We’re looking forward to introducing you to Pingyu Zhan. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Pingyu, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I think I would, but probably with a few notes to myself. I’m someone who takes responsibility seriously and I care a lot about the ideas behind the work. I like to build things slowly and with intention. If I were hiring me, I’d value that. At the same time, I can get a little too focused sometimes, so I’d also remind myself to step back once in a while and keep some space for play.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Pingyu Layla Zhan. I am a freelance designer focused on branding and visual design. I also work on exhibition projects.
I believe design goes beyond aesthetics. It is about giving ideas a form and creating connections between people. My inspiration comes from daily life. A conversation or a street scene can linger in my mind and later inspire a project’s direction.
I am currently splitting my time between client projects and personal work. This mix provides both creative freedom and practical grounding.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think bonds often break quietly. It’s not usually one big event. It happens when people stop being curious about each other, or when communication turns into something purely functional. I’ve noticed this both in personal relationships and in creative collaborations. When everything becomes about “getting it done,” people stop sharing their intentions and start talking past each other.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
I once shared a rough project idea with my manager. It was messy and half formed, but he just let me talk. He listened, then calmly repeated what he understood. It made me feel like my messy thoughts still had value. That really hit me. I learned how powerful real listening is, and now I try to do the same when I work with others.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I truly admire people who consistently show up and do the work, even when there’s no audience. A close friend of mine, W, She’s been doing these community art projects for years with almost no backing. She doesn’t chase impact or recognition… she’s just out there, building with people. And now! She’s become this incredibly strong artist. Her honesty and her steady commitment… they really inspire me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
I keep thinking it must be… the way I notice things. I’m always paying attention to the small stuff. The small gestures, the patterns most people miss, the feeling of a place. That’s really the center of it for me, how I work. Even if I had no title, no things, I’d still be… observing, I think. I’d still be trying to turn what I see into something that means something. That part… it’s just me. It doesn’t change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laylazhan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laylazhanx/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pingyu-zhan/
Image Credits
Pingyu Layla Zhan
