Originally from Taiwan and now based in New York, Poyu Chen is a designer at JKR whose work blends Eastern stillness with Western energy. Her practice is grounded in emotional clarity — quiet, intentional design that creates room to breathe while still carrying warmth and personality. Across beauty, lifestyle, and brand identity projects, she brings a sense of softness and care to fast-paced commercial environments, shaping systems that feel both thoughtful and poetic.
Can you tell us a little about your first few steps in your career. Was there a moment or experience when you realised this was what you'd do as a career?
I started my design journey in Taiwan, where design often carries a sense of quiet purpose. I was drawn to how something as simple as a form, color, or texture could shift emotion and meaning. When I moved to New York and joined JKR, that sense of curiosity turned into conviction. Seeing how design can shape global brands while still carrying emotion made me realize — this is what I want to do long-term. I love that balance between the strategic and the poetic, between what’s clear and what’s felt.
What lessons from your career have most shaped your style and approach?
Patience and restraint. In Taiwan, design is often about what you leave out rather than what you add. In New York, I learned how to bring that sensitivity into fast-paced, commercial environments. JKR taught me to protect the calm within the chaos — to hold on to clarity, empathy, and intention even when the project moves quickly. It’s also taught me that good design is a team sport; collaboration often leads to the most unexpected beauty.
Tell us about the core values or philosophies that guide your creative practice.
I always begin with emotion—how do I want someone to feel when they encounter this? Calm, cared for, inspired? That feeling becomes the foundation for everything that follows. My approach is rooted in simplicity that still feels soulful; minimalism, to me, isn’t about emptiness but about creating room to breathe. I gravitate toward playful softness, where a curve, a subtle detail, or a quiet color can spark joy in a gentle way. I also believe care and consciousness are integral to design—mental wellbeing and sustainability aren’t add-ons, they’re embedded in the process. Much of my work lives in the realm of beauty and lifestyle, building systems that invite reflection, renewal, and emotional connection without overwhelming the senses.
What needs to change, so emerging and under-represented creative professionals have more opportunity, are seen and heard?
Representation starts with listening. We need to move beyond tokenism and create real space for different cultural perspectives to influence process, not just visuals. Agencies should also rethink hiring pipelines — not every great designer comes from the same school or city. Mentorship programs and fair visa sponsorships can make a real difference, especially for international designers trying to build a career abroad.
How important is it that creative professionals find their unique voice?
Finding your voice is essential — but it takes time. I think it’s less about inventing something entirely new, and more about discovering what feels honest to you. For me, that voice sits between Eastern stillness and Western energy. It’s a mix of quiet, meditative design with moments of warmth and play. The voice evolves as you grow, but the feeling — your emotional fingerprint — stays consistent.
Looking ahead, what do you think are the key factors that will influence change for creative professionals?
I think emotional intelligence and sustainability will define the next era of creativity. We’ve moved past aesthetics alone; it’s now about how design impacts mental health, community, and the planet. Technology will keep changing how we work, but human sensitivity — empathy, storytelling, cultural awareness — will always be the real differentiator.
How much does your city influence your work?
New York constantly feeds my curiosity. It’s fast, layered, and loud — the complete opposite of the quiet space I often design for. That contrast helps me protect stillness in my work and design experiences that pause in the middle of the rush. Even walking through the city — the light reflections, imperfect signage, textures — all of it ends up influencing my palette and rhythm.
How much does your culture influence your work?
A lot. My Taiwanese background taught me to see beauty in restraint and imperfection. The Zen philosophy of balance and flow runs through everything I do — from composition to color to tone of voice. I often describe my style as minimal and serene, with a quiet confidence. But I also love to mix that with the expressiveness I found in Western design — that’s where the “playful softness” comes in. It’s East meeting West, stillness meeting movement.
Tell us some of your favourite, creative professionals and inspiring places in your city!
I love visiting galleries like The Hole or Pace — they always surprise me with color and form. For quiet inspiration, I often go to Kinokuniya Bookstore or walk along the Hudson at sunset. In terms of creatives, I really admire Felicia Chiao — her work captures soft melancholy and gentle humor in a way I relate to. I’m also inspired by designers who use brand storytelling to create emotion — the kind of work that doesn’t just look good, but feels honest.
What should emerging creative professionals keep in mind as they begin their design career?
Stay curious and patient. Learn from everything — people, mistakes, cultures, materials. Don’t rush to find a “style”; focus on your values first, and your visual voice will follow. And protect your joy. The industry can be fast and demanding, but design is still a form of care — for others and for yourself. That’s what keeps it meaningful.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Poyu Chen is a designer at JKR New York, creating brand identities that balance calm, clarity, and playful warmth. Originally from Taiwan, her work blends Eastern minimalism with Western expressive energy, exploring sustainability, mental wellbeing, and human-centered design.
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