Meet Poppy Pu | Graphic Designer

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

Hi Poppy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most crucial factor behind my success as a graphic designer—and indeed the success of my brand—is my unwavering commitment to continuous experimentation. Each piece of work that I present to the public is the culmination of an iterative process, involving innumerable revisions and a myriad of spontaneous insights. It’s essential to understand that perfection in design is not born spontaneously; it is meticulously crafted through persistent effort and creative resilience.

This iterative process begins with a concept that may initially be far from perfect. Instead of passively waiting for the ideal solution to appear, I dive into the creative process, using each version as a stepping stone towards refinement. I challenge myself to push beyond the obvious, exploring various angles and perspectives that might initially seem less promising. This approach often leads to unexpected breakthroughs that significantly enhance the final product.

In my view, creativity thrives under conditions of dynamic action rather than static contemplation. Sitting in front of a computer, staring blankly at the screen, and hoping for a stroke of genius is rarely fruitful. Instead, it’s about getting your hands dirty, so to speak—sketching out ideas, playing with design elements, and not being afraid to scrap something and start over.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Born into the vibrant world of advertising, I started as a graphic designer not by choice but through an innate calling. With a degree in Advertising, I naturally gravitated toward branding and storytelling, volunteering to create logos and presentations during university. My initial foray into design—a hand-sketched logo—fostered a sense of unity and purpose among my peers, leading me to minor in design and explore the deeper facets of graphic design, from mastering Adobe tools to developing creative thinking.

My passion deepened during college when I founded Poppy Studio, an online jewelry store, where I managed branding, from logos to custom phone cases, building a brand cherished for its uniqueness and customer-centric approach. In 2020, I co-founded and art-directed FOMO, a French restaurant. Despite no background in interior design, I employed a graphic designer’s approach, translating 3D space into 2D concepts to establish a cohesive brand identity. This project expanded my interest in interactive design, exploring AR, VR, and projection technologies to enhance brand experiences.

My journey from advertising student to graphic designer has been a narrative of discovery and passion for branding. I continue to be driven by the power of branding to connect, engage, and inspire, eagerly bringing this enthusiasm to new projects.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles and I wanted to show them a fantastic time, I’d take them on a magical journey as if we had access to a door that could transport us anywhere we desired—where each destination promises joy and escape from everyday stress. Our adventure would begin with an early morning walk on a secluded beach, feeling the serene waves and the fresh ocean breeze, a perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with nature.

For lunch, we’d magically open a door to a lush, green fairy-tale garden where we could enjoy a picnic amidst blooming flowers and singing birds, a surreal setting to relax and chat. As evening approaches, our door would take us to a vibrant rooftop bar in downtown L.A., where we’d sip on creative cocktails and watch the sunset paint the city in golden hues.

Throughout the week, our itinerary would include spontaneous trips to places filled with art, like visiting an underground gallery showcasing local artists or a night at a live jazz cafe tucked away in a cozy corner of the city. Each location would be chosen for its ability to let us step away from our daily routines and pressures.

The idea is to create a week so freeing and therapeutic that by its end, we’d return to our regular lives rejuvenated, carrying with us the energy and peace from our fantastical escapes. This trip would not just be about seeing new places, but about the luxury of immediate departure from any spot that doesn’t resonate with us, making every moment of the journey tailored to pure enjoyment and relaxation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

In reflecting on the influences that have shaped my journey as a graphic designer, I’d first like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has engaged with my work. Coming from an advertising background, I deeply value how my designs resonate emotionally with viewers, solve client challenges, and make impactful statements. Each piece of feedback, whether it’s praise or constructive criticism, fuels my creative process and inspires continual growth.

Additionally, I owe immense gratitude to my family. Their unconditional support for my passions and career choices has been my foundation—a warm refuge for rest and rejuvenation, and a source of wise advice and unwavering confidence. They take pride in my accomplishments, big and small, which in turn boosts my drive to excel further.

Lastly, I must acknowledge myself. I am grateful for my decision to dive into the world of graphic design, a realm filled with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes that I love immersing myself in. My unceasing creativity keeps my spirit lively and each completed project brings me immense joy and pride. Celebrating these personal victories is essential, and I take pride in the resilience and inventiveness that propel me forward in this colorful journey.

Website: https://poppypu.design/

Instagram: ppogarden

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/poppypudesign

Image Credits
1: Strawberry Milkshake Manifesto Zine 2: Digital Civilization 3: LA Game Space 4: LA Game Space 5: Googie: From the Roadside to the Future 6: Googie Typeface Family 7: LikeMind 8: Typeface Design: LED