Meet Mingyue Qu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mingyue Qu.

Hi Mingyue, 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?
My journey commences with a childhood passion for art.

As a young child, I would spontaneously draw on the walls of my house without hesitation. The act of creating art was a profound love, one that would go on to shape the very fabric of my life. As I grew older, I nurtured a dream – a dream so crucial that it marked my first significant decision – to continue drawing even as I ventured into university.

University life, however, proved to be a challenging crucible, where the freedom of education could easily lead one astray. Like many young people of my generation, I grappled with the daunting question of what I should do or could do in life. Then, fate intervened. In a gallery, I happened upon a remarkable installation – a shining cube controlled by voice. I was inexplicably drawn to it as if a beam of sunlight had pierced my heart. My blood surged with curiosity, and the thirst for knowledge that welled within me was insatiable.

In response to this newfound fascination, I delved into the realms of interaction, humanity, and technology. I pored over research papers, actively participated in digital media art activities, and visited exhibitions to gain deeper insights into how other artists thought. During this journey, I made a pivotal second decision in my life – the decision to study abroad.

In 2018, I received an acceptance letter from Pratt Institute, where I embarked on a master’s program in Interactive Arts. This was a transformative experience, one that allowed me to excavate my deepest inspirations and gain a profound understanding of interaction. It was here that I found the perfect canvas to make my creative visions a reality. My focus shifted towards crafting digital-experiential products, with a special emphasis on wearable devices. These creations foster connections by providing audiences with direct sensory experiences.

Life in the vibrant city of New York was nothing short of incredible. The city’s energy, imagination, and love served as a nurturing ground for my interactive arts. I journeyed into 2020 with boundless optimism, brimming with dreams of being an artist with my studio to manifest my artistic faith.

However, the stark realities of life took a harsh turn. All my career dreams seemed to shatter when I graduated in June 2020. With an artistic background and visa status as an international student, Covid-19 made it nearly impossible to find a job, and my aspirations seemed further away than ever. To make things more complex, my relationship led me from New York to Los Angeles, only for it to end in disappointment. The pandemic had instilled fear in people, and returning to China was fraught with risks of carrying the virus to my family.

Life was filled with despair. I was on the verge of tears daily, grappling with fear and a profound sense of loss. There were days when I would simply lie down, devoid of thought, or hang out with friends aimlessly to escape reality.

Then, a moment altered my perspective. I stumbled upon a post by someone who had been laid off, yet she bravely sought new opportunities. Her courage shook me to my core. Why should I give up when my life had only just begun? I made my third crucial decision. I transitioned from art to design, from tangible products to digital products, and from interactive arts to UX design.

Stepping out of my comfort zone was daunting, particularly that first step. Yet, this time, I didn’t shed tears. I chose to confront the challenge head-on, viewing it as an opportunity to hone my skills for independent living and to fortify my resolve. Regardless of the outcome, at least I had tried. My routine was a relentless pursuit of job opportunities. I meticulously refined my resume and portfolio. Each morning, the first thing I did was check emails and LinkedIn, diligently sending out my resume. Despite the barrage of rejection letters, I pressed on. I engaged in creative jams to expand my knowledge of UX design.

Thanks to my background in interactive arts, I was able to carve a niche in the design realm. To alleviate stress, I turned to my paintbrush, creating characters each with their own unique stories. Gradually, I began to receive project requests from clients, a boost to my confidence. With persistence, I secured my first job and obtained sponsorship for future working authorization nearly a year after my graduation.

The challenges and tribulations I faced felt worthwhile as I entered this new chapter in my life. Just when I thought life was about to turn in my favor, it delivered another harsh blow.

Amid this emotional whirlwind, I found myself trapped in depression. It was a period where I felt lost and devoid of purpose. Sleep and appetite eluded me, and the weight of guilt grew each time I spoke to my parents. I wore a mask, concealing my inner turmoil, never daring to share my true feelings with them. At times, I even contemplated the darkest of scenarios.

Yet, a faint voice from the depths of my heart persisted, a voice that longed for salvation. My old friend, drawing, was no longer enough, for it led me to contemplate my existence more than ever in the unnerving silence. So, I embarked on yet another journey, this time embracing the practice of playing the piano. I was entirely unfamiliar with musical instruments, and this fourth decision was a monumental challenge. My fingers were clumsy, the notes inconsistent, and the pain was relentless. In comparison to the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, this was a mere trifle. I persevered, dedicating two hours each day to practice. I reminded myself that I didn’t need to compete with others, only to progress one step beyond the previous day. With persistence, practice yielded perfection. I documented my daily progress and witnessed my growth.

The music I learned was more than just notes; it was a lifeline. It soothed my emotions and granted me a profound sense of peace. This time, it was music that saved me.

Today, I am a Product Designer, spearheading the design and product management of the Ezze live app, focusing on online shopping and selling. I take great delight in creating portraits that capture the unique stories of different individuals. I savor the California sunshine, adore the beach, and am endlessly grateful for the unwavering support of my parents and friends.

Reflecting upon my journey, I have no regrets. Every decision I made has shaped my life in profound ways. Thanks to my unwavering determination, I find myself here today, and I am eager to see where the future will lead me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is a journey fraught with challenges, regardless of the stage you find yourself in. In my student days, the primary challenge I faced was adapting to the demanding and often unforgiving nature of the education system on my path to becoming an artist. The academic environment, while rewarding, cast a heavy burden that many young students like me struggled to bear.

As I transitioned into university, the challenge of harmonizing my artistic aspirations with academic rigor persisted as a constant companion. The newfound freedom of university life could be both liberating and distracting, leading individuals, including myself, astray from their intended paths. The daunting question of which direction to take in life loomed large over me, a sentiment shared by many of my peers.

Yet, the challenges did not conclude there. The pursuit of an education abroad came with a fresh set of obstacles. I needed to conquer the TOEFL test and meticulously cultivate my portfolio to manifest my dream of studying in the United States. These hurdles extended beyond the academic realm, permeating the logistical and financial aspects of my life. Upon commencing my master’s journey at Pratt Institute, my dreams of becoming an artist were reignited.

However, as I neared graduation in 2020, the world was engulfed by the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting an imposing barrier. My quest for employment was met with relentless rejection, a direct consequence of the pandemic-induced turbulence in the job market. My relocation to Los Angeles, motivated by personal reasons, added another layer of complexity. Regrettably, this move did not unfold as planned, and the omnipresent fear and uncertainty of the pandemic hindered my return to China due to the potential risk of exposing my family to the virus.

Life during this period was steeped in despair. Anxiety and solitude were my constant companions, with an uncertain future perpetually shadowing me. My choices and the path I had taken became subjects of frequent introspection.

Amidst the turmoil of the pandemic, I found myself ensnared by a profound and painful depression, wrestling with an overwhelming sense of loss and isolation. It was a bleak chapter in which I even contemplated the darkest of outcomes. Nonetheless, an inner voice urged me to seek salvation. This led me to embark on the journey of learning to play the piano, a daunting endeavor, given my lack of experience with musical instruments. This decision marked a pivotal shift as I grappled with awkward, clumsy fingers, inconsistent notes, and physical discomfort.

My journey has been defined by a series of formidable obstacles and challenges, ranging from the pressures of academia and the uncertainties of my career to the profound personal and emotional turmoil exacerbated by the pandemic. These trials have taught me invaluable lessons about the significance of persistence, resilience, and the courage to venture beyond my comfort zone. They have illuminated the path towards the realization of my dreams.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m passionate about Product Design, especially when it comes to crafting experiences that truly put the user at the center. I’ve been on a journey of refining my skills in UX/UI design and product management throughout my career, diving into a variety of projects.

Currently, I’m a key player on the Instaco team, working on the Ezze live app, which focuses on online shopping and selling. Since I jumped on board in March 2021, my role has grown in a big way, thanks to the dynamic startup vibe that’s all about embracing change and sparking innovation.

During the design phase, I’ve been leading the charge, creating two crucial dashboards from 0-1 that cover both B2B and B2C segments of the e-commerce world. My approach is all about crafting intuitive user journeys, delivering top-tier /tɪr/ design assets, and weaving in iterative improvements that help the product evolve and grow.

When it comes to product management, I’ve teamed up closely with Product Managers to make sure our product roadmap lines up with business plans. This means drafting PRDs, handling communication using tools like Notion and Trello, and working directly with engineering peers to set up testing processes. This way, we’re sure to put out high-quality products.

Before this, I had a hand in revamping apps for big names like Netflix, Amazon, Byte Dance, and Scanwell Health. That experience has really taught me how to balance what users need with the bigger business picture.

What makes you happy?
My greatest source of happiness in life is the well-being of my parents. As the only child in my family, I find myself distanced from them, living abroad. My dearest wish is for their continued health and happiness, even when I cannot be physically present by their side.

In addition to this, happiness, to me, is derived from the simple joys of life. It’s in every breath I take, in the sight of a clear blue sky, in the sensation of the ocean beneath my feet, and in the gentle caress of the wind against my skin. These everyday experiences remind me of the beauty and wonder of life, filling my heart with happiness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.qumingyue.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mooner.art?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mingyuequ/