Meet Annette Hui | Illustrator and Brand Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annette Hui and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annette, what principle do you value most?
As a young adult, I have learnt to not doubt that I can have a creative career now while also being kind to myself through my journey.

I think many of us have been taught culturally that art can’t bring us financial stability- this mindset impeded some valuable experiences I could’ve had sooner. However, many of my colleagues and I have been given fantastic opportunities as recent graduates. Some examples include being in the field as graphic designers, brand designers, illustrators, UX/UI designers, and even tattooers! The creative field is ever expanding and has changed my perspective that young creatives can achieve greatness.

Even then, when I got “the job”, I would emphasize that putting so much pressure on myself was toxic. Things like burnout, work life balance, and mental health were all real challenges. That’s why it’s important to me to take care of myself first then my passion!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an illustrator and brand designer, I think about this a lot. I can’t believe the drawings I did in kindergarten have now led to my professional career making illustrations for companies. Whether it be for their apps, websites, and/or promotional material, my style works well with many brands. I am pretty proud of that! Time has given me the ability to understand my work and make it marketable.

Of course, all of this wasn’t easy. Influential factors have deterred me from trying in the past or even made me feel ashamed. When I started practicing illustration and design in college, I embraced my creative side and used up as many resources as I could. I’ve learned from professors in the field, got involved in design organizations, and took the time to love my practice outside of school. Even now, I’m still learning new skills as I go. The creative field is constantly evolving. I want to keep up! A fun example that I am trying to tackle is animation!

A lesson I’ve learned along the way is if you’re creative and actively get involved with your passion, there is a space for you in the future. Practicing is important and understanding your niche for your market is pivotal. For example, my friend Lauren Ibañez does editorial illustrations for NPR. I brand and illustrate corporate illustrations for corporate companies.

These are our niches. That’s how we sell ourselves to our markets.

Again, even when I got my job working for a design studio, things weren’t perfect. I had wished to have gone even bigger and make beautiful, out-of-the-box design work. I recognize now that I may not be able to do everything I’ve always wanted, and that’s okay. It was important to be easier on myself. I am still young, I still have time to get what I want or even make changes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am extremely grateful that there are a bunch of Asian grocery stores and restaurants nearby each other. I would love to take my friend to Mitsuwa Marketplace, a Japanese grocery store. Inside there’s Kinokuniya, a Japanese bookstore with a bunch of toys and stationary as well. I would say even a better meet up place is in Carrollton, it has Korean stores and restaurants. I love eating at some of the restaurants there, which include Ari Korean BBQ, Paris Baguette, and Gong Cha just to name a few.

In terms of outdoor spaces, Arbor Hills is a wonderful walking spot. Maybe on the weekday when it’s less busy! Windhaven and Oak Point Park are nice spaces as well.

Some random places include Madness Games and Comics, the Plano Antique Mall, High Street Antiques & Design, the DFW Reptarium, and the stores at Legacy West.

Flying fish, Taco Joint, El Pueblito Mexican Cocina, and Wu Wei Din are fantastic eat out spots as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom, dad, brother, and my fellow creative friends!

Website: https://www.annettehui.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annettehui/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-hui/

Other: My shop! https://theprintedforest.cargo.site