A Design Mentor

In this episode, I dive into the role of curiosity in shaping our personal growth, creativity, and even our careers. How do we stay open and willing to learn as we move through life? Why does curiosity matter so much, especially in creative work?

I share personal stories—like designing for sports I barely knew—and reflections on how curiosity has helped me adapt to new cultures, explore art forms like Kintsugi, and build meaningful connections with the world.

◉ How do you stay curious?

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▦ About & Support

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy?

⦚ Buy me a coffee

⦚ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠

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▥ Elsewhere

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕)

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Instagram

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▧ Music

⦚ ⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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▨ Stack

⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva

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◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.

When does taste come up in your life? Is it when you're asked to share your point of view? In this episode, I explore the evolving nature of personal and collective taste, both in creative environments and in life.I discuss how our backgrounds, experiences, and environments shape what we find beautiful, fitting, or harmonious. I also reflect on how personal taste isn’t static—it grows as we grow. In creative teams, blending diverse tastes can lead to extraordinary outcomes, if we’re open to learning from each other.

◉ How did you shape your personal taste?

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▦ About & Support

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy?

⦚ Buy me a coffee

⦚ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠

--

▥ Elsewhere

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕)

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Instagram

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▧ Music

⦚ ⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

--

▨ Stack

⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva

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◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.

Have you ever wondered what creativity actually means? In this episode, I explore the true essence of creativity beyond the traditional definitions tied to art and design. I share how my own struggles with “feeling creative” early in my career shaped my understanding of creativity as an ability we all possess—not a magical talent reserved for a few.Through personal stories, I discuss the role of exposure, experience, and craftsmanship in nurturing creativity. It’s not about being the best; it’s about surpassing your past self.

◉ What are you currently working on to improve your craft?

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▦ About & Support

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy?

⦚ Buy me a coffee

⦚ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠

--

▥ Elsewhere

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕)

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Instagram

--

▧ Music

⦚ ⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

--

▨ Stack

⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva

--

◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.

In this video, I share my journey of discovering the difference between being an artist and a designer—and how I realized I could be both. If you’ve ever felt like an imposter in your creative work, struggled with self-doubt, or questioned your purpose, this is for you. I’ll talk about how embracing my strengths in design, storytelling, and writing helped me find clarity, balance, and inspiration. Whether you’re a creative professional or just exploring your artistic side, this video will help you reflect on your own path.

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▦ About & Support

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy?

⦚ Buy me a coffee

⦚ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠

--

▥ Elsewhere

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕)

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Instagram

--

▧ Music

⦚ ⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

--

▨ Stack

⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva

--

◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.

In this episode, I share the story behind starting A Design Mentor. After moving to Taiwan, slowing down during the pandemic, and reflecting on my journey as a designer and mentor, I realized that design isn’t just about digital products—it’s embedded in everyday life. From crossing busy intersections to planning meals, design thinking shapes how we solve problems. This realization inspired me to create A Design Mentor so I can connect, help simplify design concepts, and explore how design lives in all of us.

◉ What’s one thing you love about design?

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▦ About & Support

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy?

⦚ Buy me a coffee

⦚ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠

--

▥ Elsewhere

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕)

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Instagram

--

▧ Music

⦚ ⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

--

▨ Stack

⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva

--

◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.

In this episode, I share how my career evolved from being a visual designer in New York to becoming a full-time mentor. I talk about pivotal moments—designing my first mobile app, collaborating across disciplines, and the powerful realization that mentoring was my true calling. Learn how each career pivot taught me invaluable lessons about design, leadership, and personal growth. If you’re exploring your own creative path or wondering how to find purpose in your career, this story is for you.

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▦ About & Support

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy?

⦚ Buy me a coffee

⦚ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠

--

▥ Elsewhere

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕)

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Instagram

--

▧ Music

⦚ ⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

--

▨ Stack

⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva

--

◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.

In this first episode, I share the unexpected journey that led me to a 20-year career in design, starting from my childhood in Taiwan to studying and working in New York City. I talk about navigating cultural transitions, shifting from psychology to business, and ultimately discovering my passion for design through happy accidents and supportive friendships. If you’ve ever felt uncertain about your creative path or struggled to find your purpose, this story will resonate with you. Your journey doesn’t have to be linear to be meaningful.

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▦ About & Support

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy?

⦚ Buy me a coffee

⦚ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠

--

▥ Elsewhere

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕)

⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Instagram

--

▧ Music

⦚ ⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

--

▨ Stack

⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva

--

◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.