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

Hi Qihang, why did you pursue a creative career?
I didn’t start out thinking I’d pursue a creative career—it was more like a series of discoveries that kept nudging me closer. My first step was studying Communications at UCLA with a vision of joining the entertainment industry. But it wasn’t long before I realized I was drawn to something deeper than just “being in the industry.” I fell in love with storytelling, with the idea that you could move people, shift perspectives, and spark connections simply through how you tell a story.

That spark grew into a full-blown curiosity, one that led me down countless creative rabbit holes. I started experimenting, redesigning album covers for fun, and even teaching myself to build music data apps from scratch. I found that design was like this secret language, an art form that could connect with people in an instant, in a way words alone couldn’t. Each project, every experiment, was a piece of a bigger story, and it thrilled me to think that I could actually create these experiences from scratch.

The turning point came when I realized that my true interest lay at the intersection of storytelling and design—specifically, in crafting user experiences that could communicate ideas and inspire action. I decided to pivot my career path toward product design with a focus on UI and UX. This wasn’t just a whim; I spent countless hours teaching myself Figma, diving into design principles, and building my skills to make it happen. Every project since has been a new chance to explore how design shapes experience, and the joy I get from that process is what drives me forward.

In the end, my path to a creative career wasn’t a single decision but a series of revelations that kept me coming back to the same thing: the thrill of creating. Today, I’m exactly where I want to be—crafting experiences that inspire, connect, and tell stories in ways I’d only dreamed about at the start.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as a designer and storyteller began in my hometown of Guang’an, Sichuan—a small, mist-covered city known for its rich history and the birthplace of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. Growing up there, I was captivated by the world of history and culture, often spending hours lost in local bookstores, dreaming through woodcut prints of world wonders and sketching scenes from historical events. This love of history and human stories laid a solid foundation for my future in multimedia storytelling and design.

As I grew, my dreams expanded beyond Guang’an. Studying at the Chengdu Foreign Languages School, I was inspired to pursue an international education, a dream I later realized at UCLA, where I majored in Communications and History, with a minor in Digital Humanities. My time at UCLA was transformative: I discovered the world of creative industries, where storytelling, history, and design converged. My first hands-on experience came through an internship with Live Nation, where I worked on high-impact marketing campaigns. This was my first taste of the entertainment industry, but I wanted to expand my understanding of storytelling beyond marketing.

My academic journey led me to Oxford University, where I studied 19th-century immigration history and late Qing Dynasty China. There, I immersed myself in the social dynamics that shape historical events, broadening my understanding of history and adding new layers to my design perspective. I also began working as a media producer for National Geographic, creating promotional videos for over 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites across Europe. From the grandeur of Versailles to the ancient grounds of Olympia, I developed and honed skills in concept development, storytelling, and multimedia production—skills that have been essential in my career. These videos gained over 3 million views, demonstrating the impact of creative, story-driven design.

With these experiences, I pursued a Master’s degree in Education Technology at Harvard, where I focused on ways to integrate empathy and technology in educational design. After Harvard, I co-founded Memory Land, a digital platform that uses generative AI and VR to offer psychological comfort to those grieving a loss. The platform addresses a need that modern, mobile, and global lifestyles have created—a way to honor departed loved ones remotely and creatively. Through personalized VR memorial spaces, users can curate digital keepsakes and create a comfortable space for reflection, from photos and videos to AI-reconstructed items and voice notes. Memory Land offers mental health resources, digital epitaphs, and sharing functions that allow people across distances to connect and heal together, turning remembrance into a proactive and empowering process. Since its conception, Memory Land has won numerous awards, including the MUSE Creative Award, New York Product Design Award, and London Design Award.

In parallel, my professional career at Chartmetric has evolved rapidly. As a Senior Product Designer, I developed data-driven tools that empower indie musicians to reach wider audiences and compete in a music industry dominated by major players. My work on data visualization and analysis tools, lauded by industry leaders like Sony Music, Universal, Warner, and Disney, reflects my commitment to diversity and inclusion in music. My work at Chartmetric has also won numerous awards, including more MUSE Creative Awards and NY Product Design Award, for my work that drives strategic decision-making and creates opportunities for emerging artists.

This journey hasn’t been without challenges, but each obstacle taught me the value of persistence and adaptability. Balancing innovation with empathy has been central to my work, and I believe that design has the power to make lasting, meaningful impacts. As I look toward the next phase of my career—an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business—I’m excited to deepen my skills in entrepreneurship, product innovation, and global strategy. My goal is to expand Memory Land’s potential and create more projects that merge technology with cultural storytelling.

