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

Shengxuan, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?

One of my most unforgettable internship experiences involved creating illustrations for the company’s newsletter. With no prior experience in illustration, this was a significant challenge for me. At first, I struggled to capture the newsletter’s overall vibe and find a style that matched its tone. With limited time, I created five illustrations based on my personal preferences. However, after a week, the design director informed me that the writer had mentioned the illustrations didn’t reflect the content of her article and that I needed to redo them. I felt a bit discouraged, but the Art Director encouraged me to start from scratch, documenting each step of the process—from gathering references and sketching to finalizing the illustrations. She patiently guided me throughout. In the end, the illustrations were approved, and I felt a huge sense of relief.

This experience taught me the importance of having a structured process and clear communication in design. Design is not just about self-expression; it’s about using my skills to meet the client’s needs. I felt a deep sense of satisfaction when the client was pleased with my work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a graphic designer, my work is driven by storytelling and the desire to create meaningful connections between identity, culture, and the natural world. I view design as more than just a visual tool—it’s a medium for challenging conventions, raising questions, and envisioning new possibilities.

What makes my work unique is its blend of personal and universal perspectives. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, my identity deeply influences the projects I take on, such as Queer Arcadia, which explores the intersection between queer identity and ecology. I find it thrilling to use design to navigate these complex intersections, combining experimental typography, speculative concepts, and storytelling to create conceptual worlds that resonate with a wide range of audiences.

Another rewarding aspect of my journey is my role as an educator. Collaborating with students has reinforced the importance of curiosity and teamwork in keeping my own creativity alive. Their fresh perspectives often challenge me to think differently and push the boundaries of my own work.

Looking ahead, I’m focusing on expanding the impact of my work through exhibitions and collaborations. I’m committed to exploring how design can foster connection, ignite conversations, and inspire new ways of seeing the world. For me, the most fulfilling part of design is not just creating for the present, but shaping a vision for the future.

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

For me, one of the privileges of being a creative is that sensitivity is a quality that gets rewarded. In many areas of life, society teaches us to hide our emotions and suppress our personalities, especially in professional contexts. However, in art and design, we are encouraged to embrace our sensitivity, using it to feel the beauty, the vibe, and the emotions within a work. Sensitivity is no longer a weakness but rather one of the most powerful tools to make your work unique and allow it to stand out from others.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Being a creative is unlike any other job; it’s a lifestyle. I often feel that I can’t truly separate my work from my personal life, because creation is so deeply tied to personal experience, and I draw so much inspiration from my daily life. It’s a bittersweet experience, though, because the project you’re working on tends to spin endlessly in your mind and can become a constant presence. But the joyful part is that we find so much fulfillment in the thinking, creating, and imagining. Liza Enebeis once said, “Designing is like being in love—you overthink, obsess, can’t sleep—because you care too much.” I believe this perfectly captures the feeling of anyone who is passionate about creative work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shengxuanhudesign.cargo.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roberthusx/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shengxuan-hu-6802b3296/

Image Credits
Shengxuan Hu