Meet Bowen Shen | Designer

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

Hi Bowen, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
I’ve learned that luck plays a significant role in one’s career (and life in general). Embrace it, don’t be too hard on yourself, do the right things, and let the opportunities you encounter along the way guide you to new places.

Throughout my career, I’ve experienced ups and downs and some unexpected turns. I didn’t set out to be a Product Designer when I initially started my journey in design. My undergraduate education was primarily focused on graphic design. It was the accidental discovery of my interest in coding that led me to explore the digital side of design and pursue a Master’s in Interaction Design. This turned out to be a fortunate choice, as it’s a field with strong job prospects, and I’ve seen many creatives transition to this track for better career opportunities.

Just as I thought I had made a lucky career selection, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing widespread challenges. Months of job searching were fruitless, while some of my peers were lucky enough to receive job offers. Questions of self-worth and comparison plagued me until, finally, it was my turn to be lucky, and I accepted a decent job offer.

A whole new journey began at that point. Over the next few years, I witnessed the economy’s rollercoaster ride, experiencing both the highs and lows of the business world, from expansive growth stages to re-organizations and mass layoffs.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I’ve learned to accept the uncontrollable nature of many things. This realization has underscored the importance of focusing on personal growth to anchor myself better amidst uncertainty. Embracing the journey, staying adaptable, and continuing to learn have been crucial.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a designer. I design, doodle, and code. Currently working as a Product Designer at Goldman Sachs in the vibrant city of New York, I’ve journeyed through fine arts training in my early years, pursued Communication Design in my undergraduate studies, and further delved into Interaction Design, which paved the way to my present role.

What makes my current work exciting is that the product I contribute to has a wide public reach, offering ample opportunities for our team to receive valuable user feedback. It’s truly gratifying to witness people having positive experiences with the product we passionately refine.

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?
When I first got into fine dining, I discovered this hidden gem called Orsa & Winston on my trip to LA. It’s a Michelin-star Asian fusion spot in downtown, named after the owner’s dogs. The food was amazing and worth every penny. They even threw in extra courses, which left me super full and happy by the end. It’s worth a visit!

For a taste of Hollywood, you’ve got to try the Paramount Studio Tour. I went on a quiet day and ended up with a one-on-one tour with the guide. It was cool seeing the sets and learning about the history of the studio.

LA also has some fantastic art spots. Check out LACMA for a mix of everything, The Broad for contemporary pieces, and The Getty Center for amazing views and gardens along with great art. These places really show off the city’s creative side.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to my parents, who helped me find my passion in the art field and supported me all the way to where I am today, both metaphorically and physically – we now live half a globe away, and I can’t wait to see them again!

My mom is an architect, and my childhood memories are filled with doodling on the back of her unused blueprints. The paper was usually completely blank and large, giving me plenty of freedom to fill up the space however I wanted. It wasn’t premium quality, so I never felt pressured to create a masterpiece from the outset. I didn’t doodle alone; my parents often joined me, adding their drawings. Though my dad isn’t in the art or design field professionally, he could draw characters very well, much to the delight of my younger self.

Unlike many parents who try to nip their kids’ non-academic interests in the bud, my parents respected my choice of major and profession. That doesn’t mean they never intervened – my mom sincerely tried to dissuade me from pursuing an architecture major which she knew too well how tough it is (though I wasn’t serious about it anyway).

Their unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in my journey. They’ve taught me the value of creativity and the importance of following one’s passion, and I am forever grateful for their influence and support.

Website: https://www.bowenshen.design/

Instagram: @mengshenwww

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bowen-shen/

Image Credits
Marcus by Goldman Sachs; WEST X EAST