ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
I’m currently pursuing my MA degree in Graphic Design & Visual Media after completing my BFA at the Academy in 2020. I come from a small city in China called Changchun, but live in San Francisco now. As a student, I found that the Chinese approach to graphic design was too rooted in “fine art,” and not in solving realworld problems. The practical application of design is what drew me to the Academy, along with the spirit of innovation that defines San Francisco. I’m always trying to challenge myself by experimenting with new ideas, pushing boundaries, and embracing the unfamiliar. I love manga and Japanese anime and find both very inspirational. I’m also really interested in American TV shows. In terms of reading, I like everything from Brand magazine to National Geographic. I’m also a big fan of novelist Dan Brown; his storytelling is captivating and thought-provoking. Wherever I go in the world, I’m constantly looking at how designs can be more effective, more engaging, and more impactful—just like the art that inspires me.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
I believe inspiration comes from the most ordinary aspects of daily life, like signs, posters, and packaging. I ask myself, “If I were to design this, how could I improve it?”
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
I have a strong passion for traditional graphic design, particularly in crafting book layouts, typography, and packaging. On the other hand, I am equally enthusiastic about venturing into new territories such as blended virtual reality, AI image generation, and game engines.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
I’ve come to deeply appreciate that the vibrant colors, graphics, and text in design serve a purpose – they are tools employed to identify and address problems. Design is not just about creating visually appealing artwork; it is a practical and effective tool for solving real-world challenges.
