As a discipline, graphic design represents one way that humanity makes sense of and organizes the chaos of reality, and it’s precisely that relationship that Taipei-based designer Ming Hsun Yu loves to investigate. “I find myself strongly drawn and fascinated by ‘graphic’ things, such as metaphors, pop music and graphic design,” they say. “I love how things are iconic, catchy and impactful.” Having grown up in Taiwan and studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York, Yu went on to work at New York–based multidisciplinary studio Wkshps with Chris Wu, whom they credit as a mentor. “I enjoyed the people I got to work with there and developed a unique point of view from the cultural scene,” they recall. “Currently, I’ve relocated back to Taipei and started working at Hyphen Works, focusing on website and visual identity designs.” The vibrant colors of Yu’s work reflect their multicultural influences as well as their personal experience. “Growing up with heavy eczema all my life, I’m in a constant state of high stimulation with itchiness and pain,” they explain. “Making art was my way out of this horrible illness to express what I feel physically and emotionally.” Their personal relationship to design as a way to make sense of the world informs their empathetic approach to working with clients. “I remind myself frequently … that we’re just a group of people trying to make beautiful things come alive,” says Yu. “It definitely helps with easing the challenges we face and hopefully not let capitalism kill the joy of creativity.”