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BE LIKE WATER THE PORTFOLIO OF WENXUAN CHEN

A MASTER'S STUDENT IN GRAPHIC DESIGN WHO JUST GRADUATED FROM ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

BE LIKE WATER

THE PORTFOLIO OF WENXUAN CHEN GRAPHIC DESIGN

2020-2025 ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

Concept This portfolio embraces the essence of water—defined by adaptability, versatility, flow, and continuity. Each project shifts in form and function, responding to its unique context while maintaining a cohesive creative identity. Just as water adapts to every shape it meets, my design practice flexes across mediums and disciplines. The portfolio flows from one idea to the next, creating a continuous narrative of exploration and growth. Through this lens, design becomes an evolving process—fluid, responsive, and full of possibility. Like water, it is never still, always moving, and forever capable of transformation.

Dedication I dedicate this work to my parents, whose unwavering support and love have allowed me to pursue my studies with peace of mind and confidence.

To my professors, thank you for sharing your knowledge and inspiring me with your passion—your guidance has shaped my learning in meaningful ways.

And to my friends, who made this journey brighter, lighter, and full of laughter—your presence turned challenges into cherished memories.

TABLE OF CONTENT

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06/10

R E -A N A LY Z E A N D D E S I G N A W E B S I T E

I N T E R E ST I N G FO N T D E S I G N A N D U S E I N T H E M OV I E

Tangled Art + Disability

SHIN ULTRAMAN design

02/10 DESIGN THE DMI PERIMETER AND R E L AT E D CO N T E N T Design lecture

07/10 REDESIGNING A BRAND'S FUTURE ST R AT E GY Xtep's environmental strategy

03/10 R E D E S I G N BA S E D O N E X I ST I N G BRANDS Redesign delorean

08/10 C R E AT E B R A N D D E S I G N BA S E D O N A FO R E I G N L A N G UAG E Soccer club in Spanish

04/10 C R E AT E A F U N A P P Distance education app

05/10 SUPPOSE THERE IS A FILM E X H I B I T I O N F E AT U R I N G A FA M O U S D I R E C TO R A film exhibition directed by Ang Lee

09/10 B R A N D D E S I G N FO R P E R I P H E R A L A DV E RT I S I N G Soccer training for kids

10/10 AI LEARNING The new San Francisco soccer club

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IMPROVE THE WEBSITE’S DESIGN TO BETTER CONNECT TO DESIGNERS WITH DISABILITIES. Objective The objective of this redesign is to create a more intuitive, accessible, and visually compelling interface for the Tangled Art + Disability website. The new design will prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that users of all abilities can seamlessly navigate and engage with the platform.

Approach As a graduate student, I approached the redesign by focusing on clarity, inclusivity, and ease of use. I analyzed the original site, identified key accessibility barriers, and created a cleaner, more intuitive layout. My design process centered on user feedback, ensuring the platform supports and empowers all users equally.

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GR 605_Digital Design Studio

Instructor Phil Hamlett

Semester 2023 Spring

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DMI DESIGN MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 2023: EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF DESIGN LEADERSHIP. Objective To design and plan an exhibition experience that communicates the core theme effectively and resonates with the target audience.

This includes creating cohesive visual materials such as posters, brochures, and merchandise that enhance the exhibition’s identity, support engagement, and extend its impact beyond the physical space.

Approach Working closely with my professor, I began by defining the exhibition’s core theme and audience. I developed a visual concept that unified all elements, from posters to brochures and merchandise. Through iterative sketching, prototyping, and feedback sessions, I refined the design to ensure clarity, emotion, and aesthetic consistency. I handled all design and production decisions independently, from layout to print preparation.

Course

GR 601_Type System

Instructor John Nettleton

Semester 2023 Spring

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REDESIGNING BRAND CONTENT BY REINTERPRETING ITS CLASSIC IDENTITY IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. Objective This project reimagines the DeLorean brand as a visionary platform beyond its automotive origins—infused with new meanings and creative potential. The goal was to break from its historical identity and rebuild it as a contemporary cultural brand through a redesigned logo and a multidimensional experience spanning film, 3D gaming, and public speaking.

Approach Collaborating with my professor, I began by deconstructing the original DeLorean narrative and exploring how its essence— innovation, ambition, and rebellion—could be reinterpreted. I created a new visual identity system, starting with a redesigned logo that departs from its automotive past.

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GR 604_The Nature Of Identity

Instructor

Hunter Wimmer

Semester 2024 Spring

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DESIGNING INTUITIVE USER INTERACTIONS FOR AN ONLINE EDUCATION APP. Objective The objective of this self-initiated project was to design Remote Education, a creative online learning app that empowers students to learn from and support one another.

The app is built to foster a sense of community in distance learning by encouraging peer-to-peer collaboration, shared progress, and mutual motivation.

Approach I independently developed the concept and design using Figma, focusing on intuitive user flows and emotionally supportive interactions. The design centers on student collaboration—features like advisor matching, peer feedback, and shared study sessions allow users to connect and grow together.

