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

Jiayu, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My hero is my mother, May. Her influence has profoundly shaped me since I was young, nurturing my creativity, craftsmanship, and imagination. Without her support and guidance, I truly believe I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today.

Growing up, I was constantly inspired by May’s creativity. She loved turning colored paper into beautiful handmade flowers and drawing the things around her. Her artistic spirit extended beyond her projects and into how she interacted with the world around us. During city walks, she would stop to observe flowers and plants, sharing details about their characteristics. Her ability to notice and appreciate the often-overlooked small details taught me to view and cherish the world from a unique perspective.

The lessons I learned from my mother are invaluable, not just in the realm of creativity but also in life and how to interact with the world. She taught me that true inspiration can be found in the simplest things and that creativity knows no bounds. Thanks to her support and influence, I’ve had a continuous source of inspiration throughout my creative journey. Through ongoing practice and experience, I’ve developed an appreciation for the arts and design and a variety of skills, which continue to guide me as I grow.

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.

As a Communication Designer, I specialize in Branding & Identity, Design Strategy, and Experience/Service Design. With adept skill in integrating diverse influences into design thinking and implementation, I actively enhance problem-solving and visual storytelling with a creative and team-oriented approach. During my time at Pratt Institute, I majored in Communication Design and pursued a double major in the History of Art and Interdisciplinary Book Design. This academic background has enriched my creative approach, enabling me to blend visual communication with historical and interdisciplinary perspectives. Beyond my professional work, I’m passionate about photography and doodling, which often bring a unique and personal touch to my design projects.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I find immense value in seeing my work used in the real world and interacting with people. It’s particularly fulfilling when my designs make an impact by informing or influencing the audience. For instance, when the exhibition guide I created helped visitors navigate the space and understand the artworks, or when I illustrated a children’s activity book for a music festival that educated and engaged kids, it felt like I was connecting with them through this indirect interaction. A standout moment for me was my thesis project—a magazine about Beijing’s hutongs. Seeing all the copies quickly taken and engaging in discussions with many people at the show was incredibly exciting, as it sparked emotions and inspired thoughtful reflection.

Overall, the most fulfilling part of being creative is the ability to connect with people on an emotional level through visual storytelling. Watching how a piece of art or design can evoke emotions, inspire action, or spark meaningful conversations is deeply satisfying. The freedom to express ideas in unique and innovative ways and the constant evolution of my skills and perspectives keep the creative process exciting. Whether it’s bringing a brand to life or conveying a powerful message, witnessing the impact of my work is what makes the creative journey so meaningful.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a mission to use design and art to bridge gaps, foster deeper connections, and enhance experiences and life. I aim to connect people, make complex issues visible and accessible, and encourage thoughtful reflection through design. I strive to create work that communicates ideas and emotions in ways that resonate with and impact people. Combining creativity with empathy, I work to make a positive difference, helping individuals and communities connect with the world in innovative and meaningful ways. Additionally, I seek to expand my knowledge in interdisciplinary areas such as engineering, technology, and media, and to engage with people from diverse fields to bring new perspectives and possibilities into my work and life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jiayuhu.com
• Instagram: @hutt.pdf

Image Credits

Annie Junyang Du