Meet Shuang Wu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shuang Wu.

Hi Shuang, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in a small city in southern China with a rich art history, and I proudly share my hometown with many revolutionary Chinese artists. Growing up with a Chinese painting background, I have always been captivated by its poetic storytelling through the simplicity of lines and negative space in Chinese culture. My interest in art has expanded during my high school years in Miami, which is also another vivid city with contemporary art aesthetics. Therefore, my early experiments in self-art practice are a combined influence from both cities, which eventually led me to pursue graphic design as my career. Equipped with both an MFA and a BFA in Graphic Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, I currently serve as an assistant professor in the undergraduate graphic design program at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI). Starting in the spring semester of 2024, I will also be contributing as adjunct faculty at MICA and Texas State University.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I maintain a deep involvement in the design world. I am an independent designer and co-manager of a studio in Shanghai alongside two partners. Over the years, I’ve made significant design contributions to renowned organizations such as Champions Design, MICA, NetEase WangYi, and Wix.com. My diverse client portfolio includes collaborations with the Advancement Project, Quad, Maryland Department of Transportation, LadyM, Nespresso, and various non-profit organizations.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Coming from a diverse cultural background and practicing an unconventional approach to art, I have encountered challenges with limited precedents to draw inspiration from. Over time, I have come to realize that each artist’s journey is unique, and it eventually led me to experimentation, challenges, and adventurous exploration to carve out my own path.

Before my decision to pursue graduate studies, my professional journey led me through diverse opportunities in design, spanning from a brand studio to a marketing agency and then to a tech company. During my graduate studies, I simultaneously explored different industries to gain a comprehensive understanding. Learning about unfamiliar fields and establishing connections with professionals presented challenges. However, my journey has been remarkably smooth, thanks to the willingness of people to offer mentorship and assistance in overcoming any obstacles I encountered.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am passionate about cross-cultural visual translation and design storytelling. My recent work centers on uniting cultures through graphic design, fostering connections among audiences, and facilitating the international exchange of messages and shared emotions. This aligns with my teaching philosophy, embracing an international perspective. As an interdisciplinary designer exploring geometry and multilingual design, my research focuses on typography and visualizing content from cultures that challenge Western design philosophy.

Beyond research, my work also pushes the boundaries in multimedia design—spanning typography, motion, and interactive design. I believe in the transformative power of storytelling through geometry, structure, and patterns. My commitment is to inspire the next generation of creative minds by showcasing the various possibilities within the realm of design.

My designs have garnered recognition from esteemed institutions and awards such as the GDUSA American Graphic Design Awards, Communication Arts (CA), Dezeen, Society of Typographic Arts (STA), International Design Award (IDA), American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), Indigo Design Award, Transform Asia-Pacific Award, Wix, and Creative Quarterly.

Speaking of design, having smooth and active communication with my clients and creating a brand system that speaks for their needs through my design lens is certainly rewarding. I am also proud of my teaching career in higher education. To see my students realize their creative aspirations through design is always a gratifying experience. The encouragement and positive feedback from the class serve as a constant motivation for me to continue educating. The collaborative process and transparent communication between my lectures, class critiques, and the continuous efforts of the students are evident in the quality of their projects.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The Covid-19 crisis presented a dual-edged challenge in my journey. Graduating during the pandemic, we had a sudden disruption in classes with no commencement, leading to a sense of isolation. However, post-graduation, working at Wix.com presented me with unexpected opportunities that unfolded as I engaged with remarkable clients and collaborated with a remote design team. This experience invited me to explore the vast possibilities of working with international clients and design teams. The connections forged during this period, both with colleagues and clients, persist, providing me with diverse perspectives on design and valuable experience in remote client interactions.

Furthermore, the pandemic exposed me to the realm of online teaching. I took on the role of hosting workshops with juniors at MICA and collaborated with professors and teaching assistants on lectures and reviews. This hands-on experience equipped me with the skills to schedule and design remote classes, a proficiency that proved valuable in my branding course.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wu-shuang.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reawakening47/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuang-luna-w-930b2814a/