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GR 606_User Experience Design

Instructor Terry Jones

Semester 2024 Fall

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A FILM FESTIVAL THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE CINEMATIC LEGACY OF ANG LEE THROUGH A CURATED SELECTION. Objective This project presents a curated film festival that highlights the cinematic legacy of Ang Lee, focusing on his unique ability to integrate Chinese and Western cultures. The objective was to celebrate his cross-cultural storytelling and design philosophy through film selection and a compelling visual identity that reflects his nuanced artistic vision.

Approach I began by analyzing Ang Lee’s body of work, identifying recurring themes such as cultural hybridity, emotional subtlety, and visual elegance. I designed the festival’s branding—from posters to brochures—by blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary Western design, creating a cohesive visual language that mirrors Lee’s transcultural approach.

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GR 612_Integrated Communications

Instructor Jeremy Stout

Semester 2024 Fall

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EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT FONTS TO CREATE MORE UNUSUAL VISUAL EFFECTS. Objective The project aims to explore the creative and expressive potential of typography by designing custom fonts using real-world materials. The goal is to break away from existing digital tools and experiment with texture, form, and physical interaction to create fonts that feel tangible, original, and emotionally resonant.

Approach I began by collecting and arranging physical materials—such as fabric, paper, metal, or everyday objects—to form letterforms by hand. I photographed each composition, carefully considering lighting, perspective, and contrast to capture their texture and dimensionality. These images were then refined and digitized into custom type experiments.

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GR_613_Type Experiments

Instructor David Hake

Semester 2023 Fall

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DESIGN RELATED BOOKS ACCORDING TO THE EXISTING COMPANY'S FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY. Objective This project involved designing a series of concept books for Xtep, aligned with the brand’s future environmental strategy. The aim was to reflect Xtep’s commitment to sustainability through editorial design, using visual storytelling and eco-friendly materials to communicate its green vision to both internal teams and the public.

Approach I began by studying Xtep’s sustainability goals and brand values, identifying key themes like innovation, environmental responsibility, and performance. Based on these, I designed a set of books, natural color palettes, and clean typography to reflect ecological sensitivity.

The project repositions Xtep as a forward-thinking brand that seamlessly integrates design, sustainability, and cultural relevance.

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GR 601_Type System

Instructor John Nettleton

Semester 2023 Spring

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EXPERIMENTING WITH UNIQUE FONT COMBINATIONS TO ENHANCE VISUAL AESTHETICS. Objective This project explores the use of unique font combinations to enhance visual aesthetics and cultural identity. The goal was to create the branding for a fictional Spanish football club, using expressive Spanish fonts to build a bold, energetic, and culturally rooted visual system.

Approach I began by researching Spanish typography styles—both traditional and modern—and experimenting with type pairings to reflect the passion, pride, and rhythm of football culture in Spain. The design extends across team merchandise, posters, and social media mockups, uniting typography and sport to create a dynamic, character-driven identity for the club.

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GR_613_Type Experiments

Instructor David Hake

Semester 2023 Fall

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A DYNAMIC SOCCER CAMP DESIGNED TO TEACH AND INSPIRE YOUNG PLAYERS.

Objective This project focuses on designing the branding and visual system for a dynamic soccer camp aimed at teaching and inspiring young players. The goal was to create a bold, energetic identity that reflects the spirit of youth development, teamwork, and passion for the game.

Approach I began by researching youth sports programs and identifying the key emotional drivers—excitement, confidence, and community. I developed a vibrant visual identity using dynamic typography, bright colors, and motion-inspired graphics to reflect the energy of soccer.

The design includes posters, merchandise, social media content, and on-field signage.

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GR 620_Visual Thinking

Instructor Jeremy Stout

Semester 2023 Spring

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INVESTIGATING NEW FRONTIERS OF AIDRIVEN CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION. Objective This project explores the new frontiers of AI-driven creativity by building a fictional soccer team based in San Francisco.

The goal was to use emerging design tools and speculative thinking to develop a full brand system—from team identity and uniforms to merchandise and stadium visuals.

Approach Inspired by San Francisco’s innovation ecosystem, I created a future-facing soccer team using a combination of traditional design and AI-generated elements. The project included designing a team logo, jerseys, digital storefront for merchandise, and a stadium.

I experimented with AI tools for pattern generation and material concepts, blending high-tech aesthetics with local culture.

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GR 601 AI_ AI for Designers

Instructor Jeff Carino

Semester 2024 Spring

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COLOPHON TITLE

M AJ O R

BE LIKE WATER

Graphic Design

CO U R S E

PA P E R

Senior Portfolio

Mohawk Superfine Eggshell 100# Text

I N ST RU C TO R

TYPOGRAPHY

Mary Scott

IBM Plex Mono IBM Plex Sans

CO N TAC T Wenxuan Chen

PRINTING

wenxuanchendesign@gmail.com

Blurb.com

DEGREE

SCHOOL

MA

Academy of Art University, School of Graphic Design

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