Interview with Bowen Shen

To me, design is the art of working within boundaries. Every project comes with its own constraints—whether they are technical, business, cultural, or practical. Rather than seeing those limitations as obstacles, I see them as opportunities. The best designs often exist because of their constraints, not despite them. A good designer can turn boundaries into something that ultimately makes the design stronger than if there had been no limitations at all.

I'm naturally drawn to playful interactions and moments of delight. Whether it's a digital product, an illustration, or an art project, I enjoy creating experiences that make people pause for a second, smile, and think, "That's clever." Those small moments of surprise often leave a stronger impression than something that is simply beautiful or technically impressive.

My first professional design experience was an internship at a media studio, where I created online promotional assets for clients. Looking back, the work feels quite naive compared to what I do today, but it was incredibly meaningful because it allowed me to combine something I had always loved—illustration—with real client projects. It was the first time I realized that my creative skills could have practical value beyond personal hobbies.

Most of my work exists in digital form, whether it's product design, illustration, or generative art. I enjoy working digitally because it allows me to experiment quickly and explore many different directions without worrying about wasting materials. It also fits my life well. Having lived in several countries, I appreciate that my work can move with me effortlessly and remain preserved wherever I go.

I usually feel the most creative when there's an emotional urge to express something. Sometimes it's a longing for a beach vacation, nostalgia for a particular place, or simply a feeling that stays with me for days. I often begin with a broad idea rather than a fully formed concept, then allow the creative process to take me somewhere unexpected. Many of my favorite details emerge halfway through, when I decide to follow an unexpected idea instead of the original plan.

I probably pay more attention to the finishing touches than I should. I'm a bit obsessive about presentation, so I like making sure everything feels neat, intentional, and well crafted before I consider a project finished. Even small details in organization or visual polish can make a significant difference in how people experience a design.

Designing is an emotional roller coaster. There are moments of excitement when a new idea appears, uncertainty when I question whether it will work, frustration during creative bottlenecks, and those satisfying moments of breakthrough when everything suddenly clicks. Toward the end comes careful polishing, followed by pride when the work is finished. Occasionally there's also a little envy when I see someone else's brilliant idea and wish I'd thought of it first. I think all of those emotions are simply part of being a creative person.

It's an incredibly rewarding feeling. Seeing something that once existed only in my imagination become real never gets old. It doesn't happen every day, which makes those moments even more special. Whether it's a product shipping to millions of users or an artwork being exhibited, there's always a sense of quiet satisfaction in seeing an idea come to life.

I usually look at four things: originality, sincerity, skill, and effort. Technical execution certainly matters, but I also want to feel that the work has something genuine to say. Even a simple design can leave a lasting impression if it reflects an honest perspective and is crafted with care.

Designers often create things that last for years or are reproduced on a large scale, so even small decisions can have lasting consequences. That responsibility means thinking carefully from the beginning—not only about aesthetics and usability, but also about sustainability, accessibility, and long-term impact. Investing more thought upfront often prevents much bigger problems later.

The pace of change has accelerated dramatically with the rise of AI. It pushes designers to reflect on what remains uniquely human—our judgment, taste, empathy, and ability to define meaningful problems. As AI gradually takes over more repetitive or mechanical tasks, designers are shifting toward directing, curating, and making higher-level creative decisions. Even if AI eventually becomes capable of more than we expect today, I believe our role will continue to evolve rather than disappear. The tools will change, but human creativity will simply move to the next frontier.

Most of my inspiration comes from my life outside of design. Traveling, browsing the internet, reading, conversations with friends, or simply paying attention to everyday moments often spark ideas more than sitting in front of a design tool. I find that the more fully I experience life beyond my profession, the richer my creative work becomes.

I grew up in China and now live in the United States, and both cultures have shaped me in different ways. Each has developed its own visual language, design traditions, and ways of thinking. Many designers experience only one of those perspectives, whereas I have the opportunity to draw from both. Occasionally that means I miss certain cultural references in the American context, but I'm happy to accept that tradeoff because I also carry a rich cultural background that continually influences how I see and create.

Earlier in my career I took on freelance projects, but at this stage I enjoy working as an individual contributor within companies. It gives me the opportunity to collaborate closely with talented teammates, learn from experienced people every day, and contribute to products at scale. I can certainly see myself returning to more independent work in the future, once I feel I've developed an even stronger foundation of skills, confidence, network, and creative vision.

I don't think there's such a thing as a universally "good" designer. Design is highly collaborative, and even an exceptionally skilled designer may not be the right fit for every company or project. Rather than searching for the most impressive portfolio, I would encourage companies to look for someone whose communication style, values, and way of thinking align with their team and the problems they're trying to solve.

As a Product Designer, my workday is usually a balance of three different modes. Part of the day is dedicated to focused design work, where I can immerse myself in solving problems and creating. Another part is spent collaborating with teammates through meetings and discussions. I also intentionally leave room for exploration—reading about new ideas, following developments in the design industry, or simply letting my attention wander. Some of my best ideas come during those unstructured moments rather than when I'm actively trying to be creative.