About Me

I’m a Philadelphia-based designer and illustrator driven by a deep love for user research, visual systems, and creative solutions to everyday problems. My areas of specialty include branding, UX/UI, accessible design, instructional design, motion, illustration, and design for public good. In the past, I’ve worked as a music, art, and dance teacher, a sex educator, a musician, and an event producer at live music venues. My background in numerous creative and educational fields informs my multidisciplinary approach to design.

I earned my MFA in Graphic and Interactive Design at Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University. Previously, I completed my BA in Studio Art at Oberlin College.

Like my durian mascot, I can often be found at the Asian grocery store.

Want to know more about me? View my resume.

Story

My mother is a children’s book author, illustrator, and designer, so I grew up immersed in the world of publishing design. Her books center around her upbringing as the daughter of Chinese immigrants, who lived and ran a family store in Guatemala City. I was raised in a multi-cultural household, learning Chinese customs but speaking Spanish and English at home. Because of this history, my design practice is deeply informed by multi-cultural and immigrant experiences.

Let’s work together.

Hire me to design your brand, build your website, create illustrations, and more. You can contact me with this form, or email me at meilicarling@gmail.com.