My career isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about contributing to a global creative and technological dialogue. From fostering cultural empathy in VR experiences to driving equity in the music industry through data, I strive to use my skills to inspire change and bridge gaps. As I continue this journey, my hope is to lead by example, showing that design, technology, and storytelling can indeed create a more connected, compassionate world.

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.
If my best friend were visiting LA for a week, I’d want to craft an itinerary that shows them what I love most about the city—from the live music scene to diverse food spots, iconic beaches, and cultural landmarks. Here’s how we’d spend an unforgettable week together.

We’d start by exploring the heart of LA’s music and entertainment. A walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame would introduce my friend to the city’s legends, while a night at the Troubadour would capture the intimacy of live shows with up-and-coming indie artists. If we could snag tickets, we’d go all out for a big production concert at SoFi Stadium or the Kia Forum, the perfect way to experience LA’s concert energy on a grand scale.

Of course, no trip to LA is complete without a day at the beach. We’d start early at Santa Monica Pier, then make our way to Venice Beach to soak up the boardwalk vibe, watching street performers and local artists while strolling along the sand. Afterward, we’d dive into a seafood boil to refuel, digging into crab, shrimp, and all the fixings—a taste of the West Coast. With full stomachs, we’d rent bikes to ride along the oceanfront, or simply lounge on the beach until sunset.

LA’s food scene is a journey all its own, so we’d dedicate another day to exploring its international flavors. Starting with Chinese hot pot in San Gabriel Valley, we’d enjoy the hands-on experience of cooking our own meal, savoring the rich flavors. The afternoon would be spent wandering Koreatown, and then we’d cap it off with dinner at Sun Nong Dan, where we’d dig into their famous galbi jjim (braised short ribs), a Korean comfort food experience.

The Arts District would be our next stop, with its mix of galleries, murals, and unique shops. We’d spend the morning browsing and snapping photos, followed by a laid-back lunch at Dirt Dog, where we’d try some LA-style loaded hot dogs. Downtown would call us next, where we’d visit The Broad or MOCA for a dose of contemporary art, before heading to Grand Central Market for a snack. At sunset, we’d relax with a drink at a rooftop bar like Perch or Spire 73, taking in a spectacular view of the city skyline.

For a change of pace, we’d take a day trip out to Malibu, enjoying a scenic drive along the coast. After a morning on the beach, lunch at Malibu Farm on the pier would give us farm-to-table food with an unbeatable ocean view. Then, we’d head to Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio for an afternoon of wine tasting, a chance to savor local flavors and soak up the peaceful side of LA.

Later in the week, we’d return to West Hollywood to explore the trendy Melrose Avenue, with its boutiques, vintage stores, and street art. That afternoon, a hike up to Griffith Observatory would be a must for an iconic view of the city and the Hollywood sign. We’d wrap up the day with a cozy dinner at El Compadre, sharing good Mexican food and reflecting on the week’s adventures.

On our last day, we’d have a final brunch at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker on Sunset Boulevard, a favorite spot for one last taste of LA’s brunch scene. We’d wander through Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive for a bit of glamour and people-watching, then head to a special dinner at a place like Bestia or Republique for Italian or French-inspired dishes, celebrating the rich culinary landscape that makes LA so unique.

Throughout the week, my friend would get to experience LA’s vibrant blend of music, food, culture, and scenery. It would be a week filled with everything that makes LA memorable to me—intimate music spots, bustling beaches, diverse eats, and stunning sunsets—a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and the best the city has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to Jessie J, whose music and resilience have had a profound influence on my life. I first discovered her in 2012 through her song “Who You Are,” during a particularly tough period in my middle school years where I faced bullying. Learning that Jessie had endured similar experiences and used her artistry to rise above them gave me a sense of solidarity and strength. Her message of self-compassion resonated with me, helping me navigate those dark days.

In 2015, her ballad “Flashlight” became another source of inspiration for me. The song, and its music video filmed at UCLA, fueled my dream of studying in the United States, drawn by the vibrant campus life it depicted. This dream eventually became a reality, largely inspired by her portrayal of positivity and resilience.

I had the privilege of meeting Jessie J in 2018 when she released her R.O.S.E. album. I shared with her a magazine I created in high school, detailing her influence on my life. She was genuinely appreciative and supportive, reinforcing the positive impact she had on me from afar.

Jessie’s journey and her connection with her fans, myself included, exemplifies the powerful role of artists in inspiring and empowering their audiences. Her continued dedication to her craft and her audience is something I deeply admire and am grateful for.

Jessie J not only provided a soundtrack to my life’s challenges but also illuminated a path to my aspirations. For that, she deserves every bit of recognition and credit in my story.

Website: https://www.zhangqihang.com/

Instagram: https://www.zhangqihang.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qihang-zhang-mike/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006093571471

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeZhang-gz9dv

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gemike0816

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