Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Lu.
Hi Angela, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Funny enough, when I was a kid, I actually wanted to become a doctor. I admired how doctors dedicate themselves to helping others, often facing life’s most difficult and emotional moments with strength and compassion. As I grew older, I realized my path wasn’t in medicine, but in using design to inspire and comfort others. With a strong eye for detail and empathy, I naturally shaped my approach to design as a way to bring meaning and connection to people’s lives.
That passion led me to pursue my degree at ArtCenter College of Design, where I specialized in packaging and brand identity. My time at ArtCenter wasn’t always easy — I started as an international student during the pandemic and faced a lot of challenges early on. I wasn’t the most noticeable or confident student and often struggled with over-focusing on details and falling behind. There were times I questioned if I belonged among so many talented creatives. But those struggles taught me resilience, patience, and how to slowly build my own voice.
At ArtCenter, I worked on various sponsored projects and brand collaborations that shaped how I approach design. I learned that good design isn’t just about how things look — it’s about how they make people feel and the narrative behind them. Since graduating, I’ve continued growing my creative career and recently started my own design studio with a friend, focusing on cultural storytelling and blending different narratives. Through our work, we aim to celebrate the mixture of cultures and bring meaningful stories to life through design.
What’s helped me get to where I am today is my ability to adapt and empathize. I’m always thinking about how design can positively impact the people who experience it — whether through thoughtful details, clear storytelling, or visual beauty. I enjoy building concept-driven, intentional design solutions and continue to look for ways to challenge myself, collaborate, and keep learning along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many creative journeys, mine came with challenges. As an international student starting at ArtCenter during the pandemic, I was taking classes across time zones, often staying up through the night just to keep up. I also faced a strong cultural barrier — it took time to adjust, connect with classmates from different backgrounds, and find confidence in my own voice. On top of that, I struggled with overworking, paying too much attention to details, and often having a hard time making decisions because I cared too much about getting everything right.
One of the biggest challenges was learning how to deal with criticism and harsh voices. I’m naturally empathetic, so in the beginning, I would take feedback very personally and let it affect my confidence. Over time, I learned how to listen, filter out the noise, and separate my emotions from my work — to grow without losing myself. I also learned how to be alone, take responsibility, clear my thoughts, and listen to what I truly wanted to express. I realized that a decision becomes the right one once you commit to it. There’s no need to regret your choices — every path you take is valid as long as you put effort and intention into it. The time you spend is never wasted.
Looking back, those struggles shaped me not only as a designer but also as a person. They taught me patience, self-awareness, and how to build my own path instead of constantly comparing myself to others.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is rooted in storytelling and thoughtful visual communication. I specialize in packaging design, brand identity, and visual systems — but at the core, I see myself as a concept-driven designer. I believe that good design goes beyond just looking good; it should carry meaning, tell a story, and connect with people emotionally.
One thing I’m proud of is my ability to adapt and work across different disciplines. I’ve worked on projects ranging from packaging to spatial experience and editorial design, always making sure the concept stays clear and intentional. I care deeply about details — not just in how things look, but in how they feel and function.
What sets me apart is probably my perspective. I approach design with strong empathy and cultural awareness, shaped by my own experience of growing up in China, studying in the U.S., and navigating different creative environments. I’m not the loudest voice in the room, but I’m thoughtful, observant, and intentional. I believe in creating design that’s not only beautiful but also meaningful and responsible.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is the feeling of building something and making it better — like a worker who quietly fixes a space and makes it work again. I find a lot of joy in the process of improving things, piece by piece, whether it’s in design or in life. It’s satisfying to look back and see how much a project has grown, knowing that I’ve added care, effort, and intention to make it better than before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://angelalu.me/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelalzh
