Today we’d like to introduce you to Han(bella) Wang
Hi Han(Bella), we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always been enchanted by colors and textures. Even as a child, with no exposure to digital influences, I instinctively curated outfits in tonal harmony, aligning them with the seasons and my emotions. My closet became my first design project—where I learned to balance color and texture, organizing each piece from dark to light, by season and material. I could identify every garment with a single touch, selecting outfits each morning that reflected my mood and plans. This sensitivity to color, form, and composition naturally extended into my fascination with art and aesthetics.
I immersed myself in various creative disciplines, from Chinese musical instruments—drawn not only to their sounds but also to their materiality—to traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, sketching, and oil painting. Each medium offered a distinct sensory experience: the fluidity of ink on rice paper, the precision of fine brushwork, the richness of oil pigments, and the tactile quality of layered textures. Exploring how different materials interact with surfaces deepened my appreciation for composition, contrast, and rhythm.
My early passion for fashion and visual storytelling led me to pursue a versatile creative discipline—graphic design. Studying at ArtCenter expanded my understanding of design beyond print, allowing me to explore its presence across different media. I have always been drawn to the philosophy of less is more, and throughout my education, I found a deep connection with the design sensibilities of Germany and Denmark—where clarity, precision, and emotional resonance coexist seamlessly.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Before college, I had never received any formal design training. Although I had adapted to the language during high school, stepping into design education felt like entering an entirely new world—one where even the most fundamental terms were unfamiliar to me. Whether in English or Chinese, concepts like grid and typography were abstract at first, making it a challenge to simultaneously learn the vocabulary and apply it in practice.
But this unfamiliarity also fueled my curiosity. Immersing myself in the process, I developed a deep, hands-on understanding of these principles—not just theoretically, but through direct experience. Beyond refining my technical skills, one of the most invaluable aspects of my education has been learning the full design process, from research to execution. I discovered how to bridge creative vision with real-world application, communicate effectively with collaborators, and develop solutions tailored to different audiences and market positions.
Alongside my design studies, I pursued a business minor, which gave me a broader perspective on the commercial and strategic aspects of design. Understanding the art of selling a design—how it functions, resonates, and ultimately integrates into people’s lives—became just as important as the craft itself. This dual perspective has allowed me to approach design not only as a form of expression but also as a means of connection, solving problems with both creativity and intent.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My strongest design ability lies in distilling complex visuals into their purest, most impactful form. I believe that the simplest, most fundamental elements can create powerful graphic impressions, where color becomes a language—conveying not just information, but emotion. My designs are alive, breathing with energy and intention, engaging the senses beyond just the visual.
I am drawn to design that withstands time, believing that timelessness is the essence of true classicism. Trends may come and go, but only designs that endure—those that resonate on a deeper level—can truly last. My goal is to create work that transcends fleeting aesthetics, seamlessly integrating contemporary influences while staying rooted in a core design philosophy. In every project, I strive to balance refinement and spontaneity, clarity and depth, ensuring that my work remains both relevant and enduring.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
A lot of my design intuition comes from direct, physical experiences. I am highly attuned to my senses—particularly touch and smell—which shape how I perceive and interact with the world. My ability to notice the smallest sensory details often surprises people.
One of my most unexpected “superpowers” is my sense of smell. Once, during a weekend gathering with friends, everyone brought their dogs over. While we were deep into a board game in another room, I suddenly caught a familiar, unpleasant scent. My brain processed it instantly—I knew a dog had just had an accident indoors. I called for the owner to check, and by the time they arrived, the little culprit was still in the middle of his business.
My sense of touch is just as sharp. I can identify a specific garment in a pile of clothes with just a brush of my fingers against the fabric. This sensitivity to materiality—how something feels against the skin, how weight and texture interact—deeply informs my design decisions. Rather than relying solely on digital tools or references, I let my senses guide me, ensuring that every design I create isn’t just visually compelling but also resonates on a tactile, emotional level.
While books, apps, and podcasts are valuable, my most important resource is the world itself—what I can see, touch, and experience firsthand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bwangdesign.info
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bwang_design/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bwngdesign/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVrtQDwu-ve8R9zY8z0ujoQ
