We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Sherry Kuo ("SK").
As a graphic designer and illustrator from Taiwan based in New York, Sherry is passionate about creating. She finds the design process to be the most enjoyable part of her work and approaches each project with a unique perspective, exploring ideas to their fullest potential. Collaboration plays a crucial role in her design process, and she works closely with UX designers, animators, developers, and producers to create experiences that are both personal and impactful.
Sherry Kuo Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Sherry Kuo.
Sherry Kuo Design - Patisserie Chez Mikki Packaging
Designer Interview of Sherry Kuo:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
SK : Hi, my name is Sherry, and I am the co-founder and lead designer at andKuo. I drew a lot as a kid, so that was part of my identity from a young age. My dad, who was an architect, encouraged me because he was also interested in drawing and painting. I remember hovering around his desk, watching him draw perfect lines and squares for architectural designs while I sketched lines and circles. Years later, when I moved to New York, I initially studied illustration, but as I discovered graphic design, I found it to be just as wonderful. I still love to draw because it was my entry point into the world of design. I've been working as a graphic designer for over 10 years, and I am extremely lucky to be able to pursue my passion for design in my career.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SK : 2020 was a year of both challenges but positive changes. Alongside my sister, we started our own studio andKuo, we’ve been working on projects on art directions for visual solutions, and collaborating with other talented individuals around the world to create meaningful work. We are a creative collective, and we collaborate with clients to convey their stories through visually compelling solutions. My role as the lead designer is to help them explore innovative options and discover a brand voice that is uniquely their own.
DI: What is "design" for you?
SK : I believe that design is about communicating emotions through visual elements and creating unique experiences. I am always curious about my surroundings, and I see my work as a way of reacting and creating. I take situations that are not of my own making and make them my own.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SK : I enjoy storytelling and appreciate the idea that there are no limitations on materials. As long as we can craft a compelling story around it, the result will be a great piece of work.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SK : I love children’s books. They are a great example of how simple words and beautiful illustrations can effectively convey ideas that are universally understandable, allowing readers to interpret them freely.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SK : Our studio logo
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SK : Material: Paper & scissor Platform: YouTube Technology: the invention of iPhone
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
SK : You are what you see. When I read a story or encounter any work that I like, my brain starts to churn, generating ideas that I promptly write down and prepare to work on.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SK : It’s the design process, where I consistently discover joy – in facing challenges and crafting creative solutions to overcome design obstacles.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SK : Free but cautious.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SK : Appreciated.
DI: What makes a design successful?
SK : I’d like to think whether I enjoy the thinking and making process or not, as well as the design brings joy to the people and creates a memorable experience.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SK : Simplicity. Is the design clear and easy to understand, or is it cluttered and confusing?
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SK : Show respect and appreciation for the work.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SK : The design industry is constantly evolving in tandem with technology. As a result, people are becoming increasingly creative, thinking beyond the confines of two-dimensional design and exploring the new, such as 3D and beyond. I believe that the future of design will continue to expand and stay at the forefront of innovation, but at its core, the focus will always come back to helping people and communities move forward.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SK : My inspiration is drawn from daily life experiences, what I observe, and even the food I eat. I'm fortunate to live in New York, which offers me regular access to exhibitions, shows, or meals. Furthermore, I highly recommend spending time with friends from diverse professions. They can serve as a great source of inspiration and can broaden your perspective, as we all perceive the world differently.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
SK : I think there are always graphic elements and typography involved, and I enjoy adding a touch of personality and attitude into the work.
DI: How do you work with companies?
SK : I'll use agency experience as an example. As the lead designer for the projects, I begin by thoroughly understanding the project brief and discussing the scope with the team. The process is highly collaborative, involving proactive conversations with both team members and clients. Our goal is to ensure the delivery of exceptional work that exceeds expectations.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SK : The design process can vary depending on the projects. Typically, I begin with background research and gather ideas, words, or images for reference. It's exciting to explore different ideas and possibilities during the design process. I usually have two to three concepts in mind simultaneously and then narrow them down to ensure that they are distinct while also answering the questions at hand. I also believe in being open-minded and flexible during discussions with teammates or clients. Even if some ideas may not work out, there is always a way to find a solution and move forward.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SK : Wooden curved signage for “andKuo” by Chenswood, a puzzle featuring “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” by Seurat, a pear lamp designed by Parra, a Poster of “New York is Book Country, 1988” by Maurice Sendak, and a duo of painted IKEA stools by me.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
SK : I begin my day with a cup of freshly squeezed lemon water and 20 minutes of yoga to fully awaken myself. Then, I dive into my routine work, which primarily involves switching between meetings, presentations, and design tasks. I like to use the Pomodoro method to ensure I take breaks in between and maintain work efficiency. If my workday ends early, I often go for a 4-mile run before dinner. It may be a packed schedule, but it helps me find a balance and comfort in my daily routine.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SK : Work hard and play hard. Go out and participate in a show, play, or exhibition that interests you. Spend time with non-designer friends; they can be a source of inspiration and help you see things in a different way. You might be surprised!
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
SK : The best thing about being a designer is the innate curiosity that comes with it. When we look at things, our brains start spinning with questions: 'Why this? Why not that? What might the solutions be?' However, this insatiable curiosity can also be one of the challenges of being a designer. We often want to know so much that we forget to take a break and rest.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
SK : Learning is the key to unlocking the world.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SK : Software application – Figma & Adobe creative suite Source of inspiration – Library & Google
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SK : I find the Pomodoro method quite useful for the situation. I break the project into several smaller tasks and assign 1 or 4 Pomodoro timers, depending on its complexity. This approach helps ensure project efficiency and task tracking.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
SK : The approach varies depending on the projects, taking into account their urgency and the scope's scale.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SK : What motivates your creativity? For me, it's always a curiosity.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
SK : It was the Times Square takeover campaign for the United States Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) by Nike, aimed at sending off the team for their 4th World Cup Championship in 2019. I was responsible for defining the key visuals and creating cohesive design systems for more than 20 screens. Additionally, I oversaw the campaign's art direction for the storyboards, which content studios used to create the final video sequences. The event was a tremendous success, drawing a large crowd in Times Square who gathered to cheer on the team. I'm grateful for the experience.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
SK : I've worked with great people from Google, Nike, Instagram, Verizon, CVS Health, Condé Nast, Uber, Chez Mikki, Katsuno Japan and others.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SK : I have a strong interest in large-scale projects, such as murals. Murals possess a unique ability to engage people due to their visual appeal, storytelling, community involvement, and cultural representation. They encourage interaction and are accessible to everyone. I believe that promoting such accessibility and interaction is a responsibility that helps society respect and appreciate the work of others.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SK : Currently, I’m working on a mural design for a cafe in Tokyo, which is scheduled for Spring 2024.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SK : It's a bit of both. I like to begin with exploration myself. Once I reach a certain stage, I prepare a mini presentation for my team, and followed by a discussion. I believe it's crucial to consider different perspectives and continue to refine our work for the future.
DI: How can people contact you?
SK : Check our website, and say hello https://andkuo.com/
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
SK : Thanks for having me.