We recently connected with Nairuolan Su and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nairuolan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The Most Meaningful Project: Anonymity Makeup Collection

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is the Anonymity Makeup Collection, a concept designed for Maison Margiela. This project was a transformative experience for me as it illuminated the power of branding design. It demonstrated how thoughtful, strategic branding can take a brand beyond its traditional boundaries, evolving it from a product-centric identity into an iconic lifestyle. It showed me how design can open doors to new markets, create something bigger, and make a lasting impact across different industries.

This project also helped me better understand who I am as a designer. Today, as a Branding Designer, I embrace a global perspective, weaving identity and legacy to create deeper connections between brands and people. I find opportunities for innovation, expansion, and extension—whether it’s exploring new markets, launching new product lines, or offering a fresh visual approach. My goal is to use design to tell cohesive, enduring stories that give brands longevity. Collaborating with global teams and uncovering the best solutions is where I thrive, and Anonymity was a perfect expression of this ethos.

The project draws inspiration from Margiela’s runway shows, where models’ faces are often obscured to shift attention away from the individual and towards the garments. I brought this concept into the beauty world by creating packaging that feels wrapped, almost hidden—echoing the brand’s ‘NO BRANDING’ philosophy. This approach focuses on the quality and design of the product rather than relying on overt branding, deconstructing traditional beauty standards.

What makes this project particularly meaningful is how it integrated sustainability and inclusivity. By using eco-friendly materials like Sulapac and aluminum, we embraced a sustainable approach to luxury beauty. Additionally, the gender-neutral design allowed the collection to transcend traditional beauty norms, appealing to all individuals. These decisions reflected my belief that brands must be forward-thinking, not just in design but in their social and environmental responsibility.

Winning recognition for this work, including a Student Runner-Up award from the Core77 Design Awards, was a validating moment in my journey. It reinforced my vision as a designer—to use branding as a tool for innovation, growth, and long-term impact.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, my name is Skyler Su. Born in Nanjing, a city steeped in history, I have always been incredibly curious about people, their stories and their culture. Over the years, traveling and working around the world has deepened my desire to learn, celebrate and build connections.

Today, as a Branding Designer, I embrace a global perspective, weaving identity and legacy, in order to discover a deeper bond between brands and people. I find opportunities for innovation, expansion and extension; new markets, new lines and a fresh look. I use design to tell a cohesive story, helping brands to achieve longevity. I thrive on collaborating with global teams, uncovering best solutions and breathing new life into the brand experience.

For my working experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with both established brands like La Mer and emerging startups, helping them extend their brand offerings and tell their stories in innovative ways. For instance, I developed packaging solutions for La Mer’s 2025 Chinese New Year and 2026 Chinese Valentine’s Day campaigns, blending cultural storytelling with luxury aesthetics. My work helps clients solve the challenge of maintaining brand consistency while innovating in ways that attract and engage their audiences.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge design thinking with a global perspective. I have worked with teams from various cultural backgrounds and industries, for example, study awayed in the Netherlands and worked with project for non-profit hospital in Chile. I’m able to create designs that are not only visually compelling but also culturally relevant and emotionally resonant. I am particularly proud of my project Anonymity for Maison Margiela, where I expanded the brand’s minimal and avant-garde identity into cosmetics. Collaborating with a diverse team was key to bringing this vision to life, and it reinforced my belief in the power of design to connect people across cultures.

Ultimately, I want my clients and collaborators to know that my design philosophy centers around creating authentic, impactful experiences through thoughtful branding. I believe that the best designs are those that tell a story, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression on their audience. Whether working on a global brand or a startup, my goal is to use design as a tool to create connections and positive impact.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Looking back, I wish I had known more about the value of mentorship early in my career. While I had access to incredible learning opportunities at ArtCenter and through my global experiences, finding mentors who could offer insights beyond the classroom would have accelerated my growth. Now, I realize that mentorship offers more than guidance—it provides perspective, helping you navigate the challenges of the creative field while building meaningful connections. Whether it’s learning how to pitch ideas, understanding the business side of design, or even personal development, the right mentor can help you unlock doors that might seem out of reach.

I also wish I had tapped into more online resources and design communities earlier on. Platforms like LinkedIn and conference like Design Week and PackCon offer not only inspiration but also networking opportunities that are invaluable for anyone looking to build a career in design. These resources provide real-time feedback, trend analysis, and visibility that could have helped me refine my work more quickly and establish connections within the global design community.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission as a designer is to use branding to tell compelling stories that connect with people across cultures. I believe that design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating an emotional experience that resonates with an audience and brings meaning to a brand. With my background in product design, packaging, and branding, I’m driven to design products and brands that people love not only for their functionality but also for the stories they tell.

One of my core goals is to create brands that have a positive impact on society, whether it’s through sustainability, inclusivity, or cultural relevance. I want my work to inspire people, make their lives better, and bridge gaps between diverse groups. As I continue to grow in my career, I’m dedicated to working on projects that contribute to the greater good, bringing joy and connection through thoughtful and impactful design.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://skylersudesigns.com
• Instagram: @skylersudesigns
• Linkedin: nairuolan su

Image Credits

The first two image (Anonymity and ChanJiu) are credited to Havel Qian,