Life & Work with Ariana Choi of Irvine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana Choi.

Hi Ariana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been involved in some kind of art—whether that be playing the violin since I was five, or filling up my childhood home with pages and pages of doodles and collages taped up on every inch of the walls. I got sent to art school pretty early on (which, in retrospect, makes sense) since my parents got fed up with me “redecorating” the walls with crayons and once covering the living room floor in paint after dunking my hands into open cans my parents accidentally left open.

I was always surrounded by materials—scrap paper, pencils, markers, paint—constantly collaging and making mini zines to show off to my friends and family. Creating for the sake of creating felt so natural. It was the first language I really understood.

That innate instinct eventually turned into something more tangible when I discovered what Graphic Design was and started freelancing as a teenager. I made posters for community events around me, made birthday posters for my friends, and created logos and t-shirt designs. That’s when it really clicked for me; I realized design could translate ideas into something that people could actually connect with. This eventually led me to take Graphic Design more seriously and earn a BFA in Graphic Design from Otis College of Art and Design in 2025.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. Like many artists and designers, I struggled with impostor syndrome—questioning my worth.

For a while, I was stuck in a loop, thinking, “Am I doing enough?” or “Does my work mean anything?” Holding open conversations with my peers and continuing to push through to create even if I didn’t feel confident helped shift my thoughts over time. I realized as we’re constantly evolving, every voice adds something to our visual culture—no matter how small it might seem.

I’ve learned that we don’t always have to design for the masses. We create because it feels important to us, and most times, the right people will connect with it. I believe design is a shared language where your ideas, concepts, or messages create a visual solution. Being able to share that with others is something I’ve come to truly honor and value.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a graphic designer focusing on branding and identity, marketing, digital and print campaigns, editorial design, and visual storytelling.

My practice is grounded in four ideas: to think, to reflect, to relate, and to play. These elements help me stay intentional while leaving room for experimentation and unexpected outcomes.

A big part of my process is rooted in research and iteration. Breaking things down helps me understand the “why” behind what I’m making, pushing me to listen more to people’s stories, experiences, and perspectives. I try to approach design with empathy and curiosity, always looking to create work that allows people to relate and resonate not just visually, but emotionally.

Currently, I work as a Graphic & Mixed Media Designer at Celluma Light Therapy.

Outside of that, I like to spend my free time on personal projects centered around storytelling—pulling from my memories and the relationships I’ve built over time. Lately, I’ve been getting back into more analog methodologies like collaging and book binding. It’s been a fun way to reset, bring in fresh energy, and a reminder to myself that not everything has to be so polished all the time.

How do you define success?
For me, my definition of success is pretty simple. It’s the feeling of accomplishment when looking back at something I’ve done and thinking, “Wow, I really did that.”

Seeing that growth reassures me that I’m moving forward. And that feeling is honestly what keeps me going. It fuels me to continue questioning things, taking time to be in the moment, and exploring perspectives I haven’t tapped into yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://arianachoi.cargo.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arichoi.design?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ariana-choi-7ab337359