Interviews with Sherry Kuo

Hi, my name is Sherry, and I am the co-founder and lead designer at andKuo.

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. I’ve worked with great people from Google, Nike, Instagram, Verizon, CVS Health, Condé Nast, Uber, Chez Mikki, Katsuno Japan and others.

2020 was a year of both challenges and 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.

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 think there are always graphic elements and typography involved and I enjoy adding a touch of personality and attitude into the work.

Free but cautious.

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!

Show up for the challenges, if there’s a will, there is a way.

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.

Keep learning.

That’s an excellent question and it's something that I've been asking myself all the time.

I’d like to think whether I enjoy the thinking and making process or not, as well as if the design brings joy to the people and creates a memorable experience.

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.

Paul Sahre & Carin Goldberg

Absolutely, I believe it's about honesty. We value fulfilling people's needs while also prioritizing their feelings and reactions. I think empathy and consideration for others are critical to good design, and this approach emphasizes these values greatly.

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.

We are honored to have received recognition and won an international award which reinforces our belief in our ability to continue doing great work. It’s an amazing journey, thanks for having us.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our studio logo

Material: Paper & scissor

Platform: YouTube

Technology: the invention of iPhone

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.

It’s the design process, where I consistently discover joy – in facing challenges and crafting creative solutions to overcome design obstacles.

Free but cautious.

Appreciated.

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.

Simplicity.

Is the design clear and easy to understand, or is it cluttered and confusing?

Show respect and appreciation for the work.

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.

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.

I think there are always graphic elements and typography involved, and I enjoy adding a touch of personality and attitude into the work.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Learning is the key to unlocking the world.

Software application – Figma & Adobe creative suite

Source of inspiration – Library & Google

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.

The approach varies depending on the projects, taking into account their urgency and the scope's scale.

What motivates your creativity? For me, it's always a curiosity.

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.

I've worked with great people from Google, Nike, Instagram, Verizon, CVS Health, Condé Nast, Uber, Chez Mikki, Katsuno Japan and others.

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.

Currently, I’m working on a mural design for a cafe in Tokyo, which is scheduled for Spring 2024.

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.

Check our website, and say hello

https://andkuo.com/

Thanks for having me.