Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaowen Liang
Hi Shaowen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got into graphic design during the pandemic when I had a lot of time to think about my future. I tried different things like music, creative writing, and business, but nothing clicked until I discovered visual communication. I started experimenting with posters and illustrations, even though I had no formal training. I spent days on it, which was unusual for me because I usually give up quickly. The attention my work got made me realize I had found something I was truly passionate about. That led me to switch my major to visual communication, and eventually become a professional visual designer. I’m still learning, exploring, and loving it today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not really, it definitely wasn’t all smooth sailing. I realized that most people don’t truly appreciate graphic design, and the industry demands that we be skilled in multiple areas like illustration, editorial design, Photoshop, animation, UI/UX, and even coding. Despite all this, many of us in the field aren’t paid what we deserve. I doubted my choice more than once, wondering if I was on the right path. There were times when it felt like I was fighting an uphill battle, trying to break through a wall of indifference and undervaluation. However, those struggles pushed me to improve my skills, stay resilient, and advocate for the true value of design. Each challenge ultimately made me more determined and better prepared to navigate this industry.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in brand identity and UI/UX, and currently, I’m working as a visual designer at Humanscale, a leading office furniture company advocating for ergonomic and sustainable design. This role aligns perfectly with my career goal: to create a real impact on society through my design skills. I’m passionate about designing thoughtful, user-centric experiences that don’t just look aesthetically pleasing but also contribute to the well-being of individuals and the environment. I believe in the power of design to drive positive change, and I’m committed to using my expertise to create products and brands that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe luck has played an interesting role in my journey. During college, I was lucky enough to have a professor who taught both my web design and portfolio classes as my mentor. He always encouraged me, pushed me to refine my work, and even nominated me as one of the New Gen Designers in Adobe. We still keep in touch after graduation, and his guidance has had a lasting impact on my career.
At Humanscale, my coworkers have also been a source of luck in a way. I’ve been fortunate to work with supportive teammates who value my input and trust me with creative challenges. This has given me space to grow as a designer and refine my skills in brand identity and UI/UX. While luck has certainly played a role in my journey, I also believe it’s about making the most of those opportunities, recognizing them, putting in the work, and continuing to push myself forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shaowenliang.com
