Creative Minds: Dou Chen wants to dine with her grandmother, Justin Bieber, and Bill Gates

In Creative Minds, we ask APAC creatives a long list of questions, from serious to silly, and ask them to pick 11 to answer. (Why 11? Just because.) Want to be featured?

Name: Dou Chen

Origin: Wuhan, China

Places lived/worked: Wuhan and Shanghai, China

Pronouns: She/her

CV:

• Copywriter, Jun 2023—present, Dentsu Creative, Shanghai
• Intern, Feb—Jun 2023, Dentsu Creative, Shanghai

1. How did you end up being a creative?

I never consciously set out to pursue a creative path; rather, it feels as though creativity found me. Faced with the anxiety of securing employment, I feverishly submitted resumes for various positions prior to graduating from college. However, most of those applications either went unanswered or were not quite the right fit. Returning to my hometown of Wuhan, I took on a part-time job, and it was during this time that I unexpectedly received an interview invitation from Dentsu Z—a creative team of Gen Z under Dentsu Creative. Back then, I had limited understanding of what creativity truly entailed. Nevertheless, I made the decision to venture to Shanghai on my own. After a few months of internship and Dentsu Z camp, I am thrilled to be officially a member of Dentsu Z.

2. What's your favourite piece of work in your portfolio?

My favourite project is the crossover of the medicine brand CONTAC NT and a comics exhibition. It holds a special place in my heart as it marked my first experience leading the copywriting for a project and also my first opportunity to travel and participate in an offline event. Although it was quite demanding and exhausting, the sense of fulfillment and joy I derived from it was unparalleled. Being an avid fan of anime culture, it is incredibly gratifying to use my skills and talents to help clients at somewhere I am truly passionate about.

3. What's your favourite piece of work created by someone else?

Nike's outdoor idea for International Women's Day. They ingeniously used ponytail magnets to transform portraits on public signs into affirmative action signs. I find this campaign particularly brilliant due to its simplicity and ingenuity. It demonstrated that impactful ideas don't have to be overly complex. Even small changes can carry great significance. This campaign serves as a powerful statement, emphasising the importance of women's empowerment. It aligns with my boss's appreciation for powerful insights and smart ideas, showcasing that impactful concepts can often be achieved through creative thinking and thoughtful execution.

4. What/who are your key creative influences?

I draw significant inspiration from my colleagues who have played a vital role in shaping my creative journey. I am immensely grateful to them, as they have been instrumental in my growth. Their unwavering support and collaboration have had a profound impact on me. Interacting with my colleagues not only instills me with valuable knowledge and energy but also serves as a constant source of stimulation for my imagination and creativity. I attribute much of my creative development to the enriching experiences of working alongside such talented people.

5. What kind of student were you?

I would describe myself as someone with a unique approach to learning. While I may not have been known for being exceptionally well-behaved or hardworking, I possessed a natural inclination for quick learning and a genuine curiosity for acquiring new knowledge. Although I may have been perceived as somewhat lazy at times, I always found joy in exploring and expanding my understanding of various subjects. My ability to grasp concepts swiftly allowed me to adapt to new information effortlessly. Despite my relaxed demeanour, I maintain a genuine enthusiasm for learning and embrace opportunities to broaden my horizons.

6. What's the craziest thing you've ever done?

One of the craziest experiences I've had was when I ventured to a new city completely on my own for work. It was an adventurous decision as I had no acquaintances, limited financial resources, and the task of finding a place to live within a short timeframe. Stepping off the train, I embraced the unknown and embarked on a journey of self-reliance. The thrill of navigating through unfamiliar territory, making crucial decisions under time pressure, and building a new life from scratch made it an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience.

7. What's on your bucket list?

I have an extensive bucket list, and I'm grateful to say that I've already accomplished many of my goals. Some of these include learning to cook, mastering two foreign languages, and embarking on memorable trips with friends. However, there are still numerous items on my list waiting to be fulfilled. For instance, participation in a movie or television show, experience the thrill of performing at an open-air concert, and I even dream of venturing to the moon. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to continue adding new aspirations to my ever-growing bucket list.

8. Who’s on your dream dinner guest list (alive or dead)?

First and foremost is my grandmother, who just recently passed away and I miss her so much. Next is Justin Bieber; I've loved him since elementary school. Then after that is Plus, Bill Gates. I heard that if you have dinner with him you will become rich; I want to know if it's true.

9. How would your co-workers describe you?

I believe my co-workers would describe me as a spirited and cheerful individual, as I always strive to bring joy and positivity to those around me. I take pleasure in creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere in the workplace. However, I am aware that my enthusiasm may sometimes be perceived as being noisy or overly lively.

10. What would you do on your perfect day?

On my perfect day, I would indulge in a delightful mix of activities that bring me joy. It would begin by spending quality time with close friends, perhaps by going out for a delicious meal at a nice restaurant. We would then take leisurely walks, enjoying the beauty of our surroundings and engaging in heartfelt conversations. In the afternoon, we might unwind by watching movies together, immersing ourselves in captivating stories and shared laughter. As the day progresses, we might choose to visit a cosy bar, savouring refreshing drinks and engaging in lively conversations. To cap off the perfect day, we would hit the dance floor, letting loose and expressing ourselves through the joy of movement.

11. What’s your favourite music / film / TV show / book / other of the past year, and why?

My favourite TV show of the past year was Hot in Cleveland. This comedy series provided me with valuable insights into the lives of four women who refuse to let age define them. It resonated with me on a deep level and alleviated my fears of growing older and feeling unattractive. Watching the characters navigate through various challenges while maintaining their sense of self-acceptance was truly inspiring. It reminded me of the importance of embracing who I am and finding joy in life, regardless of societal expectations or age-related concerns.