An Inspired Chat with KUAN-HSUAN LU of Brooklyn

We recently had the chance to connect with KUAN-HSUAN LU and have shared our conversation below.

KUAN-HSUAN, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, creating digital illustrations outside of work has been bringing me a lot of joy. I recently joined an art competition, and the process of experimenting with colors and ideas feels both relaxing and inspiring. It’s my way to recharge and stay creative.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m KUAN-HSUAN LU, a Creative Director and visual designer who loves blending illustration with design to create unique, story-driven visuals. I believe illustration adds warmth and personality to branding, making every project feel more alive and memorable. Right now, I’m focusing on motion design and international competitions, while continuing to explore how illustration can make modern design more distinctive and emotional.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I was around seven years old, sitting quietly with a piece of paper and my favorite colored pencils. I wasn’t drawing for anyone else—it was purely for myself. In those moments, I felt completely free, as if I could create an entire world just with my imagination and colors. That sense of freedom and self-expression made me feel strong, like I had something unique that belonged only to me. Even today, I still carry that same feeling with me, which is why I often bring my illustrations into my design work—they both come from that same place of passion and authenticity.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me something that success never could—it showed me the value of slowing down and truly listening to myself. When I went through difficult moments, I realized that creativity is not just about making beautiful things, but also about expressing emotions and finding healing through the process. Success feels great, but it often pushes you to move faster. In contrast, suffering taught me resilience, patience, and how to transform pain into something meaningful, which is why my illustrations often carry a deeper sense of emotion and growth.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that I care deeply about staying true to myself and my creative passion. They know I value authenticity over trends, and that I find joy in blending illustration with design because it’s my way of telling stories that feel alive. They would also say I care about making time for the little moments in life that inspire creativity—whether it’s travel, nature, or simply sketching for myself.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I’m doing what I was born to do. Illustration and design have always been my way of expressing how I see the world. Growing up, I wasn’t following a path someone else laid out for me—I was simply following what made me feel alive. Over time, I realized that blending illustration with design is not just my skill, but also my unique voice. Even when the world tried to tell me what was ‘practical,’ I couldn’t let go of creating. Today, my work feels like a perfect reflection of who I am and what I love most.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All of Illustrations and design by KUAN-HSUAN LU

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