Today we’d like to introduce you to Yu Chen.
Hi Yu, 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?
I am a visual artist, designer, and lecturer with a focus on branding, art direction, and 3D graphics. I hold an MFA degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
My creative journey began in 2018 during my freshman year of college. At the age of 18, my first design project, Panda Cigarette, achieved tremendous success by winning the esteemed Pentawards, a prestigious packaging design award. I was honored to receive this recognition at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City in September 2018. Winning this award catapulted me into the limelight of the design industry, leading to widespread exposure and numerous interviews, establishing my reputation in the field.
Subsequently, I received numerous collaboration offers and earned various accolades for my work. I was recognized as a TOP 100 DAC World’s Leading Designer and served as a jury member for the Milan Design Week – China Design Exhibition. Additionally, I am a member of the China Fashion & Color Association – Color Education Professional Committee.
Since 2018, I have collaborated with a diverse range of clients, including prominent automobile companies, celebrities, singers, artists, educational institutions, government agencies, beverage brands, and entertainment companies. My artistic and design endeavors have garnered over 40 international design awards, including esteemed accolades such as the Type Directors Club Awards, Communication Arts Awards, Graphis Awards, Gold Muse Creative Awards and Grand Prize from NYX Awards.
Furthermore, my works have been exhibited in over ten countries worldwide, spanning the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Italy, France, Germany, New Zealand, China, and the United Kingdom. Notably, my works were prominently featured in New York Times Square in December 2022.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being young often leads to the perception of inexperience in the eyes of the public. Despite being more capable than seasoned professionals, I faced disbelief and skepticism regarding my ability to excel at a young age. Consequently, I was compelled to grow and undertake responsibilities beyond what is expected at my age. Furthermore, achieving a balance between art and commerce can feel restrictive for designers as they navigate the need to prioritize clients’ interests without compromising the artistic essence of their work. During my graduate studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I encountered numerous contemporary art pieces that required interpretation for public understanding, with the power of interpretation solely resting in the hands of the artist. As a citizen artist, my aspiration is to create accessible works that transcend formalism without being burdened by an overwhelming workload. I firmly believe that art and design do not necessarily require complex skills or advanced technology; even the slightest changes can yield significant differences.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in visual design, with a focus on creating visual identity systems, posters, books, typography, illustrations, motion design, interaction, packaging, products, and future design. My work also involves integrated art creation.
I strongly advocate for emotional design, where design and art evoke a sense of warmth and connection. I firmly oppose art that solely prioritizes superficial aesthetics and material accumulation. Art should serve the public by conveying meaningful messages and touching the hearts of viewers.
We currently live in an era of rapid technological advancement, accompanied by a decline in humanistic values. The prevalence of screens has contributed to this shift. Art and design serve as powerful tools to revive human emotions and convey feelings that are often challenging to express directly. In my opinion, the design doesn’t have to be overly complex or reliant on high-tech solutions. Even small changes can have a significant impact.
One of my notable creations from 2018 is Warm Writing, a pen that utilizes temperature-sensitive ink. When the text is written with this pen, it gradually fades away as the temperature changes. Only when someone touches the written text with their hand the warmth triggers the temperature-sensitive ink, making the text reappear. Through this interactive experience, users can reconnect with the warmth and sentimentality of handwritten notes, capturing the thoughts and emotions behind them.
Another significant project of mine is Let Parent Stay (Han Embroidery Typeface), which revolutionizes Han Embroidery, a traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage. This precious art form faces the risk of extinction in China. In Jinling, a poverty-stricken village located in Dawu County, Hubei Province, local villagers possess the expertise in Han Embroidery. However, due to the lack of income opportunities, many young parents are forced to seek employment elsewhere, resulting in a significant number of children left behind in the area.
In response to this situation, I embarked on a journey to Jinling village. I extracted traditional Han Embroidery patterns and created a contemporary set of experimental English font patterns infused with the essence of Chinese embroidery. This work has received numerous prestigious design awards worldwide, including Communication Arts, Graphis, and Muse Creative Awards. The New York Type Directors Club recognized it as one of the world’s best type and typography designs of 2022. With extensive support and exposure, I collaborated with external partners to establish a Chinese embroidery industry chain in the region. This initiative has allowed local villagers to generate income while preserving and passing on this cultural heritage.
How do you think about luck?
Luck plays a significant role, but it cannot be relied upon consistently. I am appreciative of the good fortune that has come my way, but it comes with the responsibility that cannot be assumed at every juncture. Opportunities favor the prepared, and one must possess the capability to seize them when luck strikes. Behind attaining substantial exposure lies the ability to withstand numerous public discussions and to consistently produce exceptional work, enabling ongoing presence in the industry. I have witnessed many artists and designers who briefly capture public attention only to fade away swiftly. While some may attribute this to ill-fated circumstances, I believe it stems from insufficient underlying conditions accompanying their luck. While I have been presented with numerous opportunities, they often come hand in hand with great risks. The ability to discern and navigate these risks is contingent upon one’s capabilities. In the course of my own artistic endeavors, I have encountered moments of darkness where despite earnest efforts, success eluded me, leading to self-doubt. However, when one door closes, another window opens. I firmly believe that luck is balanced, with ups and downs inherent in its nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yuchen-creative.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yu-chen-design/
