JADE
TANG-TAYLOR
Designer... Dreamer... Doer
ABOUT
Kia Ora, Ni Hao & Hello!
My name is Jade Tang-Taylor.
I’m a Designer... a Dreamer... and a Doer.
But what does that mean, exactly?
A Designer: I’m professionally trained in the field of visual communication design; graphic, web & digital design. I’m also exploring the realm of UX Design, Human Centred Design, and utilising Design Thinking methodologies to bring about positive social change.
A Dreamer: I’m a purpose-driven, design-led, creative social entrepreneur. Endeavouring to connect cross-sector, cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural communities to collaborate and find ways to create positive social impact.
A Doer: I’m someone who loves to make sh*t happen.
A BIT ABOUT MY
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
My professional background is more of a squiggly line than a straight one, and it’s anything but linear. However, I’ve always had a strong passion in ‘Design for Social Change’ as reflected in these various projects.
Fortunate enough to receive an AUT Vice-Chancellor's scholarship, I was able to study a Bachelor of Design (in 2005) and Masters of Arts Management (in 2010) where I focussed a lot of reading/research on creative and social entrepreneurship.
I’ve immersed myself in work over the past few years and loved every minute of it. Being the Chapter Founder of CreativeMornings/AKL; a global monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types, Co-Founder of Curative; a creative agency that works on projects that help make the world a little bit better and Founding Member of Fail Club; which evolved out of the IDEO +Acumen HCD course.
I also guest lecture on Design in Business, Design for Social Change and Creative/Social Entrepreneurship at various tertiary institutes, speak at various community and industry events, and also dabble in various creative side-projects such as On The Grid and #100mums 100 Days Project.
A BIT ABOUT MY
PERSONAL BACKGROUND:
My personal background is something I’m learning to embrace more of, given the new chapter ahead, and the networks of influence & communities I’ve been lucky to be a member of and connect with over the past few years.
Born in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, my family migrated to New Zealand when I was two, and settled in West Auckland. Exposure to these Eastern traditions mixed with Western mentality has made me a proud “Chiwi” - someone of Malaysian/Chinese ethnicity and Kiwi/New Zealand nationality.
I believe that growing up in a low socio-economic environment within a diverse community and various international travel experiences has given me fresh perspective and approach to everything I do and everyone I meet; regardless of age, stage, gender, culture and/or otherwise.
I have recently moved back to the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges with my husband (Adam Taylor) our fur-baby (Queenie) and human-baby (#BebeTaylor) who arrived in early-2018!
Overall, I'm deeply passionate about Design for Social Impact, and more recently with a focus on Diversity (& Inclusion).
Currently, I'm also exploring ways to create positive social change in our local communities, experimenting with social ventures amongst communities of interest and starting to embark on this governance journey. So if you have any tips, tricks, or advice on any of this, it would be gratefully and graciously received.
However, if you would like to meet-up and learn a little more about me, the projects or the communities I'm involved in, and of course share a bit about yourself, I would love to hear from you. I'm quite easily persuaded by a good cup of Tumeric Latte, so please get in touch »
Kia ora, Xie Xie & Thanks for stopping by!
Best,
JTT
:)xo
""
Life is one
BIG Project
– Angie Fleming
PROJECTS
I've been fortunate enough to have been involved in, hosted and lead a wide range of projects over the years. From local design initiatives, to global creative events and a few start-up social enterprises.
Interested in getting involved with any of my current projects, learning more about my previous projects, or have an idea for an upcoming project? Please get in touch »
Current
Projects
Auckland Council's
Ethnic Peoples
Advisory Panel
The Auckland Council's Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel offers advice based on their experiences living as people from ethnic cultures, to help us improve outcomes for this community.
I am currently the deputy chair of the panel, and leading the working group for the ethnic community engagement forum #FutureofAKL
AUT
Design Thinking and Business Lecturer
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is the fastest growing and second largest university in New Zealand.
I am currently part-time lecturing a papers in the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies (DCT) that are also available for Faculty of Business students:
- Design for Business
- Design Thinking/Co-Design
- Design Management
University of Auckland (CAI)
Creative Arts & Industries
Project Catalyst & Consultant
Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries (CAI), the University of Auckland's creative centre, the faculty promotes artistic and professional innovation and collaboration.
I am currently co-leading a design-thinking process to understand and prototype the Creative Ecology of Auckland/Aotearoa for CAI students, graduates and emerging creative professionals.
Centre for Social Impact
The Centre for Social Impact is an initiative of Foundation North and helps grant-makers and funders invest for impact, and enables their community partners to turn that investment into inspiring and sustainable social change.
I am currently an associate of the Centre for Social Impact.
Phoenix & Friends
Phoenix & Friends is a creative little family, based at the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges, West Auckland, New Zealand. And we spend quality time on community-minded passion projects.
I am currently one part of a famiyily of thre, and we are currently in the process of prototyping a creative collaboration in our community.
Cheese Cartel
Cheese Cartel is a monthly subscription box of local artisan cheeses from across Aotearoa, NZ
I am currently one part of five fabulous socially conscious and entrepreneurial founders.
Previous
Projects
CreativeMornings /AKL
CreativeMornings is a global monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types.
I founded the Auckland Chapter in 2011 and currently in the process of officially handing over to my co-host Kaan Hiini, and setting up the advisory board.
On The Grid /AKL
On the Grid is a series of neighbourhood guides by local creatives. Created by Hyperakt and curated by amazing designers around the world.
In a recent social design research trip to Brooklyn, NYC I met up with the friendly guys at Hyperakt and have been appointed the Auckland ambassador and West Auckland curator.
100 Days /100 Mums Project
The 100 Days Project is a simple creativity project that requires one thing, every day for 100 days.
During my maternity leave, I took the opportunity to adapt this concept to embark on a creative challenge to do 100 empathy interviews with 100 inspiring mums.
Curative NZ Ltd
Curative is a creative agency committed to making the world a little bit better.
Co-founded in 2012 along with Eddy Royal, I have recently resigned from my role as director to focus on other upcoming projects.
Fail Club
Fail Club is a bi-monthly breakfast founded by a small group of creative entrepreneurs, service designers, social innovators.
We first came together in
2013 for a HCD for social innovation course and have continued to meet after developing & prototyping
our initial idea.
The Feast
The Feast is about bringing together inspired people from across disciplines to connect, create, and celebrate social innovation and the power of human potential.
We hosted a satellite event 'Feast on Good' Worldwide Auckland Hub in collaboration with other changemakers.
The Big Idea
The Big Idea is an online community for creatives in NZ, all about valuing creativity and accelerating success.
I was the Community Manager in 2011, where I lived by the mantra "work on projects that inspire you with people you aspire to" and worked with an incredible team.
We Can Create
We Can Create is New Zealand’s alternative art and creative industries showcase.
I was the Marketing / Media liaison and worked closely with the Creative Director to help realise this event in its inaugural year in 2011.
yMedia
yMedia connects students, industry and not-for-profit organisations to develop and implement new media initiatives for collective growth.
Founded in 2008, I became involved in this youth driven social enterprise as Art Director & Connector and managed the yMedia Challenge in 2010.
Upcoming
Projects
Have an interesting idea?
If you have an upcoming project/interesting idea related to design/creative/social change you would like to discuss
and explore with me, don't hesitate to get in touch »
– Māori Proverb
""
He aha te mea nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people
COMMUNITY
I'm a self-confessed "networkaholic" and believe in both the strength of grassroots communities & leadership networks to connect, collaborate and create change for a better New Zealand/ World. Most of the membership networks I belong to relate to design, diversity, creativity and women who get sh*t done.
Interested in joining any of these networks or connecting with one of these communities? Please get in touch »
Community & Networks
CreativeMornings global network
The Designers Institute of NZ
Design Assembly
friend & contributor
Leadership NZ
graduand 2015
Asia NZ foundation leadership network
NZ Asian Leaders network
Super Diverse Women network
Women Who Get Shit Done community
Healthy Families Waitakere: Strategic Leaders Group
BLOG
Honestly speaking, I'm not much of a writer, however I do find myself from time to time, feeling compelled and passionate enough about a topic or issue that I'll cobble together some words and thoughts on the matter.
Fortunately, I've been lucky enough to have a few pieces written about me / my work too. Here's the most recent posts on my blog below, however if you're keen to read more, view the full detail blog »