Meet Bilan Liu | Visual & Graphic Designer

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

Hi Bilan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a child, I was constantly sketching, bringing my imaginative ideas to life in my sketchbooks. This creative outlet was my playground, a place where my ideas could roam free. As I grew, so did my interest in design. High school drawing classes further opened my eyes to the potential of turning these creative inclinations into a career. Initially drawn to industrial design for its blend of aesthetics and functionality, I soon discovered that my true passion lay in communication through visuals.

My journey into the creative world was also deeply influenced by my experiences as a young person. I was always fascinated by the visual arts, a passion that started with my first manual film camera. Capturing life’s moments in those 36 frames taught me to appreciate the finer details and the power of composition. It was more than just taking pictures; it was about telling stories and conveying emotions through imagery.

The realization that design could serve as a powerful tool for communication was a turning point for me. It was about more than just creating visually appealing objects; it was about connecting with people, sharing ideas, and invoking emotions. Graphic design became the perfect medium for me to combine my love for visual storytelling with the ability to impact through design.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My design work is all about minimalism, focusing on functionality and simplicity. This isn’t just for looks; it’s about making the message clear and strong. I like to keep things simple, which helps connect better with the audience. This way of designing is inspired by Dieter Rams, who also believed in keeping design simple and clear.

I adapt my style to fit different projects since each one has its own needs and challenges. Although I prefer minimalism, I always try to balance it with what the project requires and what the client wants. This can be tricky but also very rewarding.

A project I’m really proud of is the BrightSideGoods Visual Identity. This work was all about sustainability and elegance. It involved close work with the client to create a design that truly represents their brand. Winning awards like the MUSE Award and the International Design Awards for this project was a huge honor and really motivating.

These awards have been a big boost, showing that my work stands out and is creative. They encourage me to keep pushing limits and exploring new ideas in design.

I believe design is more than making things look good; it’s about telling a story and touching emotions. My goal is to mix the simplicity of minimalism with the depth of cultural stories, making designs that catch the eye and touch the heart.

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?
I’d kick off our LA adventure in the Arts District, diving into the rich art and design scene with its colorful galleries and murals, followed by a meal at Bestia to savor some innovative Italian fare. Our exploration would take us to the Getty Center and LACMA, where we’d capture the fusion of iconic architecture and diverse art collections through our lenses. We’d then wander Venice Beach, soaking in the eclectic murals and vibrant boardwalk atmosphere, and later, dine in the design-forward eateries of Silver Lake. To top off the experience, we’d relish the nighttime panorama from a stylish rooftop bar in Downtown LA, fully embracing the city’s lively meld of creativity and urban flair.

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?
There are so many individuals and groups I’d love to acknowledge. First off, I must give a huge shoutout to my past collaborative peers at Yahoo, Fisker, and Tencent. Working alongside such talented designers has been nothing short of inspirational. The dynamic we shared, and the way we integrated diverse perspectives into our projects, has significantly enriched my professional journey. The seamless collaboration and creative synergy in these teams have been a major driving force in my career.

I also want to express my deepest gratitude to my mentors, including Yuna Yang and Chris Hu, among others. Their guidance and support have been invaluable. I remember our enlightening conversations, especially during challenging times, which were instrumental in shaping my professional and personal growth. These experiences underline why I’m so passionate about giving back to the community. I aim to mentor emerging talents in the design industry, helping them navigate their career paths and expand their understanding of the field.

Website: https://www.lanjux.com/

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

Image Credits
Bilan Liu