Lee Shin Yi

1 Congratulations on winning the MUSE Design Awards! Can you introduce yourself and share about what inspired you to pursue design as a career?

My name is Lee Shin Yi and Neuf is a professional design company that specializes in packaging design, logo creation, and business visuals, including business cards and marketing materials. With extensive industry experience, Neuf has delivered creative and impactful design solutions for various sectors, including interior design, medical aesthetics and beauty, food, floristry, and jewelry. Our passion for art and design has been the driving force behind our creative journey. We are dedicated to blending our aesthetic vision with our work, crafting unique and compelling designs. Through our creations, we aspire to make a distinctive mark on the international stage.

2 What does being recognized in the MUSE Design Awards mean to you?

Being recognized by the MUSE Design Awards is a significant milestone for myself and the company. As a small design company, this honor gives us the opportunity to step onto the global stage and showcase our work to clients around the world. It is both a validation of our efforts and a motivation to continue creating with passion and purpose.

3 How has this achievement impacted your career, team, or agency, and what opportunities has it brought so far?

This achievement has had a profound impact on my growth and vision. It has allowed me to extend my presence and connect with a wider international audience. The recognition has not only boosted my credibility but also opened new business opportunities and collaborations across different markets. It has strengthened my commitment to delivering innovative design solutions on a global scale.

4 What role does experimentation play in your creative process? Can you share an example?

Experimentation has always played an important role in my creations. To achieve the best possible results, we continuously explore different forms, images, and colors to design products that best suit our clients. For example, one client wanted a paper bag with a unique shape. To meet their loading requirements, we conducted load-bearing tests, provided structural packaging recommendations, and produced inkjet samples to ensure every detail precisely met their needs.

5 What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've ever drawn from for a project?

Most of my work incorporates abstract visuals into the design. For example, in my award-winning project—the MU XIN facial mask packaging—I extended the concept from the client’s product in an abstract way. The design conveys a sense of "natural ingredients" and "land slowly rising and bathing in the essence," using delicate, water-like lines to represent the essence within the product. Through this, Neuf and myself aimed to communicate the brand’s core message: "MU XIN — Immerse Yourself in Beauty."

6 What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the design process?

I believe that thoughtful design goes beyond aesthetics. I strive to avoid excessive packaging, reducing both costs and paper waste by combining the convenience of a carry bag with the elegance of a gift box. By carefully selecting eco-friendly papers that provide a tactile experience my clients appreciate, I not only elevate the overall quality of the packaging but also support their brand’s commitment to sustainability.

7 How do you navigate the balance between meeting client expectations and staying true to your ideas?

Throughout my design process, I carefully listen to my clients' needs and offer thoughtful, tailored recommendations. Through continuous communication and collaboration, I work towards building a shared vision that balances client expectations with my creative integrity. To exceed expectations, I am committed to customized solutions, delivering high-quality design products and packaging services. Partnering with me will elevate your brand with greater sophistication, innovation, and impact.

8 What were the challenges you faced while working on your award-winning design, and how did you overcome them?

Our award-winning design draws inspiration from elements such as the galaxy, feathers, flowing water, and constellations, requiring a delicate and nuanced rendering effect. Throughout the process, we underwent numerous trials to create a final design that met our client's expectations. Due to the varying characteristics of different paper materials, we faced challenges in achieving consistent color rendering. Through repeated color matching and fine-tuning during printing, we successfully delivered a product that captured the intended visual effect with both vibrancy and stability.

9 How do you recharge your creativity when you hit a creative block?

When I encounter a creative block during the design process, I take a step back to pause and reflect. I engage in open discussions, sharing perspectives on the project and the client’s personality. Additionally, I explore works from other creators to gain fresh insights. This approach helps reignite my creativity and inspires new ideas for my designs.

10 What personal values or experiences do you infuse into your designs?

In each of my projects, I begin by deeply understanding the brand’s history, founding purpose, future vision, and the emotions the brand wishes to convey. Through exploration and creative interpretation, I am able to accurately express the brand’s value. At the same time, I specialize in designing packaging boxes as gifts or surprise packages, allowing the product to not only satisfy visual aesthetics but also embody deeper emotional value, offering buyers the joyful experience of receiving a gift.

11 What is an advice that you would you give to aspiring designers aiming for success?

Stay committed to delivering high-quality design work and cultivate a genuine love for both your craft and your journey. Trust in your own sense of aesthetics and creativity, and remember that true success is built step by step, with patience, passion, and perseverance.

12 If you could collaborate with any designer, past or present, who would it be and why?

I want to collaborate with motion designer Ting-An Ho. I really admire his motion work — elegant, distinctive, and strongly modern. Most of his creations are used in exhibitions, concerts, and digital visuals, and he excels at transforming typography into something that feels alive. I truly hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented individual in the future.

13 What's one question you wish people would ask you about your work, and what's your answer?

One question I wish people would ask me is: "What makes your design approach unique?" My design approach integrates brand strategy with visual language, specializing in expressing brand essence through abstract lines and minimalist aesthetics. I value the communicative and sensory power of design—packaging, to me, is not just about visual appeal but also about conveying texture, quality, and warmth through materials and tactility. From structure, color, and material to overall visual consistency, I strive to ensure that every brand I work with is not only seen but also felt.

WINNING ENTRY

Packaging
2025
MUSE Design Awards Winner - KIMEN Culture Fountain Pen Packaging by Uingin Technology International Company

Entrant Company

Uingin Technology International Company

Category

Packaging Design - Student Design

Packaging
2025
MUSE Design Awards Winner - Facial Mask Packaging by Uingin Technology International Company

Entrant Company

Uingin Technology International Company

Category

Packaging Design - Beauty & Personal Care