117. Decolonizing Design: A Pacific Islander's Guide to Authentic Creative Practice - Ube Urban
As well as how to discover and maintain an authentic personal brand.
Hi there friend,
Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to Ube Urban, a remarkable creative who helps make the digital world easier for us to use.
Have you ever been frustrated by a confusing website? Or maybe you've gotten lost following unhelpful airport signs. We all know when something is poorly designed because it makes us feel confused or frustrated.
Ube is like a superhero of good design! He helps companies create digital experiences that work for real people. Think of him as ensuring websites and apps are fun and easy to use, not confusing and annoying.
Born in Hawaii with a beautiful mix of Japanese, Black, Native American, and Filipino heritage, Ube grew up surrounded by a rich island culture. When he moved to the mainland United States, he learned how to navigate a whole new world while keeping true to his roots.
In our conversation, Ube shares how his island upbringing shaped his special approach to design and mentorship. He has this amazing ability to help other creative people discover their authentic voice and style.
Ube's Pacific Islander heritage gives him a different perspective from many other designers. He brings that unique viewpoint to everything he creates - from digital campaigns to customer experiences.
Whether you're interested in design, curious about different cultures, or just want to hear an inspiring story about staying true to yourself while creating amazing things, you'll love getting to know Ube Urban.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How Ube's upbringing in Hawaii shaped his approach to organization, presentation, and identity
The concept of "invisible work" in both design and cultural navigation
Ube's framework for mentorship helps others discover and maintain authentic personal brands
The struggles of cultural displacement and the pressure to compartmentalize identity in professional settings
Why "authenticity" can be a complicated concept for those with multicultural backgrounds
Ube offers valuable insights for creatives navigating multicultural identities, providing a compelling perspective on maintaining cultural roots while forging new professional paths. His story reminds us that true decolonization of design means embracing the full intersectionality of our experiences.
Quotes from the episode:
“When I came to the mainland, I was essentially this person kind of holding this gem... and then I had battle balloons over time and my shiny diamond turned into this rough rock.”
“Being in Hawaii, you're just like, 'This is who I am, this is who we all are.' I don't have to prove to you my existence or my family or pride. We all share that.”
“How can you control something that a corporation, an agency, or a company cannot control? That is the hardest part.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ube Urban and His Work
03:31 Ube's Background and Identity
10:07 Navigating Cultural Identity and Professional Spaces
16:49 The Journey of Self-Discovery
23:24 Transitioning from Hawaii to the Mainland
26:21 Ube's Framework for Authentic Branding
31:17 Questions for Self-Discovery
38:10 The Challenge of Individuality in a Conformist Society
46:08 Reflections on Growth and Future Generations
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:
Website:
https://www.ubeurban.com/
Linkedin: ubeurban
Support the Show
Website: Martine Severin
Follow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona.