Meet Layla Zhan | Creative Designer

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

Hi Layla, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
In the realm of graphic design, with a specific focus on brand identity and packaging, there’s a fascinating blend of aesthetics and functionality. Outsiders often see the final artwork, but there’s a world of research, collaboration, and strategic decision-making behind it. My experiences, like working on Drybar items in Sephora, have taught me that designs are not just about being visually captivating. They need to convey the brand’s story, resonate with a target audience, and be versatile across various platforms. This depth and multi-dimensionality is something many outside the industry might not recognize.

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.
I’ve always approached graphic design as an evolving journey, one that perfectly blends artistic expression with real-world functionality. What I believe sets me apart is the depth of research, collaboration, and strategy I infuse into each project, ensuring that every design is not only visually captivating but also tells a profound story.

One of my proudest accomplishments is my focus on brand identity and packaging design. The work I’ve been involved in required an intricate balance between aesthetics and functionality. It’s all about creating designs that resonate emotionally with consumers while ensuring the message of the brand is conveyed effectively.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
During the first two days, my friends will immerse themselves in L.A.’s renowned art scene. The journey begins at The Getty Center, known for its striking architecture and extensive art collections. The day continues at LACMA, where art and iconic installations await. By evening, they’ll explore local dining spots in the city for a taste of L.A.

Over the next couple of days, they’ll venture through Hollywood’s iconic streets, discovering its rich cinematic history and popular attractions. Dining options range from modern eateries to timeless establishments offering classic L.A. flavors.

Wrapping up their visit, they’ll head to Santa Monica Beach. There, they can relax on the sands, meander along the nearby boulevards, and savor coastal dining experiences with mesmerizing ocean views.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! One resource that’s been pivotal in my design journey is the book ‘Don’t Make Me Think’ by Steve Krug. It reshaped my approach to design by emphasizing the importance of intuitive user interfaces. Krug’s insights made me realize that the best designs are not just visually appealing but also seamlessly functional, ensuring that users can navigate without any second-guessing. This book has been a cornerstone in my design philosophy, reminding me always to prioritize the user’s experience.

Website: https://www.laylazhan.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laylazhanx/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pingyu-zhan/