USC ROSKI SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN
Hansha (Hana) Zhao is a second year MFA Design student at USC Roski School of Art and Design. She is originally from China and is currently based in Los Angeles, California. As a designer she has a strong interest in brand visual identity systems, publications, and editorial design; and enjoys incorporating abstract and geometric elements into her projects. Emphasizing the importance of visual storytelling, Zhao’s work focuses on delivering information, narratives, and emotions accurately, directly, and concisely. Other creative work includes motion graphics and collage. Hana always tries to keep it interesting.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
To reflect on yourself when giving feedback to others. It aligns with the idea that providing constructive feedback is not just about pointing out my thoughts for others’ work, it also prompts me to question myself, asking what strategies I would adopt and how I could enhance the project’s integrity if I were in charge. Through this process, I can approach the work more objectively, treating design with more thoughtful consideration.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?
Paula Scher, Saul Bass, and Warren Lehrer.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING, LISTENING TO, AND WATCHING?
TV: “Blossoms,” a story about the development of the Shanghai stock market and foreign trade industry in the 1990s, and “The Making of Ordinary Woman,” a Taiwanese drama that narrates the coming-of-age stories of women.
For music: “Standing Next to You” by Jungkook, “Yes or No” by Jungkook, as well as “Love Wins All” by IU, God of Music by SEVENTEEN, and “Wife” by (G)I-DLE.
DO YOU PLAN TO DESIGN FOR ANY CAUSES OR CHARITIES?
I designed for the charity A Climate Citizen last year.
