Portfolio copy

Graphic & Illustration

Product & Game

Custom Keycap Design-Forge Panda

This project focused on the end-to-end design of a custom mechanical keyboard keycap set, covering everything from initial 2D concept sketches to final production. The goal was to create a visually unique, ergonomic, and collectible keycap set for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Zombie Rollerz – Concept Design

This project involved full-spectrum concept and production design for Zombie Rollerz, a fast-paced hybrid game combining pinball mechanics with tower defense and roguelike elements. Released across PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Cellphone and Xbox, the game required adaptable and engaging visual assets suited for cross-platform experiences. I contributed to UI/UX design, 2D character development, and 3D asset production.

Wild Sky TD – Character & Prop Design

This project involved designing characters and in-game props for Wild Sky TD, a mobile tower defense game set in a vibrant fantasy world. The game was released on Android and iOS platforms, requiring visually optimized assets that perform smoothly across devices. I contributed to both 2D concept art and 3D modeling of characters, along with the design of interactive props and gameplay elements.

Personal Projects

This is a collection of my personal work, showcasing my skills in 2D character design, illustration, and concept