Bynn Shen:Try, Try and Follow Through
Designer
by Elizabeth Lavis
|22 Mar 2024
Bynn Shen, Designer for Design Army, has one key piece of advice for aspiring designers: try, try, and follow through. “Whatever is stopping you, just try it. If you end up falling head over heels, congratulations on finding your passion! If you end up hating it, congratulations on figuring out what you don’t want to do. If you’re stuck or unsure whether you’re heading in the right direction, just keep going, and everything will eventually fall into place,” she says.
Shen comes from a small town in New Hampshire, and her family roots are Chinese. “I’m the only creative in the family, so my parents, especially, have influenced me to think more systematically and logically,” Shen says. This talent for organized thinking and logical follow-through complements the creative side very well, and Shen’s discipline and desire to learn makes her a true up-and-coming force.
“If you work hard and genuinely love what you do, success will follow,” she says. “Strive to be the best you can be and create work that brings you joy rather than try to impress others.” Shen’s multitude of different passions and joys inspired this year’s winning works. Shen won Indigo Bronze, Silver, and Gold in 2023. “In addition to graphic design, I love fashion and interior design, so I wanted to bring those interests into my design work,” she says.
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"Radial Magazine", Bynn Shen
Shen deals with inevitable industry stress through strict time management. “I know that some people work well under pressure, but I don’t,” she says. “For me, time management is super important. When there’s a lot on my plate, I find to-do lists helpful, and it’s satisfying to tick off each task.”
She also has a very healthy relationship with and reaction to harsh criticism, avoiding taking it personally and using it as a way to help hone her skills. “It’s hard not to see criticism as a personal attack, but it really isn’t,” she says. “I try to separate myself from my work and really listen to the client’s feedback. For someone to be critical and take time to point out the flaws in my design is an opportunity to improve the work and myself as a designer.”
Shen emphasizes the importance of striking a good work/life balance. “I have always valued self-care through getting to sleep early, eating well, and allowing myself to rest even during busy times. I think it helps to have a clearer mind if you want to tackle everything else,” she says. “If I let work consume me, it can easily become a vicious cycle and an unequal balance. It also helps to set boundaries mentally and physically in your workspace, especially if you work from home.”
Her goals are to continue enjoying the creative freedom and fun that come from working in the design field, and work on furthering her professional aims. “I will continue to work hard, stay curious, and keep learning,” she says.
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