Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Zhao.
Hi Jocelyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began in China, my birthplace and childhood home. I was introduced to the art world at the age of four, igniting a passion for painting that has lasted for over 14 years. This experience laid a solid foundation in my appreciation for color, texture, and composition. It also cultivated the patience required for long hours of painting, which later became instrumental in my graphic design journey.
After two years of studying visual communication design at a university in China, I discovered my love for graphic design, a field where I could merge tangible artistic skills with digital technology. Eager to explore beyond traditional methods, I embarked on a graphic design journey at ArtCenter College of Design. As I gradually expanded my skills into new media realms, I uncovered a unique proficiency in diverse yet interconnected fields such as computer generative design and packaging design — disciplines rarely seen together. My interest in both physical form-making and digital generative design across various media types prompted me to broaden my expertise in these areas. This exploration profoundly influenced my design philosophy, which revolves around seamlessly integrating the tangible with the digital realm. Simultaneously, I continue to delve into and experiment with other forms of media.
Reflecting on my four-year journey at ArtCenter, I’ve grown immensely. I am confident that my younger self would be proud of who I have become. Having just graduated from ArtCenter last week, I am thrilled to see where my future will lead, especially as I continue exploring creativity through emerging technologies in graphic design.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has been laden with challenges, many of which I was unaware of while experiencing them. From the art university entrance exam to applying to ArtCenter, and throughout nearly every term there, I encountered numerous obstacles. I faced demanding courses that required unwavering dedication and a commitment to continually learn and evolve. I consistently pushed my limits, striving to outperform my own expectations and to learn or refine a new software or skill in every class. The outcomes have been immensely rewarding. I vividly recall the overwhelming surprise and joy I felt upon winning my first worldwide design award; it was a moment of validation that my efforts were indeed worthwhile. Since then, I’ve won more awards, each one fueling my motivation to maintain high standards and always give my best effort.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a graphic designer specializing in branding, packaging, computer generative design, and spatial experience design, my goal is to evoke deep feelings and memorable experiences through my work. My approach to design is unconventional, grounded in extensive research and thinking that transcends traditional boundaries. I actively experiment with a diverse range of technologies and media, from print-based publication and packaging design to digital realms like computer generative design, 3D modeling, rendering, and spatial experience design, including interactive installations.
My brand identity project for Fabric Museum demonstrates how I combined my digital skills with practical solutions to create profound experiences for others. I experimented with various media, ranging from print to digital and environmental, pushing the limits of creative possibilities. By building a variable logo system, a custom typeface, a logo generator tool, and an interactive installation, I repositioned the museum to be impactful today. You can view more details about this project and many others on my website: jocelynzhao.com.
My keen sensitivity to color, texture, and typography has enabled me to uncover details and aspects often overlooked by others. A decade of drawing experience has not only honed my handcrafting skills but also facilitated my exploration into packaging design and enhanced my illustration abilities. I believe that my capacity to excel in various areas and media types in graphic design, coupled with my skills in 3D and generative technology, distinctly sets me apart from others in my field.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can easily reach out to me for direct contact or collaboration opportunities through various channels, including email, text messages, LinkedIn, and Instagram. My contact details are also readily available on my website. Having recently graduated, I am actively seeking full-time positions, freelance projects, and contract job opportunities. I eagerly anticipate connecting with organizations or individuals who are interested in my work. Let’s discuss how we can collaborate—I’m enthusiastic about embarking on this new chapter in my career!
Contact Info:
- Website: jocelynzhao.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelynzdesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-zhao-76838216b/
