Interview with My Linh Mac

My Linh Mac ("MLM") interviewed on Sunday, 3 May.

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

MLM : I have been an artist my whole life and a visual designer for almost 7 years now. I received my art education from places all over the world, I have a bachelor degree in Fine Art and Digital Media from Valparaiso University and a master degree on Art Education from one of the best art school in the world- School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

How did you become a designer?

MLM : I was fortunate to find my calling and passion for the art at a very young age and have my family's support to pursue art education in different countries such as Singapore, South Australia and the United State. Until when I attended university, I was inspired and warmly welcomed to the design community and found my new passion for design. It was challenging to balance both professional fields at first and still now but at the same time, it feels rewarding to be where I am at today.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MLM : My 3 main principles of design are aesthetic, functionality and characteristic. It's quite similar with my artist principle as a artist but with more creative freedom. I usually started with sketches, the majority of the process was rely adobe software. I occasionally use 3D render software in between mock up to have the best presentation for the final designs.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MLM : For me, the first steps are usually the most challenging part, once you grasp the idea, things get more interesting and fun from there. I took pleasure from stretching all possibilities with the designs elements within certain design concepts.

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

MLM : Yes, my background as an artist has major influence on my creative practice as designer. My other non-creative skills such as event planner, teaching and learning different languages and world traveling also shape me as visual designer as well.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

MLM : My future plan is to start up my design firm that contribute to the local communities such as promoting environmental sustainability while continued teaching art and design classes at college levels. My on-going plan is to become a well-established artist with institutional exhibitions around the world.

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

MLM : I want to share some useful design tips for young designers out there. My tips are: 1) Pre-plan a schedule and give yourself deadlines for each design/production stages to stay on track. 2) Allow yourself as much time possible to review, revise your design at it final stages. 3) If possible, allow yourself to have a few daybreaks between final editing, this way, you can review your works in a fresher set of minds. 4) It is always helpful to have constructive criticism 5) Communication is key. It takes time and efforts to establish self-discipline and pick up ethical habits such as time management but in the long run, you would have more time and room to improve, explore more possibilities of your craftsmanship rather than wasting time fixing errors that could have been easily avoid.

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

MLM : To my fellow designers out there, no matter what your experience level are, your mistakes are your best teacher, be sure to make the best out of these blessing in disguise. Most important, stay consistent with learning new things with positive attitudes and open-mind.

What is your day to day look like?

MLM : I usually plan ahead, for each weeks, set 2 to 3 big goals and many mini goals for each days as steps to achieve those big goals by the end of the week. My work hours and paces are different everyday but I make sure to make time to de-process and relax by exercises, this help not only with physical wellness but also give designer to have a clearer view after taking a few steps back to see the bigger picture. On slow days, I invest more time to research on ideas and making sure I spent my time efficiently.

Who is your favourite designer?

MLM : Marta Veludo, Ben Grandgenett, Jessica Walsh and Lauren Hom are my recent top favorite. I did not get a chance to meet them yet.

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

MLM : I currently based in Chicago- United State, before that, I grew up in Australia, Singapore and Vietnam. There are pros and cons for growing up in 3 different continents of course, they enrich my knowledge and experience with other cultures. Unfortunately, at the same, being abroad for so long somehow ‘thin out’ my bond with my true root and heritage as Vietnamese.

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

MLM : I work solo and occasionally as a team. My ideal designer partner is someone who are opening minded and transparent. I know that having a partner could be challenging sometime when it comes to creative differences and communication but when designers with positive attitude and share the same value of delivering high-quality of bodyworks, partnerships are window of opportunity for peer learning and personal growth for any creative individuals.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

MLM : In my humble opinion, my contribution to the design world are though my role as art educator. By inspiring and showing the future designer the humanitarian projects, I think we can better the world as a community in a long run.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

MLM : It really a great learning experience for me, it opened my mind and inspire me to push myself even further as a designer. Secondly, as one of the winners of this year, I am very grateful for the institutional/professional recognition, it the best kind of motivation that any designer could ever ask for. I am thrilled about being on your featured designers.

My Linh Mac Profile