Te-Sian Shih

Specialized in Graphic Design.

Te-Sian Shih

About Te-Sian Shih

Te-Sian Shih is a New York City-based graphic, packaging, branding designer, and artist. She has cooperated with many high-end clients such as NYC's fashion brand company, luxury bed company, Package product company, the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, and The Taiwanese American Arts Council (TAAC). She has also worked with one of the world's best musicians, Mr.Cho-Liang Lin's Taipei Music Academy and Festival. Her design projects have been published in supermarkets and department stores in New York City. Besides, Her design works have been published on The Taiwanese American Arts Council's NFT. Te-Sian was a Final Critique Guest Artist at Pratt Institute's Master of Science in Packaging, Identities, and Systems Design department. Moreover, she was a Jury Member of the 2022 Wei-Chuan Mother's Day Drawing Competition hosted by the World Journal. Her work has been featured in the 2019 'Fusion' Art Exhibition, which UNICEF supported, 2019 the Oculus World Trade Center's ' 'Here There' and 'The Blanc' art exhibitions, 2019 Florence Biennale, 2021 Genova Biennale. In addition, her design projects have been exhibited in the art exhibition "Taiwan: A World of Orchids," supported by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and the Taiwan Ministry of Culture in 2021. In 2022, Flushing City Hall, for the MuseConnect Gala 2022 annual event, placed Te-Sian, Shih's design works. Te-Sian helped MuseConnect Gala 2022’s posters and artbook. In addition, the Brussels Art Exhibition, which the Brussels government supported, showed her design projects. In 2019, she also held a group art exhibition, "Interstice," in Chelsea, New York, with 12 members and invited an excellent artist, Catherine Lan as the curator. Voice of America and World Journal interviewed her at the time. Te-Sian Shih won Silver and Bronze awards at IDA International Design Awards 2019, Silver at Muse Design Awards 2020 and 2021, Silver at Graphis New Talent 2020, Silver at Graphis Poster Annual competition 2020 and 2021, two DNA Paris Design Awards winners 2021, 2020 GD USA American Packaging Design Awards, 2021 GD USA American Inhouse Design Awards, and 2022 A Design Awards' Iron Awards. Te-Sian, Shih also will participate in an art exhibition called Tamara Art Award in Venice, Italy. Besides, her works will be shown in "International Bienal de Arte Barcelona" (International Biennale in Barcelona), which is to be held at MEAM Museum.

  • Winner of 2 A' Design Awards.
  • Specialized in Graphic Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Graphic
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Interview with Te-Sian Shih

