Hazel Hui
Multidisciplinary Designer / Graphic Design / Illustrator / Content Creator / 3D Fashion
London, UK
www.hazelhdesigns.com
instagram @sleepyeyesdesigns / @hazel__h
Q What do you do?
“I am a multidisciplinary designer who focuses on graphic design, art direction and brand development.”
I also work on illustration and 3D fashion design projects.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I studied English language and literature at university, thinking I wanted to become a teacher, but at the end I didn't have the passion for it. I would always be editing videos, creating my own personal projects around design while I was at university. The big career shift was when I moved to Hong Kong from the UK to work at a food and beverage company called Maximal Concepts. I was applying to become their copywriter. However, I presented myself with more interest in design (graphic design) than I did for writing. They gave me a chance to work as their graphic design intern and eventually turned into a full time position. From there, my career direction shifted into design.
After working there, I wanted to become a freelance designer and start my own business - my clothing brand called Real Haze. You can see it here: https://www.realhaze.co.uk/ .
I have always had a passion and interest for fashion, so I combined my love for graphic design and fashion. I developed my fashion design skills by seeking out mentorship from other fashion designers, such as designers from Central Saint Martins fashion school in London, designer from Levis; and was fortunate to have landed an internship at Stella McCartney.
Now I currently, working as a freelance digital designer, specifically on graphic design, illustration, brand development, product design and fashion. I am also developing my skills in 3D fashion where I hope to have more work in the future.
Where I am today is created by my self-initiated projects, entrepreneurship and passion for design.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
As a multidisciplinary designer I am able to understand different perspectives of design.
I can provide more than a single idea, but several perspectives of how we can translate a project to different mediums. I am not only an executioner in design but a strategist where I can direct and guide creative ideas. Additionally, as someone who is half Chinese and half Polish; and have lived more than a decade in either side of the world, I also provide an honest and wider perspective of both markets - if the client needs.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am working on personal project called The Shapes of Emotions, a 3D fashion project, exploring how clothing can communicate a narrative of feeling / emotion by the shape, colour, texture and drape of the garment. I would love to show you if you have time.
For my freelance work, I am developing and creating fun video content for my client in Copenhagen; and for my client in Hong Kong, I am developing her clothing line and products.
For my Real Haze business, I am collaborating with a DJ from NYC on a new graphic t-shirt we will be dropping in the next few months.
Q What’s your style?
There are designers / artists I am inspired by and would like to be one day - in my own way. These are few who I am inspired by:
- @itscovl
- @esymai
- @naomiotsu
To name a few.
However, I feel my clothing brand, Real Haze and my design page, Sleepy Eyes , do represent my style and taste.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would like to focus more on graphic design / illustration around fashion or products. And, 3D fashion.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I am trying to get more clients on work I want to do, but it's very hard.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would ask them to take care of my social media for Real Haze.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would say to my younger self to follow what you love and find interesting. Don't choose subjects because you are worried to disappoint your family. Think about you. It will pay off in the future.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
The day-2-day life of a 3D fashion designer. And, senior designer or director, how do they approach a project and how do they think. What questions do they ask. I want to learn how to think like them. I want to become a better strategist and executioner in design.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am looking for longer retainer projects / opportunities around graphic design or illustration around fashion and products. Also, 3D fashion.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I am currently working as a freelance graphic designer with a company called #ricefam in Hong Kong, where I work directly with the boss. She tells me what she wants but also gives me room to make my own decisions. She's very kind and open, and she trusts me. Recently, all my product designs I developed is now sold in a store in Hong Kong. Just seeing my work being bought by so many people makes me so happy.
Also, collaborating with people I am inspired by what they do, would be ideal too.
Q What is your rate?
I currently work on hourly and retainer bases. For instance, my client in Copenhagen where I create his videos, I charge him £12/hr for 2hrs per week. For my client in Hong Kong, where I design a collection of products and graphic tees, I would charge £600 on a retainer bases.
I am now restructuring my rates for my services. My goal is to shift to working with clients of a minimum of 3 months retainer bases / longer than a month. For example, if I had a client who wants me to do graphic design / product design for 3 months, I plan to charge £500/month. If the client isn't sure yet and wants to develop their trust with me first, I can offer an introductory price for 1month of £250. But I am open to negotiate on what their budget is too.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
To get in touch, please email: hazel.hdesigns@gmail.com
To get a feel of my work and examples please see my website and online portfolio.
My website: www.hazelhdesigns.com
My online portfolio
I also post some of my work on Instagram
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I would recommend:
Kenta Naoi
Reason: He was my first business coach. I really like how he not focuses on the nitty gritty of becoming a better / successful business owner / freelancer; but approaches business in a mindful way. I find the skill of being empathetic in business is very invaluable.
D'ana Nunez, a.k.a COVL
Reason: Her work is beautiful. I love her use of colour, style and story telling in her work is amazing. Also, her ability to translate herself into her work and translate that onto different mediums is something I am inspired by too.
Naomi Otsu
Reason: Her work is similar to me, as she focuses on graphic design and illustration. I love her style - it's funky and fresh.
Sophia Chang
Reason: Her illustration is amazing. Her work centers around sports, streetwear and has that hip hop vibe to it.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I am always curious. That's how I stay creative.
This member profile was originally published in September 2022.