Today we’d like to introduce you to Demi Lan.
Hi Demi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Originating from a Taiwanese heritage, I was born in Los Angeles and subsequently relocated to Taiwan during my early childhood. A proclivity for drawing, painting, and creative pursuits distinguished me as the family’s designated creative spirit, a noteworthy deviation from the prevalent business-oriented pursuits of my family.
During my youth, art emerged as a source of pride and joy, although I refrained from contemplating it as a prospective career. The innate understanding that creativity would invariably feature in my life persisted, but it wasn’t until the 11th grade that a serious contemplation ensued. This contemplation materialized into enrollment in a professional portfolio-preparing institution for art, an educational pursuit that initially presented challenges stemming from a foundational disparity compared to peers.
However, through relentless practice, I ascended to the middle-upper echelon within my class, culminating in acceptance into the Artcenter College of Design as an Illustration major. My artistic inclinations lean towards the peculiar, the unusual, and the endearing – an affinity for narratives set in fantastical realms devoid of constraints.
A fascination with the distinct cognitive processes that shape individual interpretations evolved as a predominant interest. Witnessing my peers’ diverse perspectives on homework assignments became the highlight of my academic experience, akin to a journey into their cognitive landscapes through their work. The realization of not standing as the preeminent painter or illustrator in the room prompted an introduction to Graphic Design, a discipline that captivated me with its capacity to weave stories through typography, color, and visuals, devoid of traditional artistic mediums.
In the broader spectrum, my insatiable curiosity led me down a non-linear educational path, encompassing explorations into UI/UX, spatial design, oil painting, image-making, and motion design. The intricate realm of human psychology, and the nuances of how individuals perceive and interpret stimuli, particularly captivated my intellectual curiosity, serving as a catalyst for my affinity towards graphic design.
Thus, the culmination of these diverse experiences has brought me to my present vantage point, where a curiosity-driven exploration has charted an unconventional but profoundly rewarding course.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In reflecting on my journey thus far, I consider myself fortunate, having consistently achieved the goals I set for myself. From a young age, I’ve been inclined towards envisioning a specific life path. The pre-graduation phase sailed relatively smoothly despite occasional bouts of self-doubt and health challenges during my school days. Securing a job amidst the pandemic marked a professional milestone, and everything appeared to be on track. However, the narrative took an unexpected turn when I entered into a serious romantic relationship with my partner, resulting in a surprise pregnancy that still feels somewhat surreal.
At the time, I was a mere eight months post-graduation, navigating the early stages of my career. The well-orchestrated career path I had meticulously planned underwent a complete overhaul. Despite my outwardly playful demeanor, I am inherently averse to change. The sudden shift in my life’s dynamics and my evolving role propelled me into uncharted territory. Maternity leave beckoned for seven months, followed by a six-month sojourn to China to visit my husband’s family. Regrettably, this necessitated my departure from my job, as the company did not accommodate overseas remote work. As a result, I found myself unemployed, enveloped in a fog of uncertainty, unsure of where life would lead.
Amidst the backdrop of peers embarking on exciting professional ventures and engaged in coveted jobs and projects we once admired in our school days, I grappled with the mental and physical toll of this challenging period. Trusting the process and allowing life to unfold without overthinking became my mantra. This marked the first instance in which I confronted something so profoundly life-altering. Yet, in hindsight, I harbor no regrets, for my baby has proven to be an absolute angel, illuminating this unforeseen chapter with newfound purpose and joy.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I find myself immersed in the dynamic world of a creative agency specializing in design and creative direction. Within this realm, my focus lies on brand identity, creative problem-solving, 2D motion graphics, and concept design. Personally, I consider myself adept at ideation and infusing designs with a palpable sense of excitement.
While I’ve been involved in numerous commercial projects for reputable companies, there’s a particular venture that holds a special place in my professional journey – a personal project developed during my tenure at Adidas. This passion project involved the creation of a Smartware jacket, accompanied by a meticulously designed app for seamless integration. It was born out of a desire to marry innovation with conceptual design, creating a product that allows individuals to escape the harsh realities of the world and experience a touch of surrealism. This project, more than any other, encapsulates the essence of what I aspire to achieve in my career.
What distinguishes me in the field is my flexibility in both design style and scope. I have the ability to swiftly adapt to diverse styles based on the unique requirements of each project. More importantly, my approach is deeply rooted in active listening to clients’ needs, allowing me to craft design solutions.
In essence, my professional journey revolves around the pursuit of innovation, pushing the boundaries of conventional design to create experiences that resonate with people in a meaningful way.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
In my childhood, much like many other kids in Asia, I was immersed in a series of after-school programs. One standout was my Saturday art class, a creative haven that became a cornerstone of my early years. Imagine this: each session is adorned with the aroma of homemade cookies and enriched with intriguing Bible stories, courtesy of my dedicated teacher. This routine, spanning from kindergarten to the 7th grade, etched indelible memories and a special sense of privilege into my formative years.
Art became more than a pastime; it was the essence of my cherished memories. These experiences not only set me apart but occasionally granted me a sense of privilege. I vividly recall the days when I could forgo the mandatory school nap period, investing that time in my art class projects. These endeavors were crucial, enabling my schoolteacher to submit my works to art contests or collaborate on special school projects due to my adept drawing skills.
But it wasn’t just about the art; it was about pushing boundaries. During my early school days, where strict rules governed everything from hairstyles to uniforms, I found creative avenues to challenge these norms. Uniform alterations with patches and daring additions became my signature move. Even my backpack became a canvas adorned with elements that stretched the limits of conformity. Nail polish transformed mundane white-out bottles into unique personal statements.
Looking back, these rebellious acts were not just rule-breaking; they were expressions of fun and freedom. It was an era of self-discovery through creative rebellion, where each alteration symbolized a step towards embracing individuality. In the realm of rigid regulations, I found joy in transforming the ordinary into something uniquely mine, an experience that continues to shape my perspective on creativity and self-expression today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.demidesign.info/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/demi-lan
