Meet Shaowen Liang | Graphic Designer

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

Hi Shaowen, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work-life balance has changed a lot over the years. Back in college, I was all about studying and working, barely leaving my room unless it was for class. That kind of routine took a toll on my social life and mental well-being. Now, I’ve learned to make space for things outside of work. I make time to hang out with friends, try out new cafes and restaurants, go skateboarding, swim, and even play tennis. These activities help me relax and bring a fresh mindset to my work. It’s made a big difference in keeping both my career and personal life enjoyable.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My graphic design work focuses on community engagement, small businesses, and collaborations with artists. I believe design should serve a real-world purpose, not just be aesthetically pleasing. One project I’m particularly proud of is SUMUP, a UI/UX design that helps users struggling with long-form reading by translating it into more digestible content. The goal was to make information accessible, especially for those who find lengthy texts challenging. It’s this sense of purpose, solving real problems, that truly drives my creative process.

However, my path to becoming a graphic designer wasn’t a direct one. When I arrived in the United States to study during the 2020 pandemic, I found it difficult to identify what truly brought me joy and how to express myself. The isolation made it hard to connect with others, and expressing my thoughts in English felt challenging. It wasn’t until I started drawing and exploring digital design that I discovered a visual language that allowed me to communicate my ideas. Design became my way of self-expression, and I realized that graphic design was the ideal medium to channel my thoughts into something meaningful. That’s when I decided to change my major to Graphic Design and fully pursue a career in the field.

Each project I take on is an opportunity to create something that serves a purpose, whether it’s a product that simplifies a complex task or a collaboration that sparks creativity. I want to be known as a designer who works with communities and artists to create thoughtful, inclusive designs that have a real impact.

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 love to give my friends the ultimate Brooklyn experience, starting with a great coffee at SEY Coffee and a delicious brunch at Win Son in Williamsburg. After that, we can explore the diverse neighborhood, hopping through its indie shops and local spots. Next, we’ll head over to Bushwick, where we can visit vintage stores, flea markets, and bookstores. One spot I highly recommend is Secret Riso Club, which offers riso print workshops and a curated collection of books. We can also bike or picnic in Prospect Park to unwind, or head to the Lefferts Historic House, and explore the Brooklyn Botanic Garden nearby. For dinner, I’d love to go to Cobble Hill, where I suggest checking out Bar LunÀtico for some cozy Italian food, or Carroll Gardens, a must-try there is F&F Pizza, which serves amazing, authentic New York pizza.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One major influence on my design journey has been Cyberfeminism Index by Mindy Seu. The book sheds light on how women and marginalized groups have often been excluded in tech spaces, and it explores how digital platforms can challenge this status quo. Reading it made me realize the unique power that technology holds—not only for creating but for amplifying voices and promoting change. For me, it turned coding into something more than just a skill, it became a form of self-expression and a way to advocate for issues I care about. As a female designer, this perspective has helped me think about my work as not only creative but also as a platform for feminist advocacy and societal critique.

Website: https://shaowenliang.com/

Instagram: swsamliang