Day of a designer: from Taiwan to the creative hubs of New York
Te-Sian Lera Shih is a multiple facets designer whose expertise covers the design of the brand image, graphic design and packaging design. With a master's degree in packaging, identities and design of Pratt Institute systems, she has cut a distinguished path in the world of design. Her professional career brought her through the dynamic creative landscape of New York, where she collaborated with luxury brands and seen her work displayed in supermarkets and department stores.
Beyond her design practice, she was a judge of prestigious competitions, in particular the Biennale de l'Ectre de Calanca Switzerland, the poster design of the poster of the poster of the United States and the newspaper drawing competition around the world, more solidifying its presence in the world design community.
The recognition of his work has been widespread, with distinctions, including the Awards Medal Design Muse, Ida International Design Awards Silver and Bronze Awards and the Awards Bronze Bronze Prize. His creations were also exhibited in international renowned sites such as the Florence Biennale, the Genova Biennale, the Brussels City Hall in Belgium and the Oculus of the World Trade Center in New York. More recently, his work was presented at Artexpo New York and the Dubai World Trade Center. These achievements highlight its ability to create convincing visual accounts that resonate through cultures. His career has also been shaped by his good adaptability and good skills in problem solving, essential features in a constantly evolving industry. With the rapid advancement of AI and digital tools, it highlights the importance of continuous learning. She thinks that the role of a designer extends beyond aesthetics – understanding the needs of customers and businesses is fundamental. Each project presents a unique challenge, requiring a balance between creativity and strategic thinking. For Shih, design is not only an artistic company, but a means of communication that promotes connections and improves experiences.
Te-Sian Shih: the intersection of art, culture and identity
Shih's journey through the world of design was influenced by his early appreciation for aesthetics. Same child, she had an innate ability to identify high -quality crafts – an instinct that would later shape her approach to design. Having grown up in Taiwan, she observed that the creative field was often misunderstood, with designers sometimes perceived as simple executors rather than conceptual thinkers. This perception has fueled its determination to redefine the role of a designer – someone who not only produces products but also provides innovative solutions and ideas to customers.
Its transition to the United States, in particular its stay at the Pratt Institute, played a central role in the enlargement of its point of view. It was in New York that she really seized the importance of aligning the design with the various needs of customers and businesses. The city's dynamic and multicultural environment offered both challenges and opportunities, allowing it to integrate different cultural influences in its work. She learned that although artistic integrity is crucial, adaptability is just as important when working with customers. Balance personal vision and commercial objectives has become a key aspect of its design philosophy.
Shih also highlights the importance of intellectual property rights and ethical design practices. Although creativity is unlimited, it recommends respect and equity in industry. His experiences in Taiwan and the United States have shaped his conviction that success in design does not only concern artistic talents – it is also a question of understanding the nuances of collaboration, respecting different perspectives and ensuring that each creative effort aligns with ethical standards. His approach reflects a deep commitment to artistic excellence and professional integrity.
Fusion of philosophy with design: a unique aesthetic perspective
Shih's artistic style embodies a fusion of oriental philosophical influences and Western design principles. Rooted in classical oriental aesthetics, his work is guided by concepts such as Zen – Calm, discreet and refined. It values simplicity about excess, a state of mind that aligns perfectly with the Western modernist principle of “less it's more”. During her studies at the Pratt Institute, she was encouraged to refine her visual communication by focusing on clarity and balance, ensuring that her creations remain elegant without unnecessary embellishments.
However, his approach is never rigid. It understands that each customer and brand has a separate identity, requiring a flexible design strategy. While her personal style leans towards minimalism and sophistication, she adapts in a transparent way to a diversified aesthetic, in particular pop art, street styles and playful and vibrant compositions. His priority is always to align himself with the philosophy of a brand and to communicate his message effectively. This ability to navigate in different stylistic approaches highlights its versatility as a designer.
Beyond aesthetics, it considers design as a collaborative process. She thinks that designers should not impose their personal preferences on customers but guide them to visually convincing and strategically solid solutions. Communication is at the heart of his practice – to awaken, interpret and translate ideas into impactful conceptions. By merging artistic vision with a business sense, it guarantees that each project reaches creative excellence and commercial success.
Te-sian shih: design as connection and reflection
For Shih, artistic inspiration comes from a combination of historical influences and daily interactions. She admires legendary characters such as Milton Glaser and Alphonse Mucha, whose works have shaped her understanding of the visual narration. At the same time, it attributes a large part of its growth to its teachers of Pratt Institute, whose experience of the industry has provided invaluable information on the nuances of professional design. She also recognizes her design teachers at Taiwan, appreciating the fundamental skills they instilled in her before venturing into the global design arena.
Her philosophy extends beyond traditional artistic influences – she finds inspiration in human interactions, believing that each experience presents an opportunity to learn. Committing to customers and companies not only expanded its creative perspectives, but also taught him the importance of promoting positive relationships. She appreciates mutual respect in professional collaborations and prefers a constructive approach to conflicts, recognizing that the design ultimately concerns communication and connection.
Among the works that have a particular meaning to her, she attracts the influence of the representation of classic Chinese women and works of the twelve beauties of the emperor Yongzheng. It resonates with the idea that true force can be expressed by quiet confidence rather than manifest domination. This philosophy extends to her personal and professional life – she believes in the closure of her values while maintaining kindness and communication. Thanks to her work, she hopes to create conceptions which not only serve functional objectives but also evoke heat, harmony and understanding.
For the future, Shih plans a project that promotes human connection through interactive art and design. Recognizing loneliness and stress that prevail in modern society, she hopes to develop a creative initiative that encourages public participation. By allowing individuals to contribute to a work of art – whether by signing their name or adding an element – it aims to create a shared experience which promotes a feeling of belonging. Thanks to such projects, she seeks to use design as a bridge, connecting people significantly and strengthening the idea that art does not only concern aesthetics, but also on human connection and emotional well-being.
