Mengyu Cao

Specialized in Education Design.

Mengyu Cao

About Mengyu Cao

Mengyu Cao (MC) is the founder of YiQi Hanzi. She has been making creative Chinese calligraphy to help people learn Chinese with visuals and story-telling. Her YiQi Hanzi products include physical flashcards, online learning applications, and merchandise. She started her design journey as a Graphic Designer and then stepped into Digital Product Design for the past decade.

  • Winner of 2 A' Design Awards.
  • Specialized in Education Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Education
  • Graphic
YiQi Hanzi Flashcards Teaching Cards

YiQi Hanzi Flashcards Teaching Cards

Education Design

Chinese Zodiac Typography

Chinese Zodiac Typography

Graphic Design

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Interview with Mengyu Cao

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 hold a BFA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Design and Technology. I have been a designer since then. I always wanted to be a designer. I love art, but I’m more drawn to design that serves people and spaces rather than solely as a means of self-expression.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
YiQi Hanzi offers a unique and visually engaging approach to learning Chinese characters. They employ design thinking and drawings to break down complex characters, their radicals, and components, while providing insights into their historical and cultural significance.
What is "design" for you?
Design is both a skill and a tool for creating, improving, and inspiring.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I enjoy designing culture-related projects as they allow me to immerse myself in the culture and help spread design so more people can feel and experience it.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The early research and digging. The more thorough the early research and exploration, the smoother the later process becomes.
What makes a design successful?
It serves the goal and the purpose. It's successful for both end users and clients.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
A truly good design goes beyond functionality and aesthetics; it seamlessly integrates purpose and emotional resonance.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Designers have significant responsibilities toward society and the environment, as our work shapes the way people live, interact, and experience the world. We need to bring inclusivity, empathy, and ethical impact to the society. And make sure to hold sustainability and resource efficiency during our design.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
From my experience, things I see and hear. I prioritize discovering new things, experiencing, learning.
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?
I live in San Francisco. I come from China. Chines culture has always been part of my design.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I always start my design with research to get to know the subject really well, to fully understand the goal and purpose. Then it's many rounds of diverging and converging, a lot of iterations and feedback loop.

Extended Interview with Mengyu Cao

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I hold a BFA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Design and Technology.
How did you become a designer?
I believe design has the power to make a difference—simplifying, improving, and serving people effectively. I love art, but I’m more drawn to design that serves people and spaces, rather than solely as a means of self-expression.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I chose to become a designer intentionally, selecting my majors in school with a clear vision of pursuing this path.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I encourage young designers to constantly explore, discover, experience, and learn.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A great designer is inspiring. Their designs have a soul—they are powerful, warm, empathetic, and innovative, leaving a lasting emotional and intellectual impact.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
A truly good design goes beyond functionality and aesthetics; it seamlessly integrates purpose, and emotional resonance.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design enhances people’s lives both emotionally and physically. It addresses practical needs while creating experiences that inspire, comfort, and delight.
What is your day to day look like?
I enjoy designing culture-related projects as they allow me to immerse myself in the culture and help spread design so more people can feel and experience it.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
My secret ingredients are pouring your heart into it and embracing the power of iteration.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
If I hadn’t become a designer, I think I would have become an archaeologist.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is both a skill and a tool for creating, improving, and inspiring.

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