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?
I graduated from a Master’s Degree in Packaging Design at Pratt Institute and I am now a graphic, package, and branding designer in New York City. I studied marketing and logistic management in my undergraduate in Taiwan. After graduating, I found out I wanted to learn graphic design, so I spent my free time learning graphic design skills. One year later, I got an acceptance letter from the School of Visual arts at Pratt Institute. Then I decided to go to Pratt Institute. I was not suited for Taiwan's educational system, so I didn't have a chance to choose what I was really interested in. I had a good sense of aesthetics and knew marketing need a physical project to communicate the whole picture. That's the reason why I want to become a designer/artist. I love to make consumers and people happy and reach their goals, so I always wish to be a designer who can help them.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I have worked for luxury bag & fashion companies, luxury bedding, and package companies..etc. Besides, I also have my own studio and many high-end consumers such as the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, the Taiwanese American Arts Council, and Mr. Cho-Liang, Lin who is one of the greatest violinists in the world...etc.
What is "design" for you?
Design is a logical system with aesthetics. I need to know what I design for first, and then define the branding concept and target marketing before I can start to do the whole design project. Design is not just about art; we need to solve problems for bosses, consumers, and society. When we have good marketing strategies and branding ideas, we need to know how to communicate those concepts in a visual and easier way.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I love to do branding design because it started with the mission and logo. Branding design. Branding design is a whole system where each item relates to the other. After defining my branding concept and target consumers, I will research consumers' lifestyles, ages, and new trending in the market. I can then decide on a logo to represent the branding idea and other visual design projects that can keep the branding concept's features. It's not just a single poster design or structural design. Everything needs to keep the branding system, but those design projects need to look different.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
ÉNE which is a branding and package perfume design project made by me. This project won the Winner of the GD USA Package Design Awards 2020, Silver awards of IDA International Design Awards 2019, and DNA Paris Design Awards 2021, and was shown at Florence Biennale 2019. The perfume makes customers feel the energy and freshness when they smell it, so I used Éne as my branding name. Éne means power in French, so the bottle and lid's shape looks like a firework. The figure shows the energy erupts in a split second. The erupt's shape is the spirit of this branding fragrance package design. All graphics such as business cards tasted paper, traveling packages..etc. Keep the bottle's erupt shape. The primary color for the whole branding is fire red because fire inspires people to think about energy.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
It depends on the companies. Some companies need to do structure packages and branding visuals, but some companies only need web, catalog, and poster design.
When do you feel the most creative?
Every project I made with the most creative because I don't like to only make the project. I love to think and solve problems.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Concept of the companies' missions, clients' spirit, and subjects. The concept is the most important thing and spirit of the design projects. Or else, the projects shouldn't be called design, they should be called mechanical. That's my opinion.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I usually will drink tea or do something I like before I do the design projects. When I have a good mood, I just can start to do the work. If I work for a company, I always choose the company the atmosphere is happy.
What makes a design successful?
A good designer should know what companies or consumers want, and then help them to make their ideas to come true.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
I have been in some design competitions' juries. I will consider the project to fit the subject and has creativity & typeface.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
A designer should also take care of the environment and society's problems. I have made some posters to encourage people who suffered during the pandemic and depression. Design is to solve problems that include the environment.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
It definitely needs to do design from 2D to 3D or even 4D. Besides, designers should know how to promote themselves by social medias and NFT...etc
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
I have an art exhibition at Art Shopping Carrousel du Louvre Paris, France. I won an award and have a chance to show my design project in Paris, France. I always look for new chances to design and art exhibitions.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Everything can be my inspiration. When I go shopping by myself or with friends, I will look at the decoration and typography of the stores. Or watching people on the street, and getting ideas for the next projects.
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?
I would say my design style is more high-end, but actually, it depends on the companies & consumers. If consumers want to do pop art style or any traditional style, I also can do it.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
New York City. However, I burned in Taiwan. Taiwan has the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, China, Taiwan aboriginal, and USA cultures. In NYC, there are many people from all over the world. That diversity influences my design style and concepts. I feel the USA is more care about intellectual property and logic, but Taiwan's design also has many cultural spirits.
How do you work with companies?
The first thing is to communicate and know all the contents, sizes, and deadline
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Companies should give designers all the information before asking designers to do the project. Besides, intellectual property is important. If I work as a contractor, it should follow the contractor. However, in New York City especially native speakers seldom have these kinds of problems. At least I seldom met.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I start from know the business missions and concept of the project, and then start to think the visual or structure that can fit the company or concept.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
My design medal, magazine, perfume package, body wash, and shampoo package.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Having a great breakfast and having a good mood to do the design. Sometimes I have many projects need to finish in one day, so it's very busy.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Please understand the intellectual property and design industry rules first. It's very important.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
The Positive is to solve problems and help many people. The Negative is some people don't understand the design's value and ask for a lot of discounts. Or don't respect the experts. (In the USA, l seldom met these kinds of issues, especially with native speakers.)
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I will let consumers know if they don't give me clear content and fix it too many times, I will charge an extra fee. If I know the content, I will do it quickly.
Who are some of your clients?
High-end companies such as government organizations, artists, and musicians...etc.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Poster, branding, and package design. I graduated from package and communication design department at Pratt Institute, so I love UIUX, communication design and package design.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
In the companies, I work as a team, but in the studio I design by myself. If my business grew up, I may hire more people.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
To know the concept, deadline, contents, and fee first, and then start to do the design.
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
If anyone need any graphic and branding design projects, please don't hesitate to contact me. tesian0816@gmail.com

