Today we’d like to introduce you to Borui Jiang

Hi Borui, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

New York is a bustling city, and having nothing to do here can feel terrible. During the initial period after I moved from Detroit to New York in July, I had almost no social connections and was also in between jobs. It left me feeling a bit down and pressured. However, one day, while scrolling through a social app, I came across an eye-catching fashion design. Eager to start working on something interesting, I reached out to the designer, and we eventually arranged to meet at a café one afternoon in September.

At that time, he was planning to launch a new brand. As the creative director, he had already commissioned someone to create a logo, but he wasn’t very satisfied with it since it didn’t quite align with the brand’s tone. I offered to redesign the logo for them free of charge as a starting point for our collaboration. To my surprise, our collaboration turned out to be seamless. The new logo design was quickly approved and put into use.

I then proposed additional contributions I could make, such as designing clothing labels, hang tags, packaging, and eventually the website. As the scope of my design services expanded, it gradually established my role as one of the brand’s partners and its art director.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

For now, everything is going well. The most important part is navigating discussions, as everyone brings different ideas to the table. It’s crucial for us to find a balance and align our visions.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I started with a background in environmental design, driven by my admiration for architectural design. However, after diving into the field, I realized it wasn’t quite what I had imagined—it leaned more towards stability than creativity. Of course, I’m not saying there’s no creativity in it, but it wasn’t the kind I was seeking. So, I shifted my focus to graphic design, where ideas could be more easily brought to life, and I could personally see my designs materialize.

Later, I pursued my graduate studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art, where I explored a wide range of disciplines, including doodling, painting, sculpture, photography, film, and other dimensions of creative work. I must admit, one major drawback for me is that I haven’t reached the pinnacle in any single area, as my time has been spread across so many pursuits. However, throughout this journey, everything I’ve learned has broadened my understanding and perspective. I’ve been able to apply what I’ve previously learned to new endeavors, allowing me to bring a sense of creativity into different fields and create something fresh.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

Reality Isn’t What It Used to Be was a book recommended by my artist-in-residency program during graduate school. I can say it was a real eye-opener for me, broadening my perspective in many ways. Similarly, CAPS LOCK has also been incredibly inspiring and impactful in shaping my understanding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.boruijiang.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rgborui/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@boruijiang