WHO IS THE CREATIVE OUTSIDER?
👋 Hi, I’m Kristy.
I’m a product designer, but over the years I’ve worn many hats: Design Strategist, UX Designer, Product Designer, Researcher, Design Lead, and Visual Designer. At the core, I see myself as a creative problem solver. I’ve spent the last several years shaping digital experiences that put user needs first, with purpose, simplicity, and impact always at the center.
What kinds of clients and projects have you worked on?
Before starting Creative Outsider, I’ve partnered with more than 20 brands, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, across a wide range of industries. The common thread is this: teams usually come to me when they’re facing an unclear challenge.
For example, I helped Moody’s unify a fragmented credit platform, partnered with LingoAce to rebuild parent trust through a full redesign, and worked with Prismacolor to reimagine their digital experience for a new app.
My role is always the same: dive in fast, untangle the problem, and deliver design solutions that bring clarity and momentum. It's not just about the final design, it's about making progress possible.
The name "Creative Outsider" is a nod to my journey and how I work. When I moved from Hong Kong to the U.S. at 13, I learned to see the world from a unique angle. This perspective became a key part of who I am.
In my career, I've often been the "outsider" - the external partner brought in to untangle complex problems in new industries. That's where I thrive, approaching challenges without preconceived notions and finding clarity where others see confusion. The "creative" part is how I solve those problems, using design to transform complexity into simple, impactful, and human solutions.
Ultimately, "Creative Outsider" is more than a title. It's the mindset I bring to our collaboration.
Why the black sheep?
The black sheep has always felt like the right symbol for Creative Outsider. It represents difference as an advantage. It’s empathic enough to connect, but distinct enough to stand out.
My role as a designer is to provide the unique perspective that helps businesses uncover opportunities they might have missed. The black sheep reminds me to use difference as a strength, to bring empathy, clarity, and lasting impact to every collaboration.
Good design is rooted in empathy and purpose. It’s never just about aesthetics. it’s about how it works, how it builds trust, and how it creates value. The best design feels effortless because the complexity has already been solved behind the scenes.
For me, good design is when clarity replaces confusion, when a problem is solved in a way that feels natural, and when the result leaves a lasting impact. Sometimes that impact is big, and sometimes it’s as simple as helping someone get through their day more efficiently or even making them smile.
My goal is to use design as a tool for growth, helping businesses untangle complexity, strengthen their products, and connect more meaningfully with their audiences. I want my work to create impact at both a human and business level.
At the end of the day, I’d like to think we can use creativity to leave the world just a little better than we found it.
