Chao Hsuan Wang: graphic designer
/ Graphic designer
by Elizabeth Lavis | 30 Mar 2026
Stand Behind Work With Honesty
Chao Hsuan Wang, a cat person and designer for Studio After, believes a project is finished when she can stand behind it with honesty. “My personal philosophy is about doing things to a level I can be satisfied with, not perfection, but enough that I can give myself a clear answer and move forward without regret.”
As a child, Wang dreamt of being a picture book author. “Storytelling and visuals were always connected for me, which naturally led me toward design,” she says. “In high school I visited the Young Designers’ Exhibition in Taipei, an annual showcase of graduating students’ work. I was amazed by the visuals, variety of mediums, and the openness of design. It felt like a world of possibilities, and I became fascinated with it.”
Wang is from Taiwan, where traditional culture and modern influences co-exist. “Taiwan gave me an appreciation for contrast, layering, and finding harmony between differences, which is something that often shows up in my design work,” Wang says. She also draws inspiration for different aspects of graphic design. “I don’t think my style directly mirrors one specific artist,” Wang says. “I’m interested in finding a balance between clarity and emotional resonance, so my work may sometimes echo the storytelling sensibility of writers or filmmakers who layer meaning subtly rather than overtly.”
Wang begins her design process with an initial client meeting, where she gathers inspiration and begins exploring ideas. “From there, it’s a process of trying, editing, and refining until the direction feels both clear and strong,” she says. She stays creative under pressure by intentionally carving out small pockets of time for herself, whether or exercising, watching a show, or enjoying good food. “Those moments recharge me and keep creativity from feeling like a constant drain,” Wang says.
She also has a smart tip for aspiring designers that can help stave off burnout and stress. “Sometimes I set an earlier ‘fake’ deadline just to trick myself into pushing harder,” Wang says. “Surprisingly, the extra time that follows can open up new possibilities.” She also advises up-and-coming designers to experiment with different styles, not be afraid to fail, and find their own rhythm instead of only chasing trends.
Winning an Indigo award has been an excellent experience for Wang, giving her work more international visibility and encouraging her to keep pushing her ideas further. “Winning was exciting and validating,” she says. “It made me feel like the effort and experimentation were worth it. I would definitely recommend entering. It’s a great platform to showcase your work, gain exposure, and be part of a global conversation in design.”
One thing that Wang truly values is stability, believing that it allows her to focus on her designs with more clarity and craft better projects. “Stability in life gives me space to create freely,” Wang says. “Having balance, whether financial or emotional, keeps me grounded and helps me focus.”
"Writing is to taste the life twice", Studio After
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