Weiying Ma: Stay True to Your Design
Multidisciplinary Graphic Designer
by Elizabeth Lavis
|14 Mar 2025
Chinese-born and Los Angeles-based Weiying Ma is a Graphic and Multidisciplinary Designer with a clear message for up-and-comers: stay true to your design. “When first stepping into the real design world, you might feel overshadowed and find that your voice isn’t very strong,” she says. “Your designs might often be influenced or even dictated by others. It’s important to remember why you started and what you love about design. Hold onto that initial passion, and don’t let it go.”
Although it’s important to keep your distinct voice and remember your roots, Ma also advises that aspiring designers fully immerse themselves in the industry and the people in it. “I know many designers, especially those like me whose second language is English, are shy to express themselves and prefer to focus on refining their skills,” she says. “However, I still recommend that everyone go out and chat with different people to get more design information. There might be unexpected gains.”
Since childhood, Ma has loved creative arts and drawing, although societal pressures initially pushed her to seek a more “practical career.” “My undergraduate studies reignited my passion for design,” she says. “After I finally decided to attend an art school and learned about emerging design tools, I became more certain in my path.”
Ma also credits her strong system of family and friends for helping her realize her goals. “I’m grateful for the unwavering support from my parents and the emotional strength of my friends for allowing me to chase my dreams without worries,” she says. “I’m also thankful for my independent spirit, which enables me to overcome challenges and steer my life in the right direction.”
"3Douquet", Weiying Ma
For Ma, good design hinges on the ability to reveal the essence of things through simple and direct visual methods. “I want to make designs that not only look good but also communicate a clear message and evoke emotion,” she says. As such, strategy plays a vital and foundational element in successful design.
“I prioritize understanding the project’s core objectives and target audience,” she says. “By comprehensively analyzing the client’s needs, market trends, and audience preferences, I can tailor my creative concepts to not only be visually stunning but also resonate effectively with the audience.”
Establishing client trust and rapport is another essential piece of the design puzzle. “I communicate in real time and promptly report every step of the design process to them,” Ma says. I listen carefully to their needs and base my designs on their requirements.”
She also remains open-minded and proactive in the face of harsh criticism. “I filter through the criticism to find constructive feedback to improve my work,” Ma says. While receptive to critique, she understands that the client is not always right and gently pushes back as needed. “Diplomatically, I say ‘I value your input and perspective, but based on my experience and expertise, I’d recommend a different approach for optimal results.”
Ma likes to unwind with cat cuddles and TikTok to stave off stress and burnout. “I like to slump on the sofa, hug my cat, and continuously scroll through TikTok short videos,” she says.
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