Meet Bilan Liu

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bilan Liu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bilan, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?

I used to admire people who had great life habits and viewed them as somewhat unreachable, thinking that level of discipline was beyond me. However, the past few years have been transformative. To my surprise, I’ve become the person others now describe as disciplined, and while it wasn’t easy, it also wasn’t as hard as I initially imagined.

The turning point for me came after shifting my perspective on discipline. Instead of viewing it as something rooted in strict rules or willpower, I started to see it as the result of systems and habits that align with my goals. I began implementing small, sustainable changes in my daily routine, and before I knew it, I had built a more balanced lifestyle. I now have regular bedtime, exercise, and reading habits, which have helped me stay more focused and energized throughout the day.

For me, self-discipline is less about pushing yourself through discomfort and more about creating an environment and routine that naturally support the kind of life you want to lead. It’s been about finding balance, staying curious, and continuously fine-tuning my approach to make sure it fits my evolving goals.

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?

Hi everyone, I’m Bilan Liu, a product and visual designer with nearly a decade of experience in the design industry. Originally born and raised in China, I am currently based in Louisville, Kentucky. My design journey began with a Master’s degree in Fine Arts, focusing on Interaction Design from the California College of the Arts. This academic foundation gave me a strong grasp of both the theory and practical skills needed to create impactful designs.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with companies like Yahoo, Fisker, and Tencent. These experiences have allowed me to explore a range of design projects, from digital interfaces to sustainable automotive design. At Yahoo, I worked on improving user experiences for a global audience, while at Fisker, I delved into sustainable design for the automotive industry. My time at Tencent exposed me to cutting-edge technology and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what design can do.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is creating the visual identity for BrightSideGoods. This project truly captured my passion for sustainability and modern elegance, allowing me to build a cohesive brand identity from the ground up. It’s a perfect reflection of my commitment to creating designs that are not only visually beautiful but also meaningful and eco-conscious.

My work is driven by a passion for improving user experiences and promoting sustainability through thoughtful design. This dedication continues to inspire me as I take on new challenges and seek ways to make a positive impact through my design.

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

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a designer are adaptability, curiosity, and empathy.

Adaptability has been crucial throughout my career, especially since the design field is always evolving. When I worked at companies like Yahoo and Tencent, I had to quickly adapt to different design approaches, tools, and technologies. Each project presented unique challenges, and being adaptable allowed me to find creative solutions and stay ahead of the curve. For those starting out, I’d say don’t get too attached to a single way of doing things. Stay flexible, keep learning, and be ready to evolve with the industry. The ability to adapt is what will keep your work relevant and innovative.

Curiosity has always driven me to explore beyond the obvious. Whether it was my early fascination with industrial design or later when I discovered my passion for visual communication, my curiosity pushed me to dig deeper. I remember when I first started experimenting with photography—learning about composition, light, and how to tell stories through images. That curiosity not only improved my design skills but also helped me bring a fresh perspective to every project I worked on. My advice? Always stay curious. Explore new techniques, trends, and ideas. You never know where it will lead you or how it might shape your work.

Empathy has probably been one of the most important qualities that shaped me as a designer. Understanding users, their needs, emotions, and pain points has always been at the core of my process. When I was working on projects like BrightSideGoods, I realized how vital it is to put myself in the user’s shoes, especially when creating designs that focus on sustainability. This ability to empathize with the audience allowed me to create designs that truly resonate and solve real problems. For early-stage designers, I’d recommend honing your listening skills— understanding user needs can make all the difference in your design solutions.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

I would say *Atomic Habits* by James Clear has had a significant impact on my development, not just as a designer but also as a person. The book dives deep into the power of small, consistent actions and how they can lead to remarkable long-term growth, which is something that resonated with me both professionally and personally.

One of the quotes that really stuck with me is, *“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”* This idea completely shifted the way I approach my work. It reminded me that success doesn’t come from just setting big goals, but from building habits and systems that support those goals over time. Whether it’s improving my design skills or staying consistent with projects, I now focus on the small, daily steps that add up.

The book also reinforced the idea of *expecting accumulation*—how little improvements compound into big results. As a designer, this has been crucial. Whether it’s learning a new tool or improving a specific aspect of design, I now understand that growth doesn’t happen overnight, but through the power of consistent effort.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lann_aoi/

Image Credits

Bilan Liu