Meet Shupeng Jiang (Shu) | Industrial Designer & Footwear Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shupeng Jiang (Shu) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shu, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I like taking risks, particularly within my design work. I’ve realized that taking risks fuels my energy and passion for design. Actually it’s an important motivation in why I chose this career path; design not only allows but also encourages risk-taking. It sounds like a virtuous cycle for me—I’m drawn to design because of the freedom it offers in taking risks, and facing those risks stimulates me to think creatively to overcome them. This process consistently inspires me and pushes me move forward on the path of design. I really enjoy this process.

Besides, taking risk helps me know myself better. Through pushing the boundaries, I have insights into my limitations and preferences, which ultimately helps me in making informed decisions in the future. That is another benefit of taking risk for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career journey began with Industrial Design, a choice I made when I first started college. I realized this work feeling like a natural fit, aligning well with the balance of my logical mindset and creative flair, so I was lucky not to make a hard decision. Throughout my student years, I kept developing my design process, exploring various styles and methods. I found I always have acute insights into niche groups, drawn to their unique experiences and emotions. Then I start to utilize design as a storytelling medium, aim to resonate with a broader audience with stories within these niche communities.

Around a year ago, I began to focus more intently on footwear design, recognizing it as an ideal medium for storytelling and cultural expression. Although I’ve always been a shoe dog since childhood, I initially attempted to separate my personal interests from my professional pursuits. However, I eventually realize that my true passion lies in footwear design, and it has now become my primary focus of my work. In this year, through experiences like the sponsored program with lululemon & Gravity Sketch, I’ve learned a lot and more important, I see the potential value I can bring to the footwear industry.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I tend to stay home more due to laziness, but I believe Los Angeles and its surroundings are ideal for vacations. Personally, I would encourage my friend to spend a few days driving along the coastline. Being by the sea always relaxes me, especially with California’s fantastic weather—it’s a truly unique experience.

I often recommend trying out some Chinese cuisine in San Gabriel, even to friends visiting from China. Some of my friends say some dishes here still have that nostalgic, old-school taste that’s rare to find, even back in China. It resonates with their childhood memories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
For sure I want to give a big shout-out to my family. When I first decided to pursue Industrial Design, they didn’t even know what it was, but they never hesitated to trust and support me for my decision. Additionally, I want to thank my friends. I feel comfortable in engaging in constant conversations or discussions while working, especially when I am stuck, which always happens to me. So I often reach out to my friends for impromptu conversations during work. Despite the spontaneity of my calls, they are patient and always bring me great inspirations. I just feel lucky to know these nice and talented people in my life.

Website: https://shupeng.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shupeng_j/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shupeng-jiang-77b63a270/