We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shiyao Wu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shiyao, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
My designs often reflect fragments of my daily life because I believe everything around me influences my creative process. Over the past four years living in NYC, I immersed myself in the city’s diverse neighborhoods, soaking in the unique styles and cultural vibes each area offered.
Even something as simple as walking down the street and observing restaurant designs becomes an artistic experience for me. I naturally view the world through a designer’s lens, paying close attention to details like store layouts, graphic placements, and color schemes—elements that shape the modern aesthetics and personality of each space.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a graphic designer with a focus on bookmaking and printmaking, and recently, I’ve been delving deeper into brand systems. As I mentioned earlier, my designs often reflect fragments of my daily life. I believe that as a designer, it’s essential to stay aware of my surroundings because every piece of art needs a context to begin with. This connection between art and everyday life, especially my experiences walking through cities, has been a significant source of inspiration for my work.
One project I’d love to share is “Bento of Memories”, which represents a tangible reflection of my personal and spiritual journey. It’s a collection of four uniquely handmade books, each centered around a specific ingredient. These ingredients weave together memories and stories from particular years in my life. The books not only serve as a record of meaningful moments but also offer readers a window into my past, allowing them to connect with my experiences on a deeper, more intimate level.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First: Never resist interacting with people from different professions—you might be surprised by the unexpected inspiration it brings. Conversations with individuals from diverse fields can offer fresh perspectives that help break you out of creative ruts.
Second: Stay curious and continuously learn new skills—graduation isn’t the finish line. The design industry evolves rapidly, with new tools like AI and emerging trends constantly reshaping the landscape. Whether you’re exploring new software or diving into the visual languages of different cultures, continuous learning adds both depth and diversity to your work.
Third: Develop problem-solving skills, not just an eye for aesthetics. Great design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about being effective. Understanding client needs, brand stories, and target audiences allows you to create designs that are both visually appealing and functional.
Advice: For those who are just starting out, I would recommend networking and keeping an open mind while continuing to learn and practice. Design does not exist in isolation, it is closely connected to the world. Keep trying, making mistakes and summarizing again to really find your own design language.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m definitely open to collaborations. As a graphic designer with a focus on editorial design, bookmaking, and branding systems, I’m particularly interested in cross-disciplinary collaborations—working with photographers, illustrators, motion designers, and even developers to create projects that blend different mediums and craft meaningful visual experiences.
I’m excited to work on projects that bridge the gap between traditional printmaking and modern branding, especially those that explore the relationship between visual identity and cultural narratives. Whether it’s developing a cohesive brand system, designing an editorial piece that tells a unique story, or creating immersive experiences that connect audiences with a brand’s core values, I’m always eager to dive into work that challenges conventional design boundaries and sparks genuine connections.
My Contact Info:
Website: https://shiyaowu.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syw.design/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiyao-wu-a62bb2200/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shiyaowu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syw.design/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiyao-wu-a62bb2200/
Image Credits
Shiyao Wu