Designer of the Day Interview with Te-Sian Shih

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
Te-Sian Shih is a New York City-based graphic, packaging, and branding designer, and artist who worked for four years. She has cooperated with many high-end clients such as NYC's fashion brand company, luxury bed company, Package product company, the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, and The Taiwanese American Arts Council (TAAC). She has also worked with one of the world's best musicians, Mr.Cho-Liang Lin's Taipei Music Academy and Festival. Her design projects have been published in supermarkets and department stores in New York City. Besides, her design works have been published on The Taiwanese American Arts Council's NFT.
How did you become a designer?
I studied marketing and logistic management in my undergraduate in Taiwan. After graduating, I found out I wanted to learn graphic design, so I spent my free time learning graphic design skills. One year later, I got an acceptance letter from the School of Visual arts at Pratt Institute. Then I decided to go to Pratt Institute. I was not suited for Taiwan's educational system, so I didn't have a chance to choose what I was really interested in. I had a good sense of aesthetics and knew marketing need a physical project to communicate the whole picture. That's the reason why I want to become a designer/artist.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I don't have a particular design style. It depends on the customers. I would know the mission or concept of the companies or clients first, and then make the logo or whole branding design. I used digital tools mostly but sometimes I used my hands.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Solving consumers' or companies' problems is the most emotional time of the design process. The designer is to solve problems, so it is good to communicate with clients again and again.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I am not just a designer, but also a marketer, management, and problem solver. A designer should know how to build up businesses and know how to promote businesses through design.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
I would love to be an art director and make my own studio bigger. I love to work with businesses, but to be an owner can arrange my time flexibly.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Please understand the IP and copyright first, and then draw. The foundation is very important and you need to understand the rules of the career.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Always work hard and learn the foundation. Do not just want to be famous. A good designer should focus on doing good design.
What is your day to day look like?
Working on many design projects. If I have time, I will learn new skills.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I will look for the latest design trends but still keep my own style. However, the latest design trends can help to promote a designer's career.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
To solve problems, and keep everything simple. A good design shouldn't make a hard-read layout or colors.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Yes, when a concept can be communicated by through design, and then the design has been done.
What is your biggest design work?
I did some package design which was produced from the mission, and mood board to the logo, structure package, and branding image. It's step-by-step. Everything keeps the same concept.
Who is your favourite designer?
Milton Glaser. He founded a branding impression of New York City. He knows branding concepts or personalities and then makes them in visual design with simple but impressive images. I especially love his work "I LOVE NY" It's very simple but iconic.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I came from Taiwan which combines different cultures such as Chinese, Japanese, Netherlands, Span, and USA, so I understand to respect different cultures. After I came to NYC, I understand to combine different cultures' advantage together into my work.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I love to communicate with people, but I don't like people who don't care about the details. I also feel tired when people don't understand our effort and how hard we work, and then ask for a very cheap price. Besides, if someone doesn't respect Intellectual Property Rights I would be upset. I would choose people who respect designers and understand they need to follow the rules.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I made some design projects to encourage people who suffered from Covid-19 and depression. I hope my design project can cure people's hearts and solve societal issues.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
I have met many great designers and am still in contact with them. Besides, A Design Awards has many opportunities for designers.

Extended Interview with Te-Sian Shih

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I graduated from Pratt Institute master degree's Master degree in Packaging, Identities, and Systems Design. After I graduated I became a branding, visual, and package designer. I won many International Design Awards such as A Design Awards, IDA International Design Awards, and Muse Design Awards. Besides, I have been a jury member of Switzerland's Calanca Poster Biennale 2023 and was also a Final Critique Guest Artist at Pratt Institute's Master of Science in Packaging, Identities, and Systems Design department. Moreover, I was a Jury Member of the 2023 Wei-Chuan Mother's Day Drawing Competition hosted by the World Journal 2022 and 2023. My graphic design works have been published in NYC, Paris, Italy, and Brussel City Hall...etc.
How did you become a designer?
I studied marketing during my college years and participated in a city marketing exhibition competition that involved schools from across Taiwan. Marketing and design are closely related fields, with marketing handling copywriting and concepts, while graphic design for brand identity serves to convey the entire concept in a way that's understandable to everyone. Some interesting designs can even pique the audience's interest, leaving a deeper impression of the brand and potentially turning them into loyal customers. Therefore, becoming a brand designer who understands the marketing market is my aspiration.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I chose to become a designer, like I said before marketing and graphic design rely on each other.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
brand identity, visual design, package design, advertisement design, poster design, booklet, catalog, book design, brochure, banner, UIUX, web design, social media post design, t-shirt, bags, and anything that needs visual design.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A great designer not only creates visually appealing designs but also understands client needs and maximizes their objectives. Furthermore, a great designer infuses their work with a positive spirit, as ideas are crucial for conveying the intended message. They may even use their design work to contribute to alleviating societal issues.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Indeed, excellent design has the power to convey ideas and spirit, evoking resonance, and it's through this resonance that potential customers can become loyal ones.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
The value of design is truly priceless, as it encapsulates the life experiences and societal insights of its creator. It combines a keen understanding of the market with an innate sense of logical aesthetics. Not everyone can accurately grasp market trends, convey client visions, or even create entirely new trends.
What is your day to day look like?
For the society and people who need help. In Capitalism, many people need help and may feel tired and depressed sometimes in their daily lives. If I had time, I would communicate encouraging messages by through my graphic design.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
To do the urban redesign. I joined a class when I studied at Pratt Institute that related to urban and environmental redesign. For example, NYC's subway stations are old, so probably can do some redesign like my home Taiwan's subway system.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Milton Glaser and Marc Rosen who is the best perfume package designer in the world and my professor. I live in NYC so they are all legends for me.
What is your biggest design work?
Actually, many designs, I always like to see many different skills and concepts.
Who is your favourite designer?
My poster and branding design projects. I really can convey what companies think of myself through my visual design, and make people be my companies or my fans.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
All my professors at Pratt Institute. They are really professional.

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