What led you into design?
Growing up in a family of architects and engineers, I was surrounded by blueprints and design culture, which sparked my interest in a similar field from an early age. As a kid, I loved experimenting with illustration but often got discouraged by my drawing skills—something I still struggle with today. At first, I decided to dive into engineering because I was passionate about building next-generation technology and solving problems.
Through my journey, I realized that drawing is just one of many ways to express creativity, and this understanding deepened while living in Sydney, where I discovered my passion for designing with technology during my software engineering and computer graphics classes. This discovery pushed me to explore more in graphic design, eventually leading me to earn my master’s degree at Parsons School of Design. I started using coding tools I was already familiar with to channel my creativity in fresh ways. This shift let me combine my technical skills with my passion for design, propelling me toward a career that I’m passionate about.
What does a typical day look like?
My day kicks off with a cheerful hello to my cat, Bongo, followed by the delightful aroma of freshly ground coffee wafting through the air—a little ritual that sets a wonderfully positive tone for everything that follows.
Workdays often begin with energizing stand-up meetings that set a positive tone for the day. Although I have pushed my limits with long work hours in the past, I have come to realize that a more balanced approach enhances my efficiency and keeps my spirits high. Over time, I have honed my skills in communicating expectations and prioritizing tasks effectively, which has helped me to further improve and maintain a sense of zen.
One of my favorite strategies is to dedicate a few minutes to creating quick proofs of concept for each new idea. From there, I select the most promising concepts to pursue further. This method not only streamlines my workload but also ensures that I maintain a vibrant and healthy work-life balance.
When I’m not immersed in work, you'll often find me in the kitchen whipping up delicious and nutritious meals or exploring new culinary adventures—cooking is a passion that spices up my day! I’m also embracing boxing, which adds an exhilarating twist to my routine. As a proud night owl, I treasure my evenings for personal projects, diving into coding and design. It’s in these quiet hours that my creativity truly shines. And when winter rolls around, you'll definitely catch me chasing thrills on the slopes with my snowboard, blending my love for adventure with the beauty of nature!
What's your workstation setup?
Where do you go to get inspired?
My inspiration blooms from a delightful mix of sources:
Digital Design: Exploring the stunning creations of talented designers from around the world energizes my creativity! As an Awwwards jury, I am constantly fueled by cutting-edge designs and the latest trends, which keeps me engaged and inspired every day. Here are some of the platforms that I visit often:
Travel, Culture, and Languages: There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering new places and enjoying the beauty of nature to ignite my imagination. Interacting with locals and experiencing different cultures allows me to see the world from various perspectives, enriching my understanding of user needs. These adventures refresh my viewpoint and are essential for creating user-centric designs. They teach me empathy and reveal the diverse tapestry of needs, guiding me to develop solutions that genuinely resonate.
With this blend of inspiration, I embrace each project as an opportunity to craft something extraordinary!
What pieces of work are you most proud of?
One of my proudest achievements is the redesign of the JPMorganChase site at Code and Theory. This project was not just about making things prettier; we aimed to develop a cohesive brand narrative that provided an intuitive user experience while showcasing the company’s global impact. We collaborated closely with the client and our branding partner to design an experience that truly resonated with visitors. I led the development of a sophisticated design system that supports over 70 unique page templates for the site's ecosystem. It was an exciting project, and I couldn't have asked for a more engaging client to work with!
I’ve also explored the fascinating intersection of design and technology through a personal project, Faces of The Portraits. Using TensorFlow and PixiJS, I aimed to decode the subtle language of emotions expressed in masterpieces at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This unique experiment involved analyzing a large collection of portraits, gathering and quantifying facial expressions using advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms. It was an innovative project that combined my passion for design with cutting-edge machine learning techniques.
What music do you listen to while designing?
Any advice for ambitious designers?
Don’t just play it safe—try dive into the exciting chaos of the unknown! Exploring diverse ideas and stepping out of your comfort zone is where the real magic happens. Think of it as a creative adventure, where taking calculated risks adds a dash of spice to your design process—who knows what innovative flavors you’ll discover along the way?
Mastering the art of communication is also essential; sharing your visionary ideas effectively is like giving your work a megaphone, ensuring that your brilliance resonates with others and invites collaboration. I believe that a good measure of a designer's skill includes the variety of people and clients you can work with. Embracing diverse perspectives not only enriches your designs but also showcases your adaptability and openness to new ideas. So, challenge yourself to engage with a wider range of voices and let that influence your creative journey!
Anything you want to promote or plug?
Feel free to check out my latest stuff at ryan.fan, cheers!
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