Today we’d like to introduce you to Ying Han.
Hi Ying, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey began with a love for storytelling as a child. My mom, an incredible storyteller, filled my childhood with captivating tales that I loved retelling to my friends. Over time, I realized that a great story depends on two key elements: form and content. This understanding eventually led me to graphic design, where the same principles apply. Typography, colors, shapes, layouts, and motion are the “forms,” while the “content” comes from my or my clients’ ideas.
This connection between storytelling and design sparked my passion and inspired me to pursue a career in graphic design. I have had the privilege of refining my craft through an MFA program in Graphic Design at MICA where I also gained teaching experience as a graduate assistant and summer camp instructor. These roles allowed me to share my love for design with students while sharpening my understanding of the field. Additionally, I have worked on diverse freelance projects, which challenged me to adapt my storytelling skills to meet the unique needs of clients. These experiences have shaped my design philosophy and deepened my interest in critical and future design. Today, I’m focused on continuing to explore how form and content come together to tell impactful stories, both in my work and in my teaching.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My graphic design journey has not been easy, and I am still finding my way. When I first encountered graphic design as someone with a fine arts background, I initially thought it seemed somewhat “basic.” It felt like nothing more than arranging similar-looking fonts on a flat surface in different yet similar-looking ways. However, once I started studying it systematically, I realized how deep and intricate the world of graphic design truly is.
Each typeface carries its own personality, different colors evoke distinct atmospheres, and various shapes elicit unique emotions. When these elements are combined, the possibilities for visual expression are endless. The challenge for me has been figuring out how to use the simplest and most direct methods to deliver a clear message while considering the audience—the “listeners” of the story—and ensuring they understand what I aim to convey. The only way to tackle this challenge is through continuous experimentation and practice. I began immersing myself in great works, analyzing not just graphic design but also other art forms including photography and illustration. I studied how these works communicated their messages and applied those insights to my own designs. At the same time, I gained experience by working on projects for different clients, creating multiple options for each design, and comparing them to find the best solution.
Passion drives me to explore as well as practice. And practice, as they say, makes perfect. Through repeated trials and ongoing learning, I have come to appreciate that graphic design is not just about visuals; it’s an art of storytelling. My goal is to use my designs to tell the most compelling stories to every audience I reach.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As mentioned, I love storytelling and graphic design is the tool. Design is a medium I use to reflect my observations, curiosity, and thoughts about life. Life can be challenging, frustrating, and annoying, so I use graphic design to understand my emotions and to find peace by telling stories. I hope others can find their own connections when they see the stories I tell by graphic design.
Modern Love Manifesto is a project that tells a story about love. In my twenties, my personal experiences and those of my friends made me curious about how modern relationships differ from those of previous generations. This curiosity led me to interview people and create posters showcasing their contemporary views on love. I used abstract silhouette shapes, colors, and typography to express their “manifestos” about love.
Beauty Farm is another ongoing project stemming from observing social judgments and expectations about women’s appearances and behaviors. Using leaves as a metaphor, I recorded the impact of societal scrutiny by cutting and shaping leaves to symbolize how women adapt and reshape themselves under the pressure of achieving an ideal. This project explored the tension between natural individuality and societal standards.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Graphic design is an incredibly welcoming and collaborative community, where creativity thrives on mutual support. In my experience, fellow designers are always eager to help, share insights, and uplift one another. Building connections with people you admire does not have to be difficult—as long as you approach others with kindness, curiosity, and an open mind, opportunities for meaningful relationships naturally arise. I have been fortunate to find mentors both while I was in school and now in the workplace. These relationships have been invaluable, providing guidance, inspiration, and encouragement as I navigate my career. By being proactive and engaging genuinely with others, I have discovered that the design community is as rewarding as it is supportive.
Contact Info:
- Website: ying-han.com
- Instagram: @ying.han.0122 (https://www.instagram.com/ying.han.0122/)
- Linkedin: Ying (Hannah) Han https://www.linkedin.com/in/ying-han-a27097236/
