Interview with Chen Shuang from China, an Enthusiastic Brand Designer

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Chen Shuang

Chen Shuang is a brand designer from China, a country with a rich history and culture spanning 5,000 years. The artistic aesthetics and spirit of Chinese culture provide endless inspiration for design work, drawing substantial nourishment from it.

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.

I am a brand designer from China, an ancient country with a 5,000-year history and culture. The artistic aesthetics and spirit of Chinese culture provide me with endless inspiration for my design work, from which I draw rich nourishment.

I love traveling and have visited Europe, Africa, America, and Asia, exploring famous buildings, art galleries, museums, exhibitions, and more. Appreciating these artworks has broadened my artistic vision and expanded my aesthetic thinking. My design work focuses on spirit and philosophy, aesthetics and functionality, as well as practicality.

I am now fortunate to be a student at the Holy Mountain Buddhism Institute. The teachings of Buddhism have clarified my mind and enhanced my design inspiration. Inspiration bursts forth in an instant, making it enjoyable to complete surprising design projects.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
It’s a natural process. I have loved painting and sculpture since I was young, and I am grateful for my parents' support, which led me to study at an art and design school. After starting my career, I developed an inseparable relationship with brand design.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
I am a brand designer. My work includes but is not limited to: brand logo design, brand image design, packaging design, brochure design, website design, and advertising design.
4What does “design” mean to you?
Design is a joyful endeavor. It is a process of creating beauty and a way to change the world.
5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
I don’t have a favorite; I appreciate all good designs.
6To you, what makes a “good” design?
I believe it should combine creativity and aesthetics, functionality and practicality. It should provide a refreshing experience and be convenient and enjoyable for users.
7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
Minimalist modern style, integrating classical artistic aesthetics.
8Tell us about your design process.

The success of brand design presentation largely stems from a deep understanding of the brand's positioning, philosophy, culture, and spirit—these invisible aspects. I believe that focusing on the invisible elements allows us to better accomplish the visible aspects.

Therefore, I prefer to spend time understanding, learning about, and organizing the foundational work of the brand.

9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
it’s very significant. I am grateful to have been immersed in such a cultural atmosphere since childhood.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Thank you! Receiving this award brings honor to my team and me and greatly boosts the confidence and morale of our partners.
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

Our client, "Shuyu," is a company dedicated to providing high-quality wellness experiences to consumers through a human-centered approach, high-quality medicinal materials, and natural therapies.

At the same time, the company places a strong emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, striving to minimize its impact on the environment and actively fulfilling social responsibilities. "Aizhi Chen" is a high-end health product meticulously developed by Shuyu that integrates mugwort and agarwood.

The company’s meticulous brand spirit and commitment to social responsibility greatly attract me, and I admire it very much. Therefore, we are also willing to support its business development.

12What was the biggest challenge with this project?

"Aizhi Chen" is a product that requires effective moisture-proof treatment. The usual method is plastic sealing. However, its brand philosophy is green and environmentally friendly, and it does not wish to use plastic.

This created a contradiction in the design. Fortunately, through continuous effort, I found a type of moisture-proof and waterproof wax paper, cleverly resolving this issue.

13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Of course, this gives me more confidence to face larger designs and challenges.
14Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

The emergence and development of AI have made the future of the design industry full of unpredictability. However, one thing is certain: human wisdom is a core element that AI cannot surpass.

Therefore, practicing Zen wisdom is the way out for various industries.

15If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
The MUSE Design Awards is a mature, professional, and internationally influential design award. It is also a platform where one can confidently express and showcase their work, making it worthwhile for every design enthusiast to actively participate.
16Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My guru, Holy Master Ziguang. He reveals truths in simple and understandable terms, serving as a guiding light in my life, making my life valuable and meaningful.

Winning Entry

Packaging Design for 'Ai Zhi Chen' moxa stick. | 2024

Packaging Design for 'Ai Zhi Chen' moxa stick | Chen Shuang

Chen Shuang

Chen Shuang is a brand designer from China, a country with a rich history and culture spanning 5,000 years. The artistic aesthetics and spirit of Chinese culture provide endless inspiration for design work, drawing substantial nourishment from it.


Read more about this interview with Xiyao Wang from the United States, the Silver Winner of the 2024 MUSE Design Awards.

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