Conversations with Shuang Wu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shuang Wu.

Hi Shuang, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in a small city in southern China and moved to Miami in 2013 for high school. I received my MFA and BFA in Graphic Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, Maryland. Currently, I am working freelance while teaching in the undergraduate department at MICA. In the fall, I will be joining Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) as a visiting assistant professor and AICAD fellow. Previously, I have designed at Champions Design︎︎︎, MICA, NetEase︎︎︎ WangYi, and Wix.com︎︎. My clients include the Advancement Project, Quad, Maryland Department of Transportation, LadyM, Nespresso, and many non-profit organizations.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the creative industry, keeping yourself constantly learning about innovative thinking and technology updates is important yet very challenging to do. I started off as a non-art student, spending most of my time learning essential Adobe software and design basics from college and online resources. Once I stepped into the real design world, I quickly realized that graphic design expands beyond technology and book knowledge. Graphic design is a way of creative thinking and also a lifestyle. To design meaningful projects, we need to acquire the skills of detail orientation, the art of communication, effective collaboration, and clear art direction.

I try to challenge myself by walking out of my comfort zone, practicing these skills in daily life, and never saying no to any present work opportunity. The worst situation we tend to imagine is unlikely to happen once we make a move. For example, during my internship at Champions, an NYC brand studio last summer, I worked on multiple projects and actively involves with the design process with the team and oversaw the workflow and structure in the studio. However, before this opportunity, I went through many rounds of interviews, countless cold emails, and several rejections in three months. I have explored different fields in the industry, from large tech companies to ad agencies, then small-size creative teams, and currently teaching in design higher education. Constantly absorbing information and being open to new ideas and opportunities are important when it comes to learning. Also, working in the Western industry as a female of color is not easy but always believe and trust your instinct.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work ranges from brand identity and packaging design to motion graphics, editorial design, and coding. As a designer, I am passionate about design storytelling, typography, branding, and creative innovation. On the side, I am always on the road of multimedia design experiments, such as C4D, TouchDesigner, and p5js. Over the past years, my projects are recognized by the Dezeen, Society of Typographic Arts (STA), International Design Award (IDA), American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), Indigo Design Award, Transform Asia-Pacific Award, Wix, and Creative Quarterly.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that taking risks provides valuable opportunities for personal growth and learning from the consequences. Like many individuals, I tend to stay in my comfort zone, preferring to stay within familiar boundaries. However, I have to actively embrace risk and push myself beyond those limits. Every risk I take, regardless of its outcome, offers me new perspectives, experiences, and knowledge. This pursuit requires immense courage, especially for an Asian female immigrant working in the Western creative industry. I must trust my decisions, take responsibility, and face any consequences that arise.

For instance, when I initially thought about becoming a higher education instructor, it posed a significant challenge as I questioned my ability to handle it. I lacked experience in teaching at the college level and was unfamiliar with a different language system. Despite these uncertainties, I made the conscious choice to give it a try—and it turned out to be the most wonderful and important experience that I fell in love with. Close to graduation, I faced the difficult decision of choosing between a career in design or education, ultimately deciding to pursue education while also engaging in freelance design on the side. This unconventional path for a fresh graduate proved to be a rewarding adventure. I enjoy embracing risks and refraining from overthinking. There is no right or wrong – these risks slowly help to form our unique career and life journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wu-shuang.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reawakening47/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuang-luna-wu-%E5%90%B4%E5%8F%8C-930b2814a/
• Other: https://www.behance.net/shuangwu47