"Interview with Olivia Lin –
Packaging Design at
ArtCenter"
"Ask questions! If there’s something you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to seek clarification."
Olivia Lin is a Term 6 Graphic Design student at ArtCenter, drawn to its industry-focused and high-pressure environment. She values hands-on learning, especially in courses like CD4 and Research & Process (RP), which prepare her for advanced packaging design. Olivia stays organized through handwritten notes, helping her refine ideas and workflow. Managing heavy workloads has been her biggest challenge, but she navigates it with strong time management and a proactive mindset. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a career that blends creativity with a balanced lifestyle, drawing inspiration from online resources and exhibitions.
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, SolidWorks, Figma
Olivia’s storytelling blends research and emotion, crafting meaningful narratives that connect deeply with audiences.
For Latto, I was inspired by the growing culture of specialty coffee on the go. People are no longer just drinking coffee—they’re crafting high-quality brews, even while traveling. I wanted to create a packaging solution that makes it easy, compact, and visually appealing for coffee lovers who don’t want to compromise on quality.
For Muyu, I wanted to blend tradition with modern aesthetics. Taiwan Kaoliang Liquor has a deep cultural and historical significance, and many collectors treasure these bottles. I wanted to create a design that pays homage to heritage while appealing to younger generations who are looking for stylish and meaningful packaging.
I’ve always been fascinated by how packaging is more than just a container—it’s an experience. It communicates a brand’s values, protects the product, and influences consumer perception. At ArtCenter, I’ve learned to approach packaging with a balance of functionality, branding, and storytelling. The program’s emphasis on research, user experience, and structural innovation has helped me refine my design thinking.
Start by studying how people interact with packaging in real life. Ask yourself: What makes a package memorable? What makes it frustrating? Also, focus on both branding and structural engineering—a great package isn’t just beautiful, it’s functional and tells a story. Don’t be afraid to experiment with materials and form to push creative boundaries.
