We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Genie Wu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Genie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is the Fashion Research Library, a digital archive exploring the intersection of typography, design, and fashion history. As a fashion lover, I’ve always been fascinated by how visual culture shapes our understanding of style, from the elegant serif lettering of vintage couture advertisements to the bold, experimental type in contemporary fashion branding. This project allowed me to translate that passion into a dynamic research tool, curating historical references while integrating modern digital design elements.
The idea stemmed from my appreciation for fashion’s rich archival history and the way designers constantly reference the past to create the future. I wanted to build a space where typography and fashion could coexist, allowing users to explore how text and imagery contribute to the storytelling of fashion movements over time. The challenge was not only in the curation but in crafting an intuitive, immersive experience that felt like flipping through a well-preserved, yet ever-evolving, fashion archive.
This project is meaningful to me because it merges my love for fashion with my background in design, highlighting how typography plays a crucial role in shaping fashion’s identity. It’s a reminder that fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a visual language that extends across eras, mediums, and disciplines.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a designer and visual storyteller whose journey spans from Taiwan to the United States, navigating a diverse landscape of cultures, languages, and creative influences. This cross-cultural experience has profoundly shaped my approach to design, allowing me to see the world through multiple perspectives. Every interaction, every visual cue, and every detail in my surroundings becomes a source of inspiration, fueling my passion for creating bold, powerful imagery and typography.
My work exists at the intersection of graphic design, typography, and visual research, often blending traditional artistic influences with contemporary digital techniques. Whether through branding, editorial design, or interactive experiences, I strive to craft visuals that not only communicate but also evoke emotion and tell a story. I specialize in projects that require a strong conceptual foundation, ensuring that every design decision is intentional and meaningful.
What sets my work apart is my ability to bridge different artistic disciplines and cultural narratives. Having immersed myself in both Eastern and Western design aesthetics, I enjoy experimenting with contrasts—merging classical influences with modern innovation, structured typography with organic textures, and analog techniques with digital mediums. This fusion allows me to create work that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.
I take great pride in projects that challenge traditional boundaries, such as the Fashion Research Library, where typography and fashion history intertwine, or Form Revival, an exhibition exploring the relationship between Renaissance art and digital abstraction. These projects embody my belief that design is not just about aesthetics but about crafting experiences that resonate with people on a deeper level.
For potential collaborators and clients, I want them to know that my work is driven by curiosity, storytelling, and cultural connection. I approach every project with the mindset of an observer and researcher, ensuring that the visuals I create are rooted in meaning and purpose. Whether it’s branding, editorial, or experimental visual research, my goal is always to translate ideas into striking, immersive, and thought-provoking design experiences.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One of the biggest challenges non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey as a designer is the intangible nature of creative work—how design is more than just making things “look good.” Every project I take on, whether it’s branding, typography, or editorial design, involves deep research, conceptual thinking, and constant iteration. It’s about solving problems visually, crafting an experience, and telling a story in a way that resonates.
For example, my work isn’t just about selecting fonts or colors; it’s about understanding why certain typography evokes a particular mood, how grid structures influence perception, or how cultural history can inform contemporary design. Projects like the Fashion Research Library or Form Revival are built on this foundation—exploring the intersection of disciplines, reinterpreting historical influences, and pushing the boundaries of what design can communicate.
For non-creatives, I’d say that design isn’t just decoration—it’s a language, a system, and a way of thinking that shapes how we experience the world. Whether it’s a museum exhibition identity, a typographic experiment, or a digital archive, my goal is to create work that’s not just seen but felt—something that engages, challenges, and leaves a lasting impression.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to bring ideas to life. Design is more than just aesthetics—it’s a form of storytelling, a way to bridge cultures, and a tool to create meaningful experiences. Whether through typography, branding, or editorial work, I love translating abstract concepts into visual narratives that engage, inform, and inspire.
For me, the greatest fulfillment comes from the process of discovery—researching, experimenting, and pushing boundaries to create something that feels both innovative and deeply rooted in meaning. Projects like the Fashion Research Library and Form Revival allow me to explore intersections between history, technology, and design, showing how the past and present can coexist in new ways.
Another rewarding aspect is seeing my work connect with people—whether it sparks curiosity, provokes thought, or simply makes someone feel something. As a designer, I love crafting visuals that evoke emotion, challenge perspectives, and communicate ideas in ways that words alone cannot. Being able to shape experiences through design, and knowing that my work can leave an impact, is what makes this journey so fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://geniewu.info/