A Short Interview

What's Poh Yin Design?

Poh Yin is my middle name. It's a dialect of Chinese meaning "precious grace." The idea of using it in my design work seemed fairly natural.

Who are you anyway?

I'm Sarah Heng Hartse! I recently moved from the USA to Vancouver BC by way of China (I lived there for two years with my husband). I am Chinese-American and grew up in Colorado, although my mother is Chinese-Welsh and my father is Chinese-Malaysian. I've got quite a diasporic history.

What are your credentials?

I received my Bachelor's degree from Seattle Pacific University, where I majored in Fine Arts and English. I've had the privilege of incorporating those two majors into every job I've had since graduating in 2002.

I recently finished a certificate in Multimedia Studies at UBC. I plan to use both new and traditional media in creative and innovative ways.

What about street cred?

I can't talk about it, lest the boss find out.

Who's your favorite artist?

I like Mary Cassatt, and Wayne Thiebaud. I think Chuck Close is pretty amazing. Whoops, that's three.

Favorite font?

Depends on the situation.. but I tend to go for Art-Deco inspired fonts, you know, tall and skinny like.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Besides my interest in art and visual design, I am an avid reader. I often fall asleep with a book in my hand - a habit I've had since I can remember. I also love to try out new recipes, eat good food, travel to new places, and watch British mysteries.

Although I grew up in Colorado, lived in Northern California and China, and have traveled to the UK and Southeast Asia, I consider the Pacific Northwest to be my true home.

Seriously, are you interviewing yourself?

Yes.