Tell us about where you studied and some of your highlights and favourite lecturers
I completed my undergraduate studies at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, China, and I am currently pursuing my MFA in Graphic Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible professors, including Ellen Lupton, Jennifer Cole Phillips, and Jeff Glendenning, whose guidance has been invaluable in shaping both my studies and career.
What weird and wonderful things are you obsessed with right now that inspires your creative work?
Recently, I’ve been diving into queer ecology and discovering all kinds of fascinating queer animals and plants in nature. It’s really changed the way I see the natural world and how fluid and diverse it can be. Inspired by these discoveries, I’m creating a series of typefaces that reflect these ideas, and I can’t wait to showcase them at my thesis exhibition this March!
Favourite travel destinations that inspire you?
- Hainan, China – I love the beautiful beaches, swaying palm trees, and incredible seafood. People should definitely check it out—it's just as amazing as Hawaii, if not better!
- London, United Kingdom – My first time traveling abroad was to London, and I was blown away by how diverse and vibrant a city can be. It’s an incredible mix of history, culture, and energy.
- Washington, D.C. – While studying at MICA, D.C. has been my go-to weekend getaway. It’s clean, laid-back, and there’s always something new to explore at the museums.
Tell us about your tools / what tech, programs, equipment and environment do you do your best work in?
Aside from the Adobe Suite, I also use Cinema 4D for 3D modeling and Figma for UI/UX design.
Which 3 creatives do you look up to and why?
Suzy Chan: Suzy is hands down one of my favorite Chinese graphic designers. Her maximalist style has been a huge inspiration, showing me just how bold and boundary-pushing graphic design can be.
Wanwai Shum: Wanwai’s work has completely transformed the way I approach typography. I deeply admire her sensitivity to both graphics and type, and her creative use of typography continues to inspire me.
Florian lamm: Florian has been one of my favorite German designers for a long time, and I had the privilege of studying with him during a two-week workshop in Hangzhou, China. His insights on negative and positive space across different formats have completely reshaped the way I think about layout and composition.
What are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2025, both for the world and your career?
For the world: Less hate, more love!
For my career: Hoping to land a great job after graduation!
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