Meet Weiying Ma | Multidisciplinary Designer

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

Hi Weiying, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always had a passion for creativity. Drawing has had an innate attraction to me since I was young. From a young age, I was constantly doodling and drawing. However, despite my talent and love for the arts, I felt pressured to pursue a more “practical” career path. It was only during my undergraduate studies that I gradually realized the significance of interests in a person’s life. After being exposed to some fundamental design courses, I felt the desire to delve deeper into this field. I was initially hesitant, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that pursuing an artistic career was the true path to happiness for me. And it is also because of my passion for it that I have continued honing my skills and exploring new creative avenues. And despite the occasional struggles and roadblocks, I have never lost my love and passion for the arts.

Design is more than just a passion for me. It’s a friend that provides guidance and comfort, a teacher that continues to challenge and inspire me, and a source of security that keeps me grounded. When I’m faced with difficulty and exhaustion, design remains my motivation to keep pushing and persevering.

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 graphic designer, I believe that design is not limited to two-dimensional spaces. In fact, I strive to explore different mediums and use them to convey stories in a unique and impactful way. ArtCenter College of Design, where I am currently studying, encourages experimentation and innovation, which has allowed me to learn and work with emerging media such as 3D modeling, creative coding, spatial design, and motion graphics. My goal is to incorporate these new technologies into the language of graphic design, so that the designs I create are more engaging and effective in resonating with audiences. Ultimately, my approach to design is to create designs that are not only visually striking, but also communicate a clear message and evoke emotion. I strive to create designs that resonate with audiences, regardless of the medium or platform used.

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 was visiting Southern California for a week, I would definitely take them to some of my favorite spots in the area. We would start with a visit to Pasadena, where we could explore the beautiful gardens and art collections at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. After that, we would head to the Arts District, where we would grab lunch at Manuela, a fantastic restaurant that serves delicious Southern cuisine in a beautiful outdoor space. We would also explore the neighborhood’s vibrant street art scene and visit some of the incredible galleries. Later in the week, we would head to Malibu beach, where we could soak up the sun, go for a swim, and try out some surfing lessons. For dinner, we would grab some fresh seafood at Malibu Seafood or Nobu Malibu, both of which offer amazing views of the ocean.
In between these activities, we could also check out some of the other fun and interesting spots in the area, like Griffith Park, the Getty Museum, or the Santa Monica Pier. There are so many amazing places to eat, drink, and explore in Southern California, and I’m excited to show my friend the best time ever.

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?
Throughout my life, I have felt incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people who are generous with their help. First and foremost, I am grateful to my parents for providing me with the most support they could within their means, which has allowed me to pursue my dreams without any worries. Additionally, my girlfriend has given me invaluable emotional support, always calming my anxieties and giving me strength. Finally, I am grateful for myself and my independent and strong spirit, which has enabled me to overcome various challenges and take control of my life’s direction. From leaving my home to study abroad eight years ago to now, I have been my own constant companion on this long journey. I am truly thankful for all that I have, and I will continue to cherish and give back to those around me.

Website: weiyingma.work

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/weiying-ma