Interview with Shih-Wei Cheng

Shih-Wei Cheng ("SC") interviewed on Sunday, 19 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

SC : I have been a professional designer roughly about three years since I graduated from Pratt Institute with a master in communications and digital designs in New York.

How did you become a designer?

SC : I first grew interest in design when I took an adobe creative suite class back in high school. I almost went to an art school at the time but chose to go into a regular college. After working as a sales for a year, I could not forget about design so I went back to school to study it.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

SC : I feel like I am in a flow when I am doing great works but feel stuck if I have no idea what I am doing.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

SC : My love for design and psychology shaped me as a designer both cognitively and visually. From my previous job, I also learn how to become a good communicator with clients. I believe communication skill is one of the most important skills as a designer.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

SC : Not to have a high ego and always try to learn from the best.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

SC : Always try to find ways to upgrade your portfolios. Joining a competition is a good way to push yourself too.

What is your day to day look like?

SC : In the morning, I read design news and try to do as much as UX works when my mind is clear. I like to have meetings and visual designs in early afternoon.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

SC : Design trends matter a lot but I believe the fundamentals of design are just as important. Any successful designers should learn about typography.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

SC : Design is never ready because there is always space for improvements.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

SC : I was born and raised in Taiwan until the age of 14 then came to the States. I have a multi-cultural background and very adaptive to new information and things. I find New York City to be one of the most inspiriting city and Seattle to be my favorite city due to the cost of living and how close it is to nature. I am an outdoorsy person and like to spend my weekends outside as much as possible.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

SC : I work alone but also with my team, which consists of designers, engineers, and product managers. My day to day task require constant communication and learning about the guidelines and technical constraints. Personal traits that make good designers are: communication and collaborative skills, technical skills, and work ethnics.

Shih-Wei Cheng Profile