Rising Stars: Meet Bilan Liu of San Francisco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bilan Liu

Bilan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Chibi in China’s Hubei province, I grew up surrounded by the serene beauty of islands, which left a lasting impression on me. This unique environment, combined with a blend of cultural influences, shaped my early design sensibilities and sparked my curiosity about what I wanted to express through design.

My journey took shape with a Master’s degree in Fine Arts, focusing on Interaction Design, from the California College of the Arts. This education gave me a solid foundation in both the theory and practice of design. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with companies like Yahoo, Tencent, GE Appliances, and Fisker. These experiences allowed me to explore diverse projects, from digital interfaces to sustainable automotive design.

For me, design is about creating solutions that are not only visually appealing but also functional, user-centered, and impactful. I particularly enjoy working on projects that improve daily life and contribute to the well-being of others, as I find this incredibly fulfilling and inspiring.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Becoming a product designer wasn’t a straight road for me. In fact, defining who I am in the design industry was one of the biggest challenges when I started my journey. I began drawing at the age of six and always thought I would grow up to be an artist. However, the pressures of high school nearly made me give up on painting altogether. When I entered college, I chose industrial design, but over time, I discovered my true passion in product and visual communication design.

To some, it might have seemed like I was constantly shifting gears. There was even a time when I felt like everyone but me knew exactly who they wanted to be. It wasn’t until my senior year that I decided to fully commit to product design. The realization that design could be a powerful tool for communication was a turning point for me. It wasn’t just about creating visually appealing objects; it was about connecting with people, sharing ideas, and evoking emotions. Product design became the perfect medium for me to combine my love for visual storytelling with the ability to make an impact.

Interestingly, the things I enjoyed earlier in life—drawing, photography, and industrial design—now give me unique perspectives that I bring into the design work I do today.

To anyone facing the same challenges I did: it’s never too late to find your true passion, as long as you keep moving forward on your journey. Every experience contributes to the path you’re meant to take.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
One of my favorite projects is the visual identity and packaging design for Erbal. This work is particularly meaningful to me because it combines ancient herbal traditions with modern wellness innovations while prioritizing eco-conscious practices.

The challenge was to create a visual identity that reflected Erbal’s core values—purity, efficacy, and sustainability—in a way that was both visually appealing and meaningful. To achieve this, I focused on nature-inspired design, incorporating earthy tones and organic textures to evoke a sense of tranquility and purity. The color palette, inspired by the natural hues of herbs and botanicals, reflects the soothing qualities of wellness and the organic origins of the products.

Sustainability was a key priority in the design process. I chose recyclable and biodegradable materials for the packaging to ensure Erbal’s commitment to environmental health was evident in every detail. This approach not only reduced the ecological footprint but also connected with eco-conscious consumers who value sustainability.

What sets this project apart for me is how it beautifully balances aesthetics with purpose, showcasing my ability to create designs that are not only visually compelling but also aligned with a brand’s values. It’s a project that reflects my dedication to meaningful, impactful design.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Yes! I’m always open to collaborations and new opportunities. You can reach out to me directly via email at isliubilan@gmail.com. Whether it’s a project idea, a creative collaboration, or simply connecting to share thoughts, I’d love to hear from you!

Image Credits
Photographer: Choosh Yu