Detail

A talented designer with a successful career in the creative industry, Chua Xin Qian is living her dream life today. Even as she continues to grow professionally, she never forgets the valuable lessons she gleaned from her days as a student in SP.

The Creative Spark

“I really wanted to make people cry or be mind-blown by the underlying message of an ad.”

An unusual quote from this young SP alumna, but it was the impetus for Xin Qian to begin her journey into the exciting world of advertising and design. At a young age, she found herself fascinated by emotionally charged films and impactful advertisements. Drawn to the power of storytelling, Xin Qian wondered if she could capture people’s attention and evoke strong emotions in just 30 seconds.

This desire to make an impact through her creations was what led her to take up SP’s Diploma in Visual Communications and Media Design.

“What caught my eye in the SP brochures were the words ‘Visual Communications’. I felt that the opportunity to convey my thoughts through a visual medium was very interesting and that it might lead to something I have always wanted to do, like designing advertising posters, or making videos.”

Honing Her Craft

During her time at SP, Xin Qian had the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong with the rest of her advertising class to work on a project. The project involved a collaboration with Greenpeace Hong Kong to address rising temperatures in the country. Xin Qian appreciated how the project allowed her to think like a local, brainstorm concepts, and pitch ideas like an actual creative agency. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that expanded her horizons.

“Being able to visit a prestigious advertising agency overseas and see how they worked was very refreshing and inspiring. And pitching to a real client was scary but it was also very exciting.”

In addition to such memorable experiences, SP also taught Xin Qian crucial skills in creative thinking and problem-solving. She highlights the role of her lecturer, Jovan, in guiding and inspiring her. Jovan’s keen understanding of the industry and emphasis on tackling creative briefs with a strong insight had a lasting impact on Xin Qian’s approach to her work, even to this day.

SP’s focus on group work and presentation skills further equipped her with the ability to articulate and map out her thoughts effectively.

“SP has this module called General Education, where we had to collaborate with schoolmates from different backgrounds on group work. This meant that students from the different schools, like Engineering, Sciences and us, all came together to work. For me, being able to lead my group projects, while still having fun in the process, really built up my confidence.”

After completing her diploma at SP, Xin Qian pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Design Communication Design at LASALLE. She found that SP had prepared her well for the transition, as she had already developed strong critical thinking skills and a structured approach to her work.

“All in all, SP helped me build a solid foundation right from the very beginning as a young creative honing my skills. It was what I relied on when I got into university, and what guided me when I entered the workforce.”

Designer by Design

Today, Xin Qian is realising her ambitions in the creative industry in her role as a Designer at Fellow Design. The job has its share of challenges, such as clients who are unwilling to take risks on work that is bold and different. But she is determined that she can eventually change that mindset someday, and doesn’t regret her career choice.

“Basically, it’s catching people’s eyeballs and playing with their emotions. Whether it’s a poster, a 15-second ad, or a website, when I know that it has engaged my audience, it sparks joy. The possibilities are endless.”

Visualising Success

Xin Qian advises future SP alumni in creative courses to embrace discomfort, challenge themselves, and prioritise personal growth by running self-initiated projects and creating their own opportunities. She also encourages them to seek inspiration beyond Pinterest, as it can often be found in various sources, including books, films, and conversations with people.

In the future, Xin Qian hopes to contribute to her alma mater by mentoring young creatives, conducting talks, or even teaching. She wants to share her experiences and inspire the next generation of designers.

When asked about her definition of success, Xin Qian offered an original quote: “Success is having the appetite to fail as many times as you can. It’s not a destination. So the more you fail, the closer you are to getting things right.”

With her inspiring attitude, natural confidence, and boundless creativity, there is no doubt that Xin Qian will be making a name for herself in the industry very soon.

Chua Xin Qian
Designer, Fellow Design
Diploma in Visual Communications and Media Design, 2016