Shengjie Wu, TDK 2025 Award Winner in Packaging Design, brings a thoughtful, detail-driven approach shaped by his MFA at ArtCenter College of Design. Influenced by mentors across typography, visual systems, and brand expression, Shengjie blends structure with play, drawing inspiration from music, books, and car culture. His work merges clarity, depth, and curiosity across every project he touches.Tell us about where you study/studied and some of your highlights and favourite lecturers and if you are self taught, how did you do it?!
I earned my MFA in Graphic Design from ArtCenter College of Design. Throughout my education journey, I had the privilege of learning from exceptional professors—Cheri Gray, Gerardo Herrera, Brad Bartlett, Michael Neal, and Daniel Hoy—whose guidance played a key role in shaping my education and career.
Tell us about your tools / what tech, programs, equipment and environment do you do your best work in?
A computer with Adobe Suite, an extra monitor, a speaker or headphones for great music, and of course, and a notebook ready for any sudden spark and for tracking my design process.
Most days, I work from my apartment with Jazz Hip-Hop music in the background, or with Car shows like Top Gear and The Grand Tour playing in the background.
Tell us some of your favourite, creative professionals and inspiring places in your city!
April Greiman is one of my favorite creatives. I’ve always been fascinated by her approach to type layering and the sense of depth and color in her work.
Amoeba Music is an incredibly inspiring place, especially for those who love music and album design. The Architecture Book store is also a wonderful spot to visit—you can truly feel the owners’ passion for books.
As a car enthusiast, the Petersen Automotive Museum is one of my favorite places to be. The shapes, details, and unique stories behind each vehicle always spark new creative ideas for me.
What are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2026, both for the world and your career?
I wish for a world with less hate, more opportunity, and more love. I also hope people can discover their interests and find opportunities to pursue them.
I hope to participate in more interesting, meaningful, and diverse projects to enrich my portfolio and broaden my horizons. I also aim to achieve a healthy work-life balance, meet more creative people, and find opportunities to share myself and my work with the world.
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