Meet Joy Yue Zhuo

We were lucky to catch up with Joy Yue Zhuo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joy Yue, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Throughout my career, I’ve explored various roles within the design profession. For example, I worked as a design manager, leading a team of nine designers, guiding them through the process of bringing our collective vision to life and seeing the designs go into production. However, over time, I realized that constantly guiding others wasn’t fulfilling for me—I wanted someone to guide me. This led me to take on a role as a designer within a team where I had the opportunity to work with a mentor. My mentor pointed out areas where I could improve and showed me how to refine my designs to better meet client expectations.

As time went on, though, I started feeling fatigued by the constant need to accommodate others’ preferences in my designs, sometimes even at the expense of my own aesthetic vision. I wasn’t able to fully pursue the designs that I genuinely loved. This realization motivated me to transition to being a freelance furniture designer. In this role, clients approach me because they’ve discovered my work through exhibitions or media features, and they’re drawn to my particular style. This allows me to maintain my creative vision without having to significantly alter it to suit someone else’s tastes.

Additionally, I believe my designs add a touch of humor and energy to people’s homes, creating a lively atmosphere in their spaces. This continuous feedback and connection with my audience keep me inspired and motivated to create more pieces that resonate with them. Ultimately, that’s how I found my purpose—by focusing on designing what I love and allowing it to speak to those who appreciate my vision.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a Shanghai-based object designer, specializing in furniture and art that invite interaction and evoke a sense of playfulness. After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I pursued a Master of Fine Arts in Furniture Design from the Rhode Island School of Design, graduating in 2020. Since then, I’ve returned to Shanghai to focus on my creative practice, and my work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and design expos worldwide, including in cities such as New York, Venice, Mumbai, and across China.

What excites me most about my work is the way it blurs the line between art and everyday life. My designs are anthropomorphic and creature-istic, always encouraging interaction. I draw inspiration from both the natural world and the digital space, especially the underwater world and the internet, creating pieces that beg for exploration. My goal is for people to feel joy and surprise when they engage with my designs—I want my furniture to feel alive, almost like characters in a game I’ve created, called Utopian Fantasy. Each piece offers a unique, playful experience, allowing users to momentarily step into a whimsical, fantastical world.

I’d also like readers to know that, as a freelance designer, my work is a reflection of my personal vision and creative freedom. Clients approach me because they connect with my style, which allows me to stay true to my artistic sensibilities without needing to compromise. My upcoming projects continue to push the boundaries of what functional design can be, adding humor, curiosity, and interaction into spaces where people live and gather.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe that one of the most important qualities is to never let your imagination or creativity fade. Throughout my career, especially during the times when I worked for design companies, I experienced how often my own ideas were dismissed or compromised. However, it’s crucial not to let these experiences push you to conform entirely to what is popular or widely accepted. Each person’s creativity is unique, and your personal style is a reflection of that uniqueness. While your ideas or style may not resonate with the majority today, it’s essential to stay true to yourself, because your individuality and creative vision are your greatest assets. Over time, your distinct style will become a lasting source of value and success.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace and nurture your creative instincts. It’s easy to be swayed by external pressures, but developing and preserving your personal voice will set you apart in the long run. Keep experimenting, keep imagining, and never lose sight of what makes your work truly yours.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always open to partnering and collaborating with individuals or brands that align with my creative vision. I’m particularly interested in working with people who share a passion for imaginative, playful design and who appreciate the balance between functionality and artistic expression. I’m drawn to collaborators who bring fresh perspectives and are willing to explore unconventional ideas, whether they are in the design, art, or technology fields.

If you are someone who enjoys pushing creative boundaries and finds inspiration in nature, everyday life, or the digital world, I’d love to connect. Potential collaborators can reach out to me through my website or social media platforms where I regularly share updates on my work. I’m excited to collaborate with those who want to bring unique, meaningful, and interactive designs to life. You can always shoot me an email: [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studioyuetopia.com/
• Instagram: @cereallll_