1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
Hi, I'm Wen-Chi Hsueh, a packaging and graphic designer from Taiwan currently based in New York. I studied Visual Communication Design for my undergraduate degree and have just graduated from Pratt Institute with a master's in Packaging, Identities, and System Design. Throughout my design journey, I have seen myself as a multidisciplinary designer, working across packaging, visual experiences, and branding.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
I am passionate about how design connects people through visual language. I strive to create designs that benefit the world and connect people through positivity and bold ideas.
3What does “design” mean to you?
I believe design is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about giving something a soul. The design is unique and interesting. It creates unexpected sparks, promotes creativity and communication, and improves our living environment. Design has the power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, making life more enjoyable and meaningful.
4What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
I have a wide range of design genres that I enjoy, ranging from minimalist to bold and even quirky ideas. Also, I enjoy exploring diverse styles of design. I believe that design works should be creative, diverse, or even unexpected.
5To you, what makes a “good” design?
To me, a “good” design resonates with users both meaningfully and emotionally. It solves problems and enhances people’s lives. It also effectively communicates messages that are difficult to express in words, making abstract ideas and feelings tangible. No matter what angle is used to approach or interpret, the ultimate goal of a good design is to solve a problem, establish a concept, or generate an idea.
6How did you come up with the idea for your award-winning design?
The shoe itself can be considered a work of art, as can the shoe packaging. Rather than just protecting and presenting the product, I am eager to create the packaging to enhance the overall experience.
7What was your main source of inspiration for this design?
Taking inspiration from the aerodynamic qualities of a spaceship, I wanted to create a design that embodies speed, fluidity, and a sense of weightlessness. The sleek, futuristic aesthetics reflect innovation and freedom, aligning with the concept of movement and cutting through the air effortlessly.
8Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
Absolutely, my country and its cultural heritage have a profound impact on my design process. Taiwan’s rich history, cultural traditions, and the influence of Daoist philosophy and Chinese calligraphy all inspire unique perspectives and expressions in my work.
9Congratulations! As the winner of the French Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
As a graphic & packaging designer, winning the French Design Awards has been particularly meaningful to me. It is a meaningful milestone for me. It serves as an additional validation of my work in these specific areas.
10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the French Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
By participating in this famous competition, I was able to demonstrate my design skills and showcase my work to a wider audience.
The packaging design for “Air Shoes” combines cutting-edge innovation with an otherworldly sense of freedom and lightness. Taking inspiration from the aerodynamic qualities of a spaceship, embracing the shoes’ focus on “air,” the packaging conveys the feeling of effortlessly cutting through the air and flying, representing the values of speed, agility, and innovation. Incorporating streamlined contours and lines, the spaceship packaging resonates with the fluidity of motion while highlighting the lightweight nature of the shoes.
11What were the main challenges you faced during the design process, and how did you overcome them?
As a graphic and packaging designer, my biggest challenge in this project was creating 3D models and prototypes. It was challenging because it required skills and knowledge beyond my usual graphic and packaging design work. From modeling to final prototyping, the process required different skills and a deeper understanding of materiality, structure, and manufacturing processes.
12How do you think winning this award will impact your future as a designer?
Winning this award has not only boosted my confidence but has also encouraged further growth and achievement in my career. Additionally, it has provided me with the invaluable opportunity to showcase my designs to a broader audience.
13Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I believe design will get more high-tech with things like AI, AR, and VR becoming a bigger part of how we create and experience things. Collaboration between different fields like design and technology will be more common to solve complex problems.
14What advice do you have for aspiring designers who want to create award-winning designs?
While the result is important, the journey and learning experience are just as valuable. Stay curious about new trends and technologies. Trust your creative ideas. Success takes time and persistence, so stay patient and keep moving forward.
15What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
Websites like Pinterest, Behance, and Dribbble are excellent sources for finding inspiration and discovering new ideas. Moreover, taking the time to look at award-winning works from design competitions can it’s also be a good way to keep yourself up-to-date.
16What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
My key to success is perseverance. Understand that everyone progresses at their own pace, so don’t give up. Stay committed to your goals, keep learning, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Success is a journey, not a destination.
