Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah Meng. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hannah, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I remember discovering a design magazine called IdN in Hong Kong when I was in middle school and found out there is a major called Graphic Design. I immediately was drawn to the world of typography, package design, visual arts, etc. That’s why I came to the States and began my journey studying graphic design at Maryland Institute College of Art. I always dreamed about working at world-class design studios and agencies, which eventually led me to my first job at Isometric Studio. Moving to New York was a pivotal moment—the city’s energy and creative community instantly resonated with me and has continually shaped my approach to design.
Hannah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
A: I am a New York-based designer, art director, and illustrator with a passion for branding, experiential design and digital products. After graduating from Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in graphic design, I moved to New York City and started my design practice.
I have collaborated with leading cultural institutions, universities, tech companies, and nonprofits to reinvent the way they present themselves visually and strategically. I am currently an independent art director and brand designer at Retool. I also worked in-house with leading brands and tech products like Notion and Asana. Previously, I was the Design Director at the New York-based design studio Isometric. In addition, I maintain an active freelance practice and explore my entrepreneurial ventures across the world.
For the past years, I have worked with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, AIA (American Institute of Architects) New York, Museum of the City of New York, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, Center for Reproductive Rights, Princeton University, and many more.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I think the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to express yourself authentically and vision through your work, but also I found the most rewarding part is helping the clients and businesses grow. I helped develop a brand identity and experiential design for a New York restaurant called Rule of Thirds. During COVID, the restaurant almost died, but with the new branding and design, it helped them pivot virtually and attract tons of people to visit. And now it’s known for its aesthetic and design, while people come visit to take pictures in front of the mural I designed, which essentially became a landmark in Brooklyn. That brings so much sense of accomplishment.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I’m currently developing my independent practice while continuing to work with Retool. In the next few years, I aim to expand my work into more experiential and spatial design projects that bridge digital and physical environments. I’m particularly interested in exploring how design can address social challenges and how it intersects with emerging technologies. Ultimately, I hope to continue creating work that not only solves problems beautifully but also contributes meaningfully to both cultural conversations and technological innovations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hannah-meng.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mengwaiwai/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-meng-672b4a13b/
- Twitter: https://x.com/hannahqmeng
