Background:
Well-rounded creator proficient in graphic design, UX design, and video editing. Professional experience in media advertising and marketing. Graduate of University of Southern California (USC) with a BA in East Asian Languages and Cultures and a marketing minor as well as a certificate in UX/UI from University of California, Irvine (UCI). Highly adaptable learner and team player who seeks to accomplish all projects in an efficient and client-centric manner.
Professional design work currently featured in Sony Pictures Runner Application and the Northern California Naginata Federation. Recreational contributions to the San Jose State University Kendo & Naginata Club, Life Christian Fellowship @ USC, and LIFE Church of West LA.
Where it all began:
“An elegant weapon for a more civilized age”
I will never forget the sense of wonder, excitement, and possibility I felt the first time I saw it on screen. I wanted to know how the blades appeared on screen, which drove me to learn about motion graphics setting the foundation in graphic design and vector illustration. The staging of the epic duels made me want to learn more about the film-making process which led to writing and directing my own videos. The diverse set of handle aesthetics piqued my curiosity into the design choices which has prompted me to always ask "why?” in my UX projects. To this day, I attribute many of my interests and hobbies such as martial arts, film-making, and design to have been inspired by the lightsaber. Ever since seeing it on screen for the first time, my creative gears have constantly been in motion and they have not stopped since.
Curious about the logo?
In a nod to my heritages, the logo is meant to be reminiscent of Chinese seal stamps you find on official documents or artwork. The two characters are a combination of my Chinese surname (伍) and the first character in my Japanese surname (山). In many asian cultures, the color red represents good fortune, happiness, and prosperity; things I hope to share through my creative work regardless of which medium I am working in.
Skills & Tools:
UX Design:
Skills: User Research / User Testing, Wireframing & Prototyping, Information Architecture, HTML / CSS
Tools: Adobe XD, Invision, Figma, Miro
Artwork/Graphic Design:
Skills: Vector Illustration, Calligraphy
Tools: Photoshop, Illustrator, Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer
Video:
Skills: Writing, Directing, Editing
Tools: Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects