Meet Alvin Lin | Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alvin Lin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alvin, how do you think about risk?
Risk is an inherent part of my creative journey. Rather than opting for the familiar or predictable path, I’ve learned that real progress comes from stepping into the unknown. Every new challenge offers an opportunity to grow, and it’s through embracing uncertainty that I’ve pushed my boundaries as a designer. By thoughtfully considering the potential outcomes and trusting my instincts, I’ve been able to take bold steps that have advanced my career and shaped my creative voice.
Risk has played a huge role in shaping who I am today, transforming the way I live, work, and express my creativity. One of the biggest risks I took was moving to the United States. Growing up in Taiwan, I was deeply familiar with Asian culture, and it was my comfort zone. However, after high school, I decided to move to the U.S. to pursue a creative career, even though I had no connections, no friends, and no familiarity with the new environment. It was a massive leap of faith.
From that experience, I learned how to adapt quickly, embrace uncertainty, and gain a broader perspective. These lessons directly connect to my creative process, where I constantly step outside of my comfort zone. Whether it’s using a new medium, working on unfamiliar projects, or exploring new ways to tell a brand’s story, I’ve learned to make peace with discomfort. It’s through these challenges that I grow as a designer.
For example, my packaging projects pushed me to consider not only a company’s visual narrative but also how to work with 3D surfaces to bring that story to life. Each branding project I take on presents new challenges—each client has its own voice, and it’s my job to shape that into a cohesive visual identity. My time working in Berlin, and immersing myself in a different culture, further expanded my ability to view things from diverse perspectives and appreciate the nuances of global design.
Ultimately, taking risks has been central to my personal and professional development. From choosing to attend art and design school to tackling ambitious projects, these risks have allowed me to produce work I’m proud of. They’ve also sharpened my skills as a creative professional and expanded my network of fellow creatives and risk-takers. Embracing risk is what keeps me evolving.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art and design work is deeply rooted in creating meaningful connections through visual storytelling, with a focus on diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability. What sets me apart is my passion for telling authentic stories and my attention to cultural representation. I believe design has the power to shape not only brands but also the way people interact with the world. Every project I work on is a chance to highlight different voices and create designs that are more than just visually appealing—they’re purposeful and impactful.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to dive into new challenges, whether it’s brand identity, packaging design, or digital experiences. For example, my work with SingleThread gave me the opportunity to create a visual narrative that reflects the brand’s core values, balancing innovation and warmth in a way that speaks to both its audience and its mission. My rebranding for the LA LGBT Center, with its focus on community and inclusivity, is another project that represents the kind of work I want to continue creating—designs that resonate on both personal and cultural levels.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Moving to the United States from Taiwan was a huge risk, but it taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. I’ve faced countless challenges along the way, from navigating a new culture to learning how to stand out in a competitive industry. What helped me overcome these challenges was persistence, curiosity, and the incredible support of my mentors and peers. I’ve learned that growth comes from discomfort, and it’s important to embrace every learning opportunity, even when it feels uncertain.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that authenticity matters. Staying true to who I am and what I believe in has allowed me to create work that resonates deeply with both myself and others. I want the world to know that my design philosophy is centered around inclusivity, storytelling, and pushing the boundaries of creativity. My brand and story are about connection, about using design as a bridge between ideas, cultures, and people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d be excited to take them on a cultural journey through some of my favorite places in Pasadena, Los Angeles, and Laguna Beach. We’d dive into art, diverse cuisines, and explore the rich cultural fabric that makes these areas so special to me.

We’d start the week in Pasadena, beginning with the stunning Norton Simon Museum, where we could immerse ourselves in world-class art collections. Afterward, we’d grab a fresh, locally inspired lunch in Old Town Pasadena, and spend the afternoon wandering through the beautiful gardens at the Huntington Library. To finish the day, dinner would be at one of my favorite spots, Poke Salad Bar, where we can enjoy a healthy and customizable meal with global flavors.

The next day, we’d head down to Los Angeles. I’d show them around Grand Central Market, a food haven with vendors representing cultures from around the globe. We’d explore the street art and galleries in the Arts District, followed by a visit to The Broad, a contemporary art museum with some of the most thought-provoking pieces in the city. We’d end the night at Bestia, one of the best spots in LA for creative Italian cuisine.

Midweek, we’d venture out to Laguna Beach for a day by the ocean. We’d enjoy breakfast at Urth Cafe and stroll through local art galleries before relaxing at Heisler Park with its stunning views of the Pacific.

Back in Pasadena, we’d spend a day at my school, ArtCenter College of Design, where all the creatives are hard at work. I want to take them there not only to show the incredible architecture of the Hillside campus but also to give them a glimpse of the creative energy inside. We’d see transportation students sculpting cars, product design students sketching ideas, and visit the student gallery to see work that’s on par with professional industry standards.

This itinerary would be the perfect mix of culture, art, and food, which are all things I’m passionate about and love sharing with others.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by so many inspiring and supportive people throughout my journey. First and foremost, I want to give a huge shoutout to my instructors at ArtCenter College of Design. I’ve had the privilege of learning from some truly talented and caring individuals like Monica Schlaug, Scarlit Bloome, Dan Hoy, Cheri Gray, and many more. They’ve pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined, and their guidance has been invaluable to my development as a designer.

I also want to acknowledge my amazing group of friends at school. We’ve been through so much together—late nights studying, giving each other feedback and design help, and pushing each other to be better. They’ve been a huge part of my work and my support system.

Lastly, a special shoutout goes to my uncle, Ree Chen, who is also a graphic designer and an ArtCenter graduate. He’s the reason I’m on this creative path, and his influence and inspiration have been monumental in shaping my passion for design.

Website: https://alvinlindesign.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-lin-design/