Today we’d like to introduce you to Inga Huang.
Hi Inga, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was little, I’ve always had a love for art and design. I spent most of my childhood drawing and painting and eventually attended the California School of the Arts – SGV. There, I majored in Visual Arts and divided my time between school and my Ryman Arts Scholarship program. I’ve always taken most of my inspiration from nature – the principles, processes, universal patterns, and forms. I moved onto ArtCenter College of Design for my Bachelor’s in Product Design, focusing more on 3D & Innovations. Early in my career, I focused more on consumer electronics and medical technology – having worked on projects featured in CES Best Of, Forbes, and Wired. Later on, I transitioned to footwear and apparel and fell in love with the processes behind them. I interned as an Under Armour Rookie in Apparel Innovations, spending most of my time developing new processes to digitize and streamline the apparel design process.
I now focus more on exploring 3D programs to streamline my ideation & development processes, incorporating programs such as Gravity Sketch and the Substance Suite. I currently teach a course at ArtCenter Extension – Gravity Sketch for Designers – that cover this new pipeline from start to finish. I’ve worked with numerous students from various industries, including fine arts, footwear, and architecture.
Having jumped into the industry when I was only a sophomore in college allowed me to gain the experience I needed and pivot what my future projects would focus on ultimately. It led to me to creating a new position at ArtCenter (Student Faculty) and opened doors I couldn’t have previously imagined. It led to meeting the most incredible designers and researchers in various industries. It led to some of my renders showcased on websites that myself would browse for inspiration. It was definitely a full-circle moment! I am eternally grateful for my mentors and those who have allowed me opportunities in various industries – I wouldn’t have discovered a sense of passion for such a new and emerging field without their guidance.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been the smoothest road but in the best way possible. Every detour and reroute allowed me to discover new layers to my passion and who I am as a person. It allowed me to reconsider and reevaluate choices I’ve made or are yet to make, along with considering new windows of opportunity and growth. Pursuing a career in an emerging field is certainly a challenge, as it keeps you on your toes. I spend most of my time reviewing programs and methods both old and new, having to be aware of the newest updates in technology. This could certainly lead to burnout – in fact, most of my struggles would come up in form of design blocks.
Having gone through college during Covid-19 meant that I had all the time in the world to throw myself into work with disregard to anything else. This unique period of time helped me learn the importance of balance when it comes to your career and personal life – especially when your career is your passion and ultimately a part of you. This can be seen in many artists and designers – we see our passion in every part of the world around us. The color, the forms, the beauty, every element in everything. Being able to pull back into nature, my loved ones and everything beautiful around me has certainly led me through these moments of unbalance.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in 3D & Innovations in the field of Industrial Design. I am primarily known for my renders, simulations, and animations, as well as my knowledge in emerging 3D programs. I absolutely adore exploring new forms of ideation and refinement, from VR to AR to AI to computational design – ways to connect various workflows and best streamline them. I am also incredibly passionate about sustainability and the potential of 3D simulations and streamlining in this regard. Most of my work includes research on how shifting industries into a 3D-based research and development process can benefit brands both financially and sustainably.
With the ability to simulate and create variations of prototypes, we are able to reduce the amount of material waste and carbon emissions during the R&D phase. After all, with less physical mock-ups to be produced, the less material needed to transport and toss. 3D design allows for brands to design apparel and footwear with experimentation through hyper-realistic models in various colors and fabrics. It allows for greater freedom and convenience through all stages of design – from start to finish. Everything can be conducted digitally and can be shared with suppliers or retailers in a more efficient manner. These new processes and programs can optimize production and distribution amongst various industries and will only grow as our interest in the ‘metaverse’ peaks. I am most gracious of being able to connect with individuals in the industry, as well as new and emerging designers to collaborate with in challenging the old processes we were all taught. I believe that everyone has something they could benefit from in this period of time where we are experiencing a transition into 3D design through multiple industries.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you have any questions or would like to connect, feel free to reach out through my LinkedIn or through my email at [email protected]! I am looking forward to meeting and connecting with you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ingahuangdesign.com/
- Instagram: @ingaxdesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inga-huang/
Image Credits
Inga Huang
