Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shuyu Peng. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shuyu, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence in my work has been like a fluctuating curve. When I first started exploring graphic design, I felt a sense of validation whenever I successfully created appealing color combinations or compelling visuals. At that time, I believed that the essence of design lay primarily in aesthetics. However, as my output increased, I inevitably hit creative plateaus. Seeing others’ work—especially projects with solid personal styles, deeper narratives, or meaningful backstories—often made me question my abilities.
These moments of self-doubt led me to reflect on my role as a designer. Was my purpose merely to produce visually appealing content or create meaningful messages and perspectives through design? This realization was pivotal: graphic design is just a tool, a medium. My skill level or aesthetic judgment alone couldn’t sustainably nurture my confidence. What truly mattered was my understanding of the world and the topics I wanted to explore and express through design.
When I began broadening my horizons—reading, observing, and learning about disciplines beyond design—I discovered an endless source of inspiration. This shift helped me realize that my self-esteem as a designer grows steadily as I deepen my awareness and cultivate a more subtle world perspective.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My work spans across poster design, website design, and app design. Earlier this year, I participated in an exhibition called Kochidoko, a site-specific project initiated by Keiko Taniguchi and Tangent Essays. I designed an installation for this exhibition that aimed to disrupt spatial perception. A net was suspended from the ceiling over the tea room, forming a tightly stretched conical shape anchored by Taniguchi’s video piece. Visitors were prompted to adopt an uncomfortable posture as they navigated the space, engaging with letters printed on fabric resembling tea towels hung from the net. These interactions were accompanied by the sound of colliding weights attached to the letters, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.
I plan to create more projects like this, combining design with meaningful narratives and spatial exploration. One of my aspirations is to one day produce my publication, exploring new ways to merge content and design.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most impactful qualities for me were the ability to research and learn, a foundation in literature and philosophy, and an innate curiosity. These skills helped me grow as a designer and shaped how I approach creativity and problem-solving.
For those early in their journey, I encourage you not to limit yourself to your current identity, discipline, or career. Instead, embrace a mindset of exploration. Use your time to dive into a wide range of knowledge, even if it feels unrelated to your field. Don’t be afraid to venture into dead ends—treat them as opportunities to discover new crossroads and perspectives. What matters most is cultivating the courage to step into the unknown and remain curious about its possibilities.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking to collaborate with passionate and curious individuals who are proactive and eager to explore new ideas. I value working with people with diverse skill sets, cultural perspectives, or professional backgrounds because they offer fresh ways of seeing the world.
I don’t believe collaborators must be graphic designers or even from the same industry. I think the best collaborations often emerge from the intersection of different fields and knowledge bases. What matters most to me is a partner’s enthusiasm and drive to take action.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.surishuyu.club/
Image Credits
Kochidoko Exhibition Photo credit to Taole Zhu All Graphics Designed by Shuyu Peng
