Meet Shengxuan Hu | Graphic Designer

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

Hi Shengxuan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by painting and all things related to art. My mom often took me to museums during summer breaks. While our visits initially were motivated by the free air conditioning (laughs), I gradually developed a genuine interest in observing the art pieces there.

In middle school, painting became my escape—from the pressures of schoolwork and the sense of neglect I felt at school. Art evolved into a safe space for me, a place where my mind could find peace while I immersed myself in drawing.

When I entered college, I discovered my passion for graphic design. I still vividly remember my first design project: a zine documenting my emotional changes throughout a day. Holding the printed zine in my hands for the first time was an unforgettable moment. I felt incredibly proud and moved, as if I was physically connecting with my own creative expression.

That experience solidified my determination to pursue a career in design. Today, I see graphic design as a unique language, one that allows me to express my thoughts and emotions as an introvert. It has become an integral part of how I communicate with the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Many of my projects draw inspiration from nature. Whether it’s using the movement of animals to generate motion graphics or designing travel brochures for the world’s most mysterious islands, nature serves as an endless reservoir of creativity.

This year, I began my thesis project, Queer Arcadia, envisioning a world where queer humans, animals, and plants coexist harmoniously. As a queer designer, I see nature as a sanctuary—free from judgment or shame about one’s sexual orientation. To bring this vision to life, I plan to design a series of typefaces inspired by queer creatures, curate a publication featuring queer- and nature-related writings from the community, and create a 3D video illustrating what this arcadia might look like. The thesis exhibition is set to launch in March next year.

The journey has been both inspiring and challenging. Beyond honing my design skills, I’ve been focused on finding my voice and defining the messages I want to share with the world. Along the way, I’ve worked to bridge the gap between experimental design thinking and the practical demands of the commercial design world. This balance will continue to be a challenge for me as I grow as a professional graphic designer.

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?
If my best friend were visiting Baltimore for a week, I’d craft an itinerary that captures the city’s unique charm and vibrant culture. We’d start with a visit to the Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters Art Museum—two of my favorite spots to immerse ourselves in stunning collections of art, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. We’d spend an afternoon strolling around the Inner Harbor, soaking in the waterfront views and hopping onto a water taxi to explore historic neighborhoods like Fells Point and Federal Hill. For food, I’d take them to Little Italy for some of the best handmade pasta, and for a fun night out, we’d head to the National Aquarium on a Friday evening to take advantage of the half-price tickets and marvel at the incredible marine life.

Throughout the week, we’d explore local cafes and breweries, enjoy the street art and eclectic vibe of Hampden, and perhaps catch a show at The Ottobar or a live jazz performance in Mount Vernon. To top it all off, we’d grab crab cakes at a classic Baltimore spot—because no visit to this city is complete without them! Baltimore has such a rich blend of history, art, and food, making it the perfect place to create unforgettable memories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to my professor, Jeff Glendenning at MICA, who has been an incredible mentor during my studies and internship applications. I learned so much from his publication class, particularly about typography skills and how to approach magazines as a cohesive brand.

With his extensive experience in the editorial design industry, Jeff consistently brings amazing guest speakers to class, offering students invaluable insights and real-world perspectives. He is also incredibly generous with his time, always willing to support his students in their job searches and career development.

I’m truly grateful for his guidance and the impact he’s had on my growth as a designer.

Website: https://shengxuanhudesign.cargo.site/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shengxuan-hu-6802b3296

Image Credits
Shengxuan Hu