mentoring others, and through this experience, I have learned invaluable lessons and gained fresh perspectives. I would also like to acknowledge the individuals who may not be designers themselves but have played crucial roles in supporting and contributing to my work. These dedicated professionals, such as producers, have ensured the smooth execution of my projects and have been instrumental in bringing my designs to life.
The collective efforts, mentorship, love, and encouragement from all these incredible individuals and groups have contributed immensely to my growth and achievements. I am deeply grateful for their support and recognize that my success is intertwined with their contributions.
Website: https://www.jeanxhe.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean_x_he/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanxhe/
Image Credits
Jean He