“Challenges are also opportunities to learn, and that’s not a bad thing.”
A Designer’s Journey: From Taiwan to New York’s Creative Hubs
Te-Sian Lera Shih is a multifaceted designer whose expertise spans branding design, graphic design, and packaging design. With a Master’s degree in Packaging, Identities, and Systems Design from Pratt Institute, she has carved a distinguished path in the design world. Her professional journey has taken her through the dynamic creative landscape of New York, where she has collaborated with luxury brands and seen her work displayed in supermarkets and department stores.
Beyond her design practice, she has served as a judge for prestigious competitions, including the Switzerland Calanca Poster Biennale, the USA Poster Stellars Poster Design Competition, and The World Journal newspaper drawing competition, further solidifying her presence in the global design community.
Recognition for her work has been widespread, with accolades including the Muse Design Awards Gold Medal, IDA International Design Awards Silver and Bronze Awards, and the A’ Design Awards Bronze Award. Her designs also have been exhibited at internationally renowned venues such as the Florence Biennale, the Genova Biennale, Brussels City Hall in Belgium, and the Oculus at the World Trade Center in New York City. Most recently, her work was featured at Artexpo New York and the Dubai World Trade Center. These achievements highlight her ability to create compelling visual narratives that resonate across cultures. Her career has also been shaped by her good adaptability and good problem-solving skills, essential traits in an ever-evolving industry. With the rapid advancement of AI and digital tools, she emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. She believes that a designer’s role extends beyond aesthetics— understanding the needs of clients and businesses is fundamental. Each project presents a unique challenge, requiring a balance between creativity and strategic thinking. For Shih, design is not just an artistic endeavor but a means of communication that fosters connections and enhances experiences.
Te-Sian Shih: The Intersection of Art, Culture, and Identity
Shih’s journey into the world of design was influenced by her early appreciation for aesthetics. Even as a child, she had an innate ability to identify high-quality craftsmanship—an instinct that would later shape her approach to design. Growing up in Taiwan, she observed that the creative field was often misunderstood, with designers sometimes perceived as mere executors rather than conceptual thinkers. This perception fueled her determination to redefine the role of a designer—someone who not only produces products but also provides solutions and innovative ideas to clients.
Her transition to the United States, particularly her time at Pratt Institute, played a pivotal role in broadening her perspective. It was in New York that she truly grasped the importance of aligning design with the diverse needs of clients and businesses. The city’s vibrant and multicultural environment offered both challenges and opportunities, allowing her to integrate different cultural influences into her work. She learned that while artistic integrity is crucial, adaptability is equally important when working with clients. Balancing personal vision with business objectives became a key aspect of her design philosophy.
Shih also emphasizes the significance of intellectual property rights and ethical design practices. While creativity should be limitless, she advocates for respect and fairness in the industry. Her experiences in both Taiwan and the U.S. have shaped her belief that success in design is not just about artistic talent—it is also about understanding the nuances of collaboration, respecting different perspectives, and ensuring that every creative endeavor aligns with ethical standards. Her approach reflects a deep commitment to both artistic excellence and professional integrity.
Merging Philosophy with Design: A Unique Aesthetic Perspective
Shih’s artistic style embodies a fusion of Eastern philosophical influences and Western design principles. Rooted in classical Eastern aesthetics, her work is guided by concepts such as Zen—calm, understated, and refined. She values simplicity over excess, a mindset that aligns seamlessly with the Western modernist principle of “less is more.” During her studies at Pratt Institute, she was encouraged to refine her visual communication by focusing on clarity and balance, ensuring that her designs remain elegant without unnecessary embellishments.
However, her approach is never rigid. She understands that every client and brand has a distinct identity, requiring a flexible design strategy. While her personal style leans towards minimalism and sophistication, she seamlessly adapts to diverse aesthetics, including pop art, street styles, and playful, vibrant compositions. Her priority is always to align with a brand’s philosophy and communicate its message effectively. This ability to navigate different stylistic approaches highlights her versatility as a designer.
Beyond aesthetics, she views design as a collaborative process. She believes that designers should not impose their personal preferences on clients but instead guide them toward visually compelling and strategically sound solutions. Communication is at the core of her practice—listening, interpreting, and translating ideas into impactful designs. By merging artistic vision with business acumen, she ensures that each project achieves both 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 everyday interactions. She admires legendary figures such as Milton Glaser and Alphonse Mucha, whose works have shaped her understanding of visual storytelling. At the same time, she attributes much of her growth to her professors at Pratt Institute, whose industry experience provided invaluable insights into the nuances of professional design. She also acknowledges her design teachers in Taiwan, appreciating the foundational skills they instilled in her before she ventured into the global design arena.
Her philosophy extends beyond traditional artistic influences—she finds inspiration in human interactions, believing that every experience presents an opportunity to learn. Engaging with clients and businesses has not only expanded her creative perspectives but has also taught her the importance of fostering positive relationships. She values mutual respect in professional collaborations and prefers a constructive approach over conflicts, recognizing that design is ultimately about communication and connection.
Among the works that hold special meaning to her, she draws influence from Alphonse Mucha’s portrayal of women and the classical Chinese artwork The Twelve Beauties of Emperor Yongzheng. She resonates with the idea that true strength can be expressed through quiet confidence rather than overt dominance. This philosophy extends to her personal and professional life—she believes in standing firm in her values while maintaining kindness and communication. Through her work, she hopes to create designs that not only serve functional purposes but also evoke warmth, harmony, and understanding.
Looking ahead, Shih envisions a project that fosters human connection through interactive art and design. Recognizing the loneliness and stress prevalent in modern society, she hopes to develop a creative initiative that encourages public participation. By allowing individuals to contribute to an artwork—whether through signing their name or adding an element—she aims to create a shared experience that fosters a sense of belonging. Through such projects, she seeks to use design as a bridge, connecting people in meaningful ways and reinforcing the idea that art is not just about aesthetics, but also about human connection and emotional well-being.
