Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Tang.
Hi Tina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a product designer and a student at ArtCenter College of Design. I spent the first 19 years of my life in Beijing, China, and relocated to Los Angeles two years ago to pursue my college education.
My passion for art and crafts has deep roots, dating back to my kindergarten years. I used to draw on the walls of our apartment with markers. Initially, these childish drawings were confined to inconspicuous corners, but they soon expanded to cover all available wall space because I learned to step on stools and tables. It eventually led to an unwanted repaint of all the walls in our rooms. Such creative pursuits not only brought me immense joy but also served as a precursor to my artistic journey in later years. As time passed, I honed a more discerning eye for the world and crafted pieces that conveyed my observations and perceptions. These pieces were created with the intention of conveying messages or serving functional purposes, which eventually became a part of my portfolio. Subsequently, I made a deliberate choice to major in product design, as it empowers me to develop functional yet innovative creations. Soon after, I embarked on a journey to enroll in a top school in this field to further my education and expertise in the realm of product design.
Since my admission to ArtCenter, I have fully immersed myself in this boundless sea of creativity and knowledge, cherishing every single opportunity that has come my way. I delved into various facets of the field, ranging from consumer products and electronics to technical wearables, toys, and fashion pieces. This exploration allowed me to push the boundaries of my capabilities and further refine my skills. A myriad of diverse experiences has molded me into a well-rounded product designer with a comprehensive skill set.
In subsequent terms, I had the privilege of securing excellent opportunities, including product development internships at DMF Lighting Inc. and Munchkin Inc. Additionally, I had the honor of participating in the Sponsored Studio with Royal Caribbean. My work has also gained recognition and been featured in the Student Gallery, offering exposure to a wide audience. At this juncture in my career, I cannot express enough gratitude for the ability to dedicate myself to product design, a field that both fuels my passion and presents ongoing challenges.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have been fortunate in my design journey, but I’ve also faced some challenges. I’ve experienced anticipatory anxiety regarding my projects, which basically means becoming overwhelmed with anxiety due to overthinking about the upcoming steps, which can severely hinder progress and lower the quality of the outcome. Being a meticulous planner, I tend to set high expectations for the results, which leads to concerns about timelines and final deliverables. This often spirals into a mental cycle of worrying more as I think more, creating a whirlpool of anxiety. While I haven’t completely conquered it, I find it helpful to remind myself that design is an iterative process of continually assessing progress and making improvements. Additionally, I need to have faith in my abilities because, despite the anxiety, I consistently exceeded my own expectations in past projects. It’s an ongoing effort, and I’m continually bolstering my confidence while refining my skill set.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a dedicated product designer committed to crafting human-centered solutions. My design philosophy consistently strives to deliver functional creations that not only possess aesthetic appeal but also establish emotional connections with users. What sets me apart is my innate sentimentality and empathetic nature. For a substantial period, I viewed these traits as potential disadvantages within a competitive environment. However, it’s only recently that I’ve come to recognize them as my most invaluable assets. These qualities are akin to a superpower, granting me a deeper and more nuanced understanding of inspiration and insights. They enable me to perceive subtleties with greater ease and depth.
As a product designer, my sentimental and empathetic characteristics translate into a unique capability to empathize with users and discern their needs and emotions. This aligns perfectly with the core principles of a user-centered strategy. I firmly believe that this empathetic approach is the catalyst that transforms functional innovations into immersive and memorable experiences.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I would say embracing every opportunity and actively seizing any chances that come my way. During the pandemic, I was trapped at home in Beijing, forced to stay for about a year. Besides attending online Zoom classes, I began to explore how I could leverage my design skills in a remote environment without access to physical equipment. This led me to take on additional roles as an illustrator, graphic designer, and even a co-founder of a startup company. Over time, I gradually established my freelance business, and I now proudly consider these pursuits as integral aspects of my professional portfolio. Although these endeavors were unexpected, they have proven to be immensely beneficial and inspiring, enabling me to uncover hidden strengths and untapped potential, particularly at the early stages of my career. As a product designer, I might not have the clearest vision of where I’m heading to yet, but I’m thrilled to see the unfolding of the future and the opportunities it may bring.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yiyuantangdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tangyuan.jpg/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yiyuan-tang-04154198
