Life & Work with Kalex Shen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalex Shen.

Hi Kalex, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
A branding & packaging designer based in Groovy Los Angeles. My story is about finding the people who truly get you. Growing up gay in a traditional Chinese household, my queerness wasn’t considered “normal” by kids from school or my family. I was constantly aware of how I was perceived and made choices to appear “not gay,” even though I had no idea what it meant to be “straight.”

When my family immigrated to the US, I realized what was “normal” for others didn’t fit with who I was. Through discovering the art form of drag in high school, I had an epiphany about my self-expression. I don’t need to dim my light for other people, I just needed to find my tribe, people who could share in my experiences and accept me for who I am.

Through looking for my tribe, I also found what I love, design. Whether it involves packaging or branding, I strive to create work that forges an emotional connection with my audience. I want to use design to connect people with their tribe and push the boundaries of normal.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has been far from a smooth ride; I’ve encountered numerous speed bumps along the way. Yet, these challenges hold a special place in my heart, as they’ve sculpted me into the person I am today.

Immigrating to the US came with its own set of struggles, one of them being the language barrier. Back in China, we were learning English from day one, but honestly, who could vouch for my progress? When we uprooted our lives, my English level was probably still in 4th grade when I entered 7th grade. It’s funny how life takes unexpected turns — military school, of all places, turned out to be my unlikely savior in mastering English. Even though my mom’s idea was to train the gay out of me, little did she know it would throw me into the deep end of language immersion. Add to that a healthy dose of binge-watching Supernatural for however many seasons existed, and voilà, I exited military school with a fluent command of English.

Speaking English fluently had a profound impact on my self-discovery journey. As far back as I can remember, I knew I was different and hated myself for it. I’d bend over backward to fit in, yet somehow, the kids could still spot the differences, and they made sure that I knew it. It wasn’t until I landed in the US, a place more embracing diversity, that I finally felt safe enough to explore my own identity.

My growing language skills led me to dive into a world of queer media, something practically unheard of when I was growing up in China. That’s when I stumbled upon RuPaul’s Drag Race — a revelation. Seeing individuals like me fearlessly express themselves without holding back was like a breath of fresh air. The show wasn’t just entertaining; it became my gateway to embracing my authentic self. It struck me that the very aspect of myself I’d despised all those years was what made me, ME! There was no need to stifle it; I just had to find my tribe. Thankfully, I was blessed with supportive friends and siblings.

My journey has been anything but a cakewalk, and I don’t anticipate the road ahead to be strewn with rose petals either. Yet, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that challenges are an integral part of growth. Everyone faces their battles, but it’s how we confront and conquer them that truly counts. I’ve chosen to embrace each struggle as a lesson, maintaining an unyielding optimism that guides me forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When it comes to my work, it’s all about design, specifically focusing on branding and packaging. I’m what you might call a “maximalist designer” – I just can’t resist diving into a colorful sea of visuals. My goal is to make connections through design that feel like finding your tribe, and if I can add a smile to someone’s day along the way, that’s my kind of victory dance.

What really gets me excited beyond the design process itself is digging deep into the backstory of each project. Whether it’s understanding the history, the purpose, or the people it’s intended for, I firmly believe that thorough research gives my designs that extra edge. This research-driven approach helps me connect directly with the audience – or as I like to call them, the tribe.

Being the extrovert that I am, I love collaboration. I thrive on mixing it up with fellow creatives and seeing the fireworks of imagination fly. With my experience in internships, fellowships, and sponsored multidisciplinary studios, I’ve become quite skilled at keeping projects on track and the team’s spirits high. Think of me as the project’s go-to person for keeping things running smoothly.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe what makes a good designer is good communication. That’s what design is all about, communicating an idea, product, lifestyle, and brand. A good designer should be a master at communication with the client and the audience, being empathetic to both; that’s when the magic happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: kalex.work
• Instagram: kaleboy.jpg
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalex-shen-872095205/