Meet Aziza Tanjung | Brand Designer & Storyteller

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

Hi Aziza, what do you want your legacy to be?
I do ask myself that question a lot. Why I became a designer and what kind of impact I want to leave on others. I think I want people to know that I’m listening, that they can find comfort and understanding in me. Same with my creative work, I want my designs to resonate and connect with the person they’re designed for. And they don’t have to be as deep and serious as it sounds at all, I realized what’s most meaningful to us are often found in the little things around us. Especially at this age where so many new things are being produced everyday, we need that sincerity and empathy from each other now more than ever.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am a brand designer. I work with brand identity, strategy, as well as packaging design. But most importantly, I tell stories that turn products from an object into an experience or a character that would echo with the intended audience.

I have always been a quiet person. So since I was young, I have always enjoyed working with anything arts. One, it gives me peace and time with myself. Two, it allows me to communicate with others of things I can’t say. I find art unique and effective in its own way because you can convey beyond words and thoughts: from emotions, conflicting or nuanced experiences, to something out of this world or completely imaginative. I started with drawing and painting when I was in pre-school. Then as I grew up, I studied design, photography, literature, dance, and theatre. It’s fascinating how different, yet fundamentally similar, they all are. They’re all still about us communicating a message to an audience.

I ended up studying Product Design at ArtCenter College of Design for my bachelor degree. It was (understandably) a challenge convincing my parents to go to an art school. So product design was actually a compromise where I can be creative while applying it to the real world function. Through out my university journey, I was lost for a long time. Which was emotionally and mentally difficult. People don’t talk about it enough, but it is part of growing up. It was actually only in my senior year when I found brand & strategy and I feel both excited & challenged with my work. I think really learned to trust and follow the flow in life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In LA? there are so many things! I think the best way to explore any city is to visit like a local. Go to the hidden spots and trending restaurants. Of course, Disneyland, the Hollywood sign, etc are still a must if you’ve never been. But my favourite things to do are visiting art museums like LACMA or gardens like The Huntington Library & Gardens. Try different boba, coffee and dessert spots. Lavender & Honey for coffee, OMOMO for tea, and Fill Bakery for mochi donuts are great examples. And it’s a great city for Sushi (Osawa is my favourite) and authentic Taco trucks! There are giant factory outlets for shopping. You can go to a concert. And don’t forget to explore or rent and airbnb beyond the city: Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Big Bear are super fun!

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?
Of course! I want to thank my parents and family for the guidance and support. I’m always thankful in how my parents have raised me to think for myself and make my own decisions. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. I also want to thank my teachers and peers for always pushing me, being excited for the little steps and progress that most people won’t see and help me grow to be a successful professional. Last but not least, I want to give a massive thank you to my sister and my best friends. They are truly my rock whenever I feel lost, self doubts, and lose courage. I wouldn’t have survive without you. Please continue to watch over me and look forward to my future! I hope I have left the same positive impact on everyone as you guys have on me.

Website: azizatanjung.com

Instagram: instagram.com/azizatanjung/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/azizatanjung