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// About Me

Hi, I’m Michelle

I am an interdisciplinary designer with a Master of Design from NSCAD University. Alongside my graduate studies, my undergraduate background is in Human Geography and City Planning. As an interdisciplinary designer, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a wide range of fields. My academic background has allowed me to develop a broad set of knowledge and skills, which has sparked my curiosity for exploring new areas and continuously learning.

With over 8 years of design experience, I’ve come to understand that design is not just about artistic expression—it’s about identifying real-world problems and creating meaningful solutions. This experience has shaped my habit of observing, analyzing, and thinking critically. I genuinely enjoy the process of discovering problems and working through ideas to find effective solutions.

I’m an energetic and outgoing person. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, camping, and playing pool, which help me stay active. I also value connecting with people through these activities and exploring new sports with friends, as it broadens my perspective and fuels my creativity.

Hard Skills

• Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Adobe Aero),

• Microsoft Suite

• AutoCAD

• Figma

• ArcGIS

• SketchUp

• KeyShot

• Framer

• C Programming

• Enscape

• Rhino

• CRM

• R Programming

Soft Skills

• Verbal & written communication

• Attention to detail

• Organization

• Interpersonal skills

• Critical thinking

• Prioritization

• Teamwork

• Multitasking

• Customer service skills

• Design research

Interest

• Researching

• Visual storytelling

• Human-centered design

• Event planning

Languages

• English

• Mandarin

// My Values

Step Outside the Comfort Zone

Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. I actively push myself to explore unfamiliar areas and take on new challenges. Over time, I’ve seen my boundaries expand in ways I never expected, developing a strong spirit of exploration along the way.

Stay Curious, Keep Learning

I stay engaged with the latest developments in design and am always eager to learn something new. Continuous learning fuels my creativity and improves how I work. I also make time to reflect, which helps me identify problems and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Pay Attention to Detail

I believe nothing exists in isolation, and details often uncover underlying connections and issues. By paying close attention to the small things, I gain a deeper understanding of the bigger picture. Thoughtful details can elevate a design and create a more meaningful, refined experience.

Lead with Empathy

Empathy guides how I design and how I engage with the world. I actively volunteer to support a more inclusive and compassionate society. Every week, I work with Shelter Movers, helping individuals transition out of abusive situations. These experiences shape my understanding and inspire me to create designs that prioritize care, dignity, and inclusion.

Me during a winter camp in Cape Breton

I’ve always loved animals and believe every living creature deserves compassion. Before moving to Canada, I cared for many stray cats in China, feeding them and looking after them every day.

This is me and my cat, Jimbo. He’s a constant source of joy in my life, often staying up late with me while I work on my projects.


Thank you for visiting my website and taking the time to read my story—I look forward to connecting with you.

(902) 229-9522

xiaotongzhang42@gmail.com