Meet Jia Yu | Graphic Designer

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

Hi Jia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up in Shanghai, living with my parents and older twin brothers since I was young. Influenced by my brothers, I was fascinated by the manga of Togashi Yoshihiro, JRPG games from the GBA era, and bands in the post-punk, C86 and shoegaze styles during my childhood. These hobbies unconsciously cultivated my sensitivity to visual art and admiration for independent artists. After systematically studying painting in high school, I pursued a major in Visual Communication Design at Shanghai Normal University, developing a passion for typography. Following graduation, I worked as a packaging designer for two years. However, deep within me, there was a desire to explore the world further.

With the support of my parents, I came to Maryland Institute College of Art in 2022 to receive more systematic practice in Graphic Design. I learned that graphic design knows no boundaries, and encourages exploring experimental visual languages. Beyond self-fulfilment and serving business needs, it can also influence humanity and the world.

Simultaneously, I embarked on a truly independent life. I have had a habit since childhood of documenting and observing my own life and emotions. I have grown to love nature more, love humanity more, and love exploring the world. I am like a vessel that contains everything; all the freshness, repetition, passion, pain, and confusion in life become my life experiences. Through reflection and introspection, I have grown into a more complete person, knowing that my experiences will transform into intuition, and keen, mature intuition will give birth to unexpected artwork. I am willing to strive for a lifetime to explore visual language and enhance my impact on society. Becoming a graphic designer means reconnecting with life, and giving back to the world what I have experienced and learned.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
During a trip to Mexico City, I visited the anthropological museum where my interest in the symbols of Mayan civilization was piqued. Through Code Word Archive, a thesis project at MICA, I’ve been fortunate to deconstruct familiar characters in an attempt to combine personal interest, social observation and visual experimentation.

To thwart censorship on online platforms, many people have created code words to communicate sensitive topics. As a result, people have become metaphorical poets, deciphering each other’s codes, causing some words to lose their original meanings, and some words to disappear. Code Word Archive imagines a future where there is no longer a censorship mechanism, and the cryptic text of the past becomes a document of future human archaeology. A dictionary and videos become tools for deciphering poetic ciphers, tracing the taboos, and collecting memories of a period of online censorship.

In the future, I plan to continue researching exhibition techniques and exploring different display materials to enhance the multidimensional expression of my work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a Nintendo enthusiast, I highly recommend experiencing Mario World at Universal’s Nintendo theme park. Also, visiting the Getty Center would be a unique art gallery experience—from riding the tram up the hills, and enjoying the elegant sunset, to exploring the vast and intricate exhibitions within the museum itself. It promises to be an unforgettable and wonderful day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to my parents. Every significant decision in my life has been my own, and they have always supported me without interference. They believe in my choices, trust me to take responsibility for my own life, and take pride in my accomplishments.

Next, I would like to thank my brothers, my partner Yijun, and my friends. They have provided me with the most companionship throughout my growth, both emotionally and practically. I can always trust them to share my feelings, and I am grateful for their understanding and love.

I also want to thank MICA and IKEA. Every person I have encountered here has been incredibly friendly and supportive. Through my solitary life in the United States, I have gradually found a sense of belonging and warmth, as well as beautiful memories.

Website: https://jiayu-design.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teomore9/