Nike designer Yenny Zhang on how she found a passion for spatial design
Yenny Zhang: Designing Spaces with Stories
Early Explorations
A childhood passion for art and design ignited Yenny Zhang's journey. Inspired by a summer course at Parsons School of Design, she found her calling in spatial design.
Moving to Pasadena for college, Zhang enrolled in Environmental Design at ArtCenter College of Design. She embraced the collaborative environment and focus on storytelling and spatial experience.
From Intern to Senior Designer
Zhang's internships at Nike and Complex honed her portfolio and led to a full-time role at Nike. With ambition and a knack for balancing creativity with strategy, she rose from intern to senior designer in four years.
Storytelling in Design
Zhang's uniqueness lies in her storytelling approach. She believes that spaces should evoke emotions and resonate with users beyond aesthetics.
"I always ask, 'What's the story here?' I want to craft spaces that are more than visually appealing—spaces that connect on a deeper level," she says.
Influences and Key Moments
ComplexCon, an immersive celebration of creativity, inspired Zhang's love for audacious and dynamic brand spaces. Her work on the Pegasus 41 campaign and the 2022 World Cup further cemented her belief in the power of storytelling.
Overcoming Challenges
Zhang acknowledges the challenge of balancing workload and inspiration. Her solution is to prioritize breaks and recharge by exploring new trends and networking with other creatives.
The Future of Spatial Design
Zhang plans to push boundaries in spatial design and storytelling. She envisions a future where branding, technology, and art direction seamlessly intertwine.
"I want to keep evolving as a designer and create stories that leave a lasting impact," she declares.