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Yiying Lu

Artrepreneur - Bilingual TEDx Speaker - Artist of Twitter Whale 🐳 & 🥟🧋🥡🥠🥢🦚 Emojis - San Francisco Arts Commissioner - Fast Company Most Creative Person in Business

Professional Background

Yiying Lu is a celebrated artist, entrepreneur, educator, and bilingual speaker whose remarkable career has consistently bridged the gap between art and technology. Initially rising to fame through her innovative designs, including the beloved Dumpling and Boba Tea emojis and her work with iconic brands like Disney Shanghai, Twitter, and Microsoft, Yiying has created a unique niche where creativity meets cross-cultural communication. Founded upon her experiences across the globe, Yiying's work reflects her commitment to unifying people and transcending linguistic barriers through design that resonates on an emotional level.

After relocating to Silicon Valley in 2015 from Sydney, Australia, Yiying took on the role of Creative Director at 500 Global, where she had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous startups in developing creative branding strategies. This invaluable experience has shaped her current endeavors, where she uses her expertise to lead her creative studio. Here, she focuses on branding, Web3 innovation, and cross-cultural design, working with a diverse clientele that includes technology giants such as Apple, Google, Adobe, and Airbnb. Her unique insight into both Eastern and Western cultures empowers her creative approach, making her a sought-after consultant in the realm of design and branding.

Yiying's influence extends into her role as a public speaker. Drawing on her rich background and experiences, she has shared her insights at major global conferences and universities, including TEDx, Talks at Google, SXSW, and Adobe MAX. Her talks frequently explore themes of creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural design, showcasing her prowess in merging cultural perspectives within the design industry.

Education and Achievements

Yiying's educational background is a testament to her commitment to excellence and innovation in design. She studied at the prestigious Shanghai Shixi High School before pursuing her Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication at the University of Technology Sydney, where she graduated with first-class honors. In addition to her degree, she enriched her studies with an exchange program at the renowned Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, focusing on Advertising.

Further specializing her knowledge, Yiying also undertook study in the International Design & Media Foundation Stream at UNSW, where she was recognized for her outstanding performance in design. This robust educational foundation has propelled her career, leading to numerous accolades including recognition as one of Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business and a Top 10 Leader in Innovation by Microsoft.

Her achievements in the design field have not gone unnoticed, as Yiying has received multiple awards such as the Shorty Awards for Design and the Australia China Alumni Award for Arts & Creative Industries. Her work has been featured extensively in prestigious publications, including The New York Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, Fast Company, and many others, highlighting her influence and reach within both the arts and technology sectors.

Community and Professional Contributions

Yiying Lu is deeply engaged in her community and the broader professional landscape. She was appointed as a Commissioner of the San Francisco Arts Commission in 2021 by Mayor London Breed, where she focuses on promoting art and enhancing cultural engagement in the city. Prior to this role, she served on the Board of GlobalSF and contributed as a business mentor for startups, providing guidance and support to emerging entrepreneurs.

Her dedication to fostering innovation and creativity is further demonstrated through her mentorship initiatives, where she has advised aspiring designers and entrepreneurs at organizations like Orbit Startups and Galvanize Inc. Yiying is also a valued member of various advisory boards, such as the China Australia Millennial Project, and has worked closely with educational institutions as a guest lecturer at notable universities including Peking University and Tsinghua University.

In the realm of design, Yiying has not only consulted for firms like Adobe but has also played a role as a creative ambassador, striving to inspire and engage future talent in the design field. Her commitment to education and mentorship is evidenced by her involvement in programs that cultivate creativity and innovation in students and professionals alike.

Notable Projects

Among her most recognized projects, Yiying Lu designed the Twitter Whale emoji that became synonymous with system outages, showcasing her ability to infuse fun and relatability into serious subjects. Additionally, her work on the Dumpling and Boba Tea emojis resonates with a wide audience, celebrating cultural elements that evoke a sense of community and joy.

Her creative prowess has led her to be recognized internationally, as she was the first artist invited by IDEO to participate in their crea

Highlights

Aug 8 · linkedin

💖🐳✨ Dear Community, life can be unpredictable and challenging, but it's in our darkest moments that we find our strength and resilience. After enduring a traumatic attack in the New York subway in May, I faced a profound battle with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The journey back to myself has not been easy, marked by sleepless nights and intense pain, but it has also been transformative.

I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who supported me and helped me return to myself and reclaim my identity—Yiying, which means “Happy & Creative” in Chinese.

To commemorate my journey of healing and recovery, I am returning to release my “Yes Whale” digital collectible on OpenSea. This artwork symbolizes a resounding YES to optimism, creativity, community, and embracing new horizons. It represents the driving force behind my recovery and a celebration of new beginnings.

Let the “Yes Whale” art be a reminder to prioritize self-care, the power of community & resilience.

The artwork is available on OpenSea, ending tomorrow, 8/8, at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET: https://lnkd.in/eNXJkd2k

This is the first time I’m releasing an affordable digital collectible for less than $5 per piece, which allows anyone to own a piece of my creative journey, making it accessible for all who wish to be part of this message of positivity and renewal.

Thank you, amazing women, Willo, Deborah, Amy, Ann Larie & Hillary, who started YES& invited me to it in 2013. Thank you, Scott, Miko, Tammy, and Daniel, for your support since YES &.

I'm grateful for the support from the amazing OpenSea team that made this collection possible. Thank you, Aaron, Adam, Hannah, Megan, and Kelly 🌊🩵

Your support has been my anchor and my lighthouse. Thank you all for your love, support, and investment in art. Together, let's continue to say YES to life, creativity, and new beginnings.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. May YES WHALE bring you love and light ✨🐳💖

Jun 4 · twitter

🏆🐳 Delighted to be back in NYC to present the 16th @ShortyAwards' Design Category on 5/22, 15 years after winning 1st Shorty in #Design. I'm also proud to be a 2024 @pantone spotlight artist & created “Make Waves” artwork on a Pantone-sponsored gift bag for all Shorty attendees https://t.co/sUUcdIVj08

🏆🐳 Delighted to be back in NYC to present the 16th @ShortyAwards' Design Category on 5/22, 15 year

Related Questions

How has Yiying Lu's background in Shanghai and education in Sydney and London influenced her design philosophy?
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How has Yiying Lu leveraged her bilingual skills in her career as a speaker and educator?
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Location

San Francisco, California, United States