Women In Design feat. Yee Poon

Introducing Yee Poon, Senior Designer at Hey! What?, a Bristol creative agency specialising in music, festivals, food, drink and attractions. From her diverse experiences in brand and motion work to flourishing as a freelance illustrator, here she shares insights on the unique perspectives women bring to the industry, the importance of self-advocacy, and the value of supportive mentors.

Could you please introduce yourself as well as your background? 

Hello, I’m a Senior Designer at Hey! What? studio in Bristol. We do brand and motion work in the food, festival and music sectors. During the pandemic I started drawing loads, which led to some great freelance illustration opportunities with clients such as Clarks Originals, Miro, Holland & Barrett and Pitch — so an ‘Illustrator’ as well I guess.

I’ve taken a pretty typical route into the design industry. Graduated in 2016 from UWE Bristol, a couple internships in Bristol and Bath. Then Junior Designer at Halo, Midweight at Supple Studio and now Senior at Hey! What?. 

In your opinion, what unique perspectives or contributions do you think women bring to the design industry?

I think when you bring diverse people into your teams (be it gender, sexuality, racial etc.) you’ll inevitably get different voices and experiences, enriching the workplace and the work — which can only be a good thing!

In an attempt to capture some of the Wisdom you’ve gained as a woman in the design sector so far, what is the 1 thing that you’d like to pass on to your peers as well as the future generation of talent within your sector?

1. Keep asking for things you deserve. Ask for a seat at the table. Ask for that well-earned pay rise. Ask to present in the client presentations. Ask to work on that juicy new brief.
2. The connections you make from university to the workplace will be invaluable, so be nice to nice people. Many of my ‘random’ opportunities have really come from people I’ve met along the way, so it’s worth being nice!
3. On the flipside… Don’t take the work or yourself too seriously. Your job shouldn’t be the source of your happiness or ‘success’. There is more to life than the job. If you fuck up on something today, we can try again tomorrow.
4. I like to tell young designers to not compare themselves to others as everyone’s journeys are different… but I definitely don’t listen to my own advice 🙃
   

What is your take on the importance of role models?

I don’t know if it’s a good idea to put any one person on a pedestal… I do think supportive mentors are great and people that encourage you to do better are also great. 

Personally, I would love to see more diversity at the top of the chain, be it gender, sexuality, disability, culture etc.

I’ve worked with many amazingly talented female designers but I’m yet to work with a female Creative Director. I can only imagine how awesome that would be… 😄

If you’re inspired by the stories and wisdom shared in our ‘Women In Design’ series and would like to contribute your own experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Creatives at all levels, please email us and your story could be the next we feature.