During the month of May in the United States, Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month is a period for recognizing the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Celebrate this month’s heritage with us by acknowledging Asian and Pacific Islander Americans within the design, artist and small business community in Houston. This series is made in conjunction with our Pivot Stories series.
Henry Ngo
Henry is an Art Director in Houston and a first-generation born American to Vietnamese immigrant parents. He graduated from the University of Houston with a Graphic Communications degree and has focused on brand identity for the past 9 years. He enjoys watching and playing basketball. He also has a corgi named Boba Sparxx and a cat named Chalupa Batman.
What does being Asian American or Pacific Islander mean to you?
Being Asian-American has meant “discovery” for me. As a first-generation born American, you can hit a point in life where you realize there is so much more about your heritage that you haven’t learned. So it can be like a whole new part of you being uncovered. But it doesn’t stop with yourself. Sometimes you help others in your life discover new experiences that they were never exposed to before which can be really fun.
How can design be more supportive/inclusive of underrepresented people?
I think as D&I hopefully becomes more of a focus for many organizations, Design can begin to cater better to those that are underrepresented. As designers we should be thinking critically when it comes to making our work accessible whether that be motion detectors on soap dispensers or functional face masks for those with hearing disabilities. Design in any aspect holds a great deal of power in ensuring everyone can participate in society and we have a moral responsibility to keep that top of mind.
What’s been a big pivot in how you approach your life and/or work?
Surprisingly I’ve been more open to getting to know new people on a more personal level. I recently started at a new company and reaching out to someone I’ve never spoken to before has been a lot less intimidating than walking up to them.
What is one way you believe we can all support each other right now? Post COVID-19?
I think now AND post COVID-19 we just have to remember that we’re all human and are experiencing this situation in our own ways. There’s a lot of negativity that is amplified at times but if we support and treat each other the way any human should be treated, we will all become better for it.
Rachel Flores
Rachel Flores is a Creative Director based in Houston, TX. After graduating from the Graphic Communications program at the University of Houston, she’s spent the last 8 years working on brand strategy and development, working on a variety of brands and industries. She believes that design works best when the larger picture is considered. She also volunteers on the board of AIGA Houston and teaches design fundamentals at her alma mater. When not building out brands, she enjoys stargazing, camping, and baking tasty treats.
What does being Asian American or Pacific Islander mean to you?
Being someone of mixed race, I get asked a lot about“what” I am. It never really bothered me too much, because it was always fun to watch others guess my background, before letting them know that my mother is Chinese and my father is Chamorro, from Guam and getting to explain to them what and where Guam is. I have always been proud of my origins, but never had many opportunities to learn more about the culture behind them.
It wasn’t until recently that I’ve realized just how little I know about each half of myself and how, as a kid, I wanted more than anything to be like my white counterparts and embracing what is important to them, rather than learning more about who I am and the history of my cultures. Now, being both Asian American and Pacific Islander means trying to find a balance between my two cultures and what it means to be American.
How can design be more supportive/inclusive of underrepresented people?
By highlighting designers from different backgrounds and cultures and how they’ve contributed to the industry can help design be more supportive of underrepresented people. By lifting up a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and people, we’re not only celebrating their diversity but also letting new generations of underrepresented people know they have a voice and a place within this community.
We acknowledge that COVID-19 has unfortunately fueled xenophobia. What impact has this made on how you celebrate your heritage?
It has definitely made me much more conscious of my surroundings, how I act, and what I say. I’m afraid my allergies will act up around the wrong people and I could find myself in an undesirable situation. It was also hard to drive through the International District and seeing it almost completely empty, even before the shelter-in-place. Especially knowing that many of those businesses are owned by immigrant families, trying to find a new home in America to build a better future for their families.
In spite of everything, it has instilled a deeper appreciation of my heritage and pride in the AAPI community knowing the incredible strength they have to push through and endure so many hardships over the years, including this one.
Terence Tang
Terence Tang is a lettering artist and designer from Houston, Texas. He helps brands communicate with their audiences via impactful murals, custom lettering, and bold merchandise design. He also curates an online shop of his own art-based lifestyle products.
What does being Asian American or Pacific Islander mean to you?
It’s a huge part of my identity that I’m very proud of. I want to represent the API community in a positive way and I’m sort of on a mission to break any negative stereotypes. I want to do my part to show the world that we can do anything just as well as anyone else, if not better. I was previously involved with the Houston chapter of Kollaboration, a national org which helps bring API performers into mainstream media. I’m also involved with Houston Chinese Youth Camp, an annual summer camp which unites children by learning about Chinese culture.
What are the proudest accomplishments of your career?
Most recently, I got selected to co-create a sneaker withNike. As a longtime sneaker head and Nike fanboy, that really was checking a huge bucket list item—I had my own page on Nike’s website that sold my shoe for a limited time! I also have my lettering work published in several books, which is something I would have never dreamed of happening. And being invited to speak at an AIGA Houston event was huge for me as well.
How can design be more supportive/inclusive of underrepresented people?
Design is so interesting because it knows no ethnic boundaries, and yet has the ability to communicate in a universal way. Something designed in Japanese can spread positivity and inspire people in, say, Greece—or vice versa; even if the written language can’t be comprehended, the visual language can still do all the talking. We already see it in fashion, film, art, music, etc. so I think just harnessing design in the right way can be very impactful in bringing underrepresented people into the forefront.
We acknowledge that COVID-19 has unfortunately fueled xenophobia. What impact has this made on how you celebrate your heritage?
It hasn’t changed a thing for me. If anything, it has made me even more prideful of my ethnicity and has made me walk a little taller. If we respond to xenophobia by hiding, we’re just acknowledging the ignorance and doing nothing to educate.
Terence Tang’s Pivot Story is featured separately
Nadia Tran
Nadia Tran is a graphic designer at CORE Design Studio. Graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Houston, Nadia joined ADCETERA where she deepened her knowledge in UX/UI design. Nadia is now pursuing her Masters in Technology Project Management, aiming to bridge the gap between design, technology, and business. She values teamwork and is passionate about process, structure, and systems that enhance collaboration.
What does being Asian American or Pacific Islander mean to you?
Coming from Vietnam in 2013 at the age of 18, I valued my unique combination of experience being raised up in one culture and maturing in another. I’ve learned to keep the best of my Vietnamese roots, but also stay open to study the American culture. Everything that I am learning is to build upon and enhance my family’s value of hard work and respect for other people.
What are the proudest accomplishments of your career?
UHGD18*, our class of 2018 senior show. I will never forget being able to collaborate with 23 talented individuals who were all passionate and working hard towards one goal.
How can design be more supportive/inclusive of underrepresented people?
Appreciating the different cultural backgrounds and the vast range of aesthetics and experiences that each individual can bring to the table will allow design to expand and be inclusive of its unique and diverse community.
We acknowledge that COVID-19 has unfortunately fueled xenophobia. What impact has this made on how you celebrate your heritage?
Houston is a very diverse city and its people have treated me with nothing but kindness this whole time. On the cultural terms, I felt safe going outside during this time. What is interesting is how my family in Vietnam has been reading the news and then reminded me to be careful over here when going to the grocery store. That specifically has made me just a bit more cautious before deciding to go somewhere.
Nadia Tran’s Pivot Story is featured separately
JJ Jose
JJ Jose, Director of Technology Experience
Curious. Analytical. Observant. Those are just a few of JJ’s key traits—so it makes sense that he would build his career as a User Experience (UX) expert at Softway. After years of working alongside technology teams, he’s now in the position to combine his extensive UX knowledge with technical know-how—along with a keen understanding of business needs and customer expectations. It all helps drive the experience of any solution—whether that’s a website, an app, or an immersive experience. And when he’s not at work, JJ enjoys seeing live music as much as possible.
What does being Asian American or Pacific Islander mean to you?
It’s a source of pride and fun. I’ve spent the majority of my life in Texas now, but my heritage is alive in the food, parties, and memories shared of those who also lived on Guam. And for those who haven’t enjoyed the Pacific, I’m always excited to share my experiences.
What is something you want to see change going forward for the artistic/design community?
Integration with the business side of what our art/design affects. Understanding how businesses operate to not only deliver nuanced and quality creative but to do so in a way that empowers businesses and the employees that keep it successful. Often times I’ve seen work that expertly addresses the ask but is unsustainable by businesses. This integration is growing but I still think there’s room for growth.
What are the proudest accomplishments of your career?
Learning how to adapt. I’ve been lucky enough to be challenged with starting a creative team, a UX team, a strategy and UX team, and now an integrated technology and UX team all of which have required me to evolve my perspective of design and business. Honestly, each time it happens I am scared/excited but thanks to the teams around me I’ve adapted to each new challenge.
What is one way you believe we can all support each other right now? Post COVID-19?
Give each other the space to adapt. Everyone is going through this together, but we’re all experiencing it in different ways, and even if you feel like you know what someone’s going through don’t assume.
Reshma Solanki
Reshma Solanki is a freelance designer. Past experience includes being the in-house designer at the Thinkery (The Austin Children’s Museum), the co-founder and designer for Marigold Paper (a boutique stationery company), and designing for Austin Ed Fund, The AnnRichards School for Young Women Leaders and Hotels for Hope. She started Fucking Freelancing, to work on her lettering skills and celebrate and commiserate with other freelancers. She loves design because bringing a vision to life makes her more excited than free lifetime access to Bravo!
How can design be more supportive/inclusive of underrepresented people?
Make an effort to bring people in and don’t simply draw from the same resources. Design can feel like a “members-only” club, so it’s important for those in positions of power to work on being inclusive rather than exclusive.
How has your daily life changed since mid-March?
Well, I had a baby at the beginning of March, so needless to say—life has changed in more ways than one! Oh, and a lack of sleep.
What’s been a big pivot in how you approach your life and/or work?
When it comes to freelancing, work on connections more than design. Somebody stop me from adjusting a vector point for hours and send a networking email instead!
What’s been the most difficult thing to adapt to?
Not being able to gather with family and friends. I definitely won’t take those things for granted in the future.
Martin Rodriguez, Jr.
Martin Rodriguez, Jr. is a Houston-based designer and interior architect with a focus in architectural and design applications in interior space. He received his B.S. in Interior Architecture from Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, which has allowed him to work on a variety of projects throughout his academic and professional career. From designing an AIA Award-winning architectural installation to creating environmental graphic and illustrations for the Houston Zoo, Rodriguez now utilizes his research and design skills for active, social working environments at PDR (Planning Design Research) design firm.
What does being Asian American or Pacific Islander mean to you?
For me.. It means finding pride in your background and culture. Basically just watch the movie Moana and you’ll understand.
People have always asked me “What are you?, or what’s your background?” This question has clouded me for years. I’ve always given the same answer: “My father is Hispanic from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and my mother from Sinajana, Guam” and I let their imagination go from there.
The reason I felt so disconnected with my background is that I wasn’t sure if I should be embarrassed or proud to be a Mixed-Race American. For a while I would deny that I even had a culture because I was scared of being stereotyped. ButI’ve learned over time to embrace both my cultures, and that was through my family and the food we made. I was lucky that both of my parents are great cooks. Having two cultures under one roof is a beautiful thing. It helped me reassure that connection and pride of who I am and where I come from, and that creativity can come from other sources.
How can design be more supportive/inclusive of underrepresented people?
We are all greatly influenced by the people that are closest to us. Our friends, family and coworkers. Which ends up creating this “comfort zone” bubble. In order to learn and experience new things we have to allow ourselves as designers to explore what makes us uncomfortable and seethings from a different perspective.
The design industry can be more supportive by welcoming those differences, embracing what makes us unique and learning how to move forward together.Making the effort to provide room for those voices to enter the conversation is incredibly important.
How has your daily life changed since mid-March?
The most noticeable change has been the shift away from waking up early everyday and rushing out the door to make it to work. (I’m not a morning person). There are also no more weekend movie nights at the theater to look forward too or date nights in restaurants. I also miss not having to wash my hands constantly.
Now, I’m working from home, ordering curbside delivery for groceries and takeout, and disinfecting our home at least two times a week, all with a subtle fear of going outside for whatever reason. I honestly didn’t think I could be more of a germaphobe, but I am telling myself that I am doing my part in helping flatten the curve and sustaining it so all of us can move forward in this new normal.
What’s been a big pivot in how you approach your life and/or work?
Being more aware of the circumstances we are all facing right now. Everyone is going through this pandemic, but it affects us all in different ways. So we all need to be more positive and supportive with ourselves and the people around us.
Speaking for designers, we are in a constant battle with our creativity. It’s hard to not get in our heads and second guess everything. Especially when you’ve been working all night and you have to give that final push to finish a never-ending project. We have all been there.
But remember—keeping calm and being poised at work and within yourself does really help. Reassuring that everything is going to be alright can be what impacts the design and productivity.
What practices have you kept or started to better your mental health in this time?
Currently I’m drawing as much as possible—keeping my brain fresh with ideas and getting back that tactile skill of pencils on paper (in my case, Apple Pencil on iPad Pro.) Since my job focuses on architecture design, there’s a lot of clicking, measuring and understanding code requirements (For example: how does a customer approach a coffee bar. Crazy, right?) so it’s nice to take a mental break from having to be so accurate and precise. I’m allowing myself to just make scribbly lines and play with color and textures.
Nadia Hussain
Nadia Hussain is a Digital Design Director living in Houston, Texas. She graduated from University of Houston with a degree in Graphic Communications. She is a co-founder of Folding Chair and Satellites Art Project, and involved with Good Measure.
What does being Asian American or Pacific Islander mean to you?
I struggle with identity a lot. I even have to remind myself that yes I belong *here*. Being South Asian means a lot to me. It’s my identity. Growing up constantly trying to “prove my Americanness” and trying to fit into a culture I am not made me appreciate mine so much more. Being Asian American means my roots are deep into a culture that is rich in history and beauty and I wear it proudly, here amongst so many different types of people. The food, the music, the language, the art, I love so much of it.
How can design be more supportive/inclusive of underrepresented people?
I think this is a great way to do that! So thank you for this opportunity 😉 I think as creatives it’s particularly important to look at things with different perspectives. We have to realize skillset isn’t the only thing that adds value. I guarantee you the audiences we’re designing for aren’t all of one race, color and gender. Have people on your team that look and think differently than you do. Understand that their stories, upbringings and background are different than yours and that’s a good thing. Seek those people out.
What practices have you kept or started to better your mental health in this time?
I’ve always journaled and it’s something that is particularly important to me now. Writing down my thoughts and worries and fears (and even the good things!) is so powerful. Looking back at those thoughts and reflecting on them is really therapeutic. Just getting things out of my brain onto paper is a huge help.
Milk + Sugar
Featuring Chou Wong, co-owner of Milk + Sugar:
I grew up in a small town and found myself at Baylor University when I graduated high school. I earned a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. After college, I moved to Houston because I had 2 older siblings here. I got accepted to the dental hygiene program at the UT school of dentistry and graduated with a BS in dental hygiene in 2014. After 4 years of practicing, I yearned for a new challenge. I’ve always loved ice cream and that was something my (now) husband and I shared. We love traveling and would always seek out ice cream in each city. We realized Houston didn’t have anything that really hit the spot for us (we have a certain style we like) so I thought, let’s open an ice cream shop. Because, why not? We opened milk + sugar in January 2019 and has been my life since!
What are the proudest accomplishments of your career?
I would say it would be able to go from being in the healthcare industry (dental hygienist) into starting a business in the food industry. We had no idea what we were doing and had no real mentors to help us. It really took a lot from us to get our ice cream shop open with zero prior experience in this field. We learned a lot, and we always joke about how we “did it the hard way.” I have only just started in this career so we have a lot left to learn. But I know I will always think of that as my proudest accomplishment.
What does being Asian American or Pacific Islander mean to you?
Honestly, it means almost always being the minority and having to fight for everything. It also means being underestimated and underrepresented. It gives you something to prove, a drive that is innate.
What’s been the most difficult thing to adapt to?
I would say creating a product and putting it out there for EVERYONE to judge. Not just your product, but your service, your decisions, everything. With the power of social media these days, everyone has somewhere to voice their opinions, good or bad. It was hard reading any negative feedback and that’s what would keep me up at night. It didn’t matter if I got 10 good reviews and one bad comment. Having to subject yourself to everyone’s opinion was tough. I had to learn that I could not make everyone happy. It’s tough to be vulnerable like that and it definitely took some adapting.
Thank you to all of our participants for sharing their experiences with the AIGA Houston community.
