Designing Growth: An Interview with Tran, Graphic Designer at High Five Media

At High Five Media, creativity thrives in every corner of the office, and Tran is no exception. Known for her clean, thoughtful design style and sharp sense of visual storytelling, she brings a calm precision to every project she touches. We sat down with her to talk about her journey into design, how she continues to grow her skills, and what advice she has for new designers starting out.

Discovering a Creative Path

Tran knew early on that design was where she belonged. “I started in eighth grade,” she said with a laugh. “There was a class project where you had to pick a career, and as I was researching, I came across graphic design. I read the definition and thought, this actually describes what I want to do.”

For Tran, creativity was always the goal, but she wanted a path that went beyond traditional art forms. “I knew I wanted to do something creative, but I didn’t want to do painting or drawing,” she said. “Graphic design just clicked for me.”

Learning to Grow Through Criticism

When asked what helps someone excel in a design career, Tran gave advice that speaks to both humility and growth. “The best advice for anyone, whether they’re freelancing or still a student, is to be open to criticism,” she said. “I see a lot of designers who don’t take it very well, and I’ve yet to see them grow.”

For Tran, feedback is a tool for discovery. “When you do get criticism, you tend to try new methods, and you never know, you might find a new skill set,” she explained. That openness has helped her refine her work and stay adaptable in an ever-evolving industry.

Finding Inspiration and Community

Tran also believes that staying inspired is just as important as technical skill. “Social media is a really good outlet to find new trends or fresh ideas,” she said. “Pinterest is still a great resource too.”

She also encourages designers to get involved in creative communities. “Join events or groups, especially local ones,” she suggested. “I’ve been to a few events hosted by ATC, which stands for All Those Creators. It’s a great way to make new connections and meet other designers who can inspire you.”

Creativity, Collaboration, and Growth

Tran’s journey shows how passion, openness, and community can shape a fulfilling creative career. Her perspective is a reminder that design is not just about creating beautiful visuals but also about learning, sharing, and constantly pushing forward.

Her team at High Five Media continues to admire her talent, steady creativity, and ability to bring ideas to life. As Tran put it best, “When you keep learning and stay open, you never stop growing.”