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

Alright, Lexi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful projects for me are usually very personal and emotional. I believe exploring the inward brings more energy to the outside to connect with people on a profound level.

One of the most meaningful projects is a handmade collage zine about my grandma. She’s the one who brought me up and whom I love the most. Despite the conservative Eastern culture we come from, where saying ‘I love you’ is uncommon, she expressed her love through every detail of her actions. By engaging with the real materials and textures in my zine, the audience can feel the strong and warm love embedded within it.

Another significant project is a series called “My Proust Moments”. I often find that memories are triggered by my senses, and wonder the process behind it. I documented those moments and visualized them through various mediums such as zines, postcards, and newspapers to communicate memories with the audience.

These works always resonate with audiences because they see reflections of their own experiences and emotions. It is the connection that makes the artworks meaningful.

Lexi, 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?

I have been sensitive to graphic and visual images since I was young, which sparked my strong interest in drawing and designing. This childhood interest led me to pursue a career in graphic design. During my studies, I realized how much I love expressing and communicating with people through design. The power of design to not only convey emotion but also change people’s ideas amazed me and solidified my determination to continue in this field.

With a background in both communications design and digital art, I see myself as a multimedia and multidisciplinary creative. I have a strong foundation in traditional graphic design, including expertise in publication design, branding, and print materials. Additionally, I am proficient in digital design, particularly in motion graphics, film, animation, and 3D modeling. My work spans across various mediums, allowing me to approach projects with a broad and imaginative perspective.

What sets me apart is my focus on the ideas I’m conveying through art rather than just the superficial aesthetic style. I believe this helps me connect with the audience on a deeper level. I am most proud of my imagination and unique perspective. I always think outside the box and surprise clients with interesting ideas.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding experience is when seeing people resonate with my work. Those moments make me realize that what I’m doing is meaningful. This is why I love tabling at book fairs, where I can actually talk with the audience. When people come to my table and tell me they feel a connection with my works, it’s incredibly exciting and makes all the effort worthwhile. I also feel this connection when posting on social media. Whether it’s my design works or videos, seeing people comment and appreciate what I’m doing makes me feel that all the time I spent creating was worth it.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I often get asked, “What’s the point of graphic design?” from non-creatives. They understand that architectural design creates buildings to live in and fashion design produces clothes to wear, but they aren’t sure what graphic design accomplishes. It might seem that we can live well without it.

While it may not have a clear, tangible functionality like architecture or fashion, graphic design affects people in more subtle and pervasive ways. At its most superficial, graphic design is beautiful and makes people happy. But beyond that, it conveys messages and changes people’s ideas and behaviors, often without them even noticing.

Take branding, for example. Graphic design sets the tone for a brand, creating specific feelings and associations when people see it. Advertisements on posters, flyers, and social media are designed to attract your interest in products. In publication design, even small changes in typography can evoke different feelings and impressions.

Graphic design is everywhere—on the street, in your home, on your water bottle, and on this webpage. It shapes our visual environment and influences our perceptions and decisions every day. All it takes is a keen eye to recognize its presence and impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: lexixu.cargo.site
• Instagram: lexixu.design
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zixuan-lexi-xu-175b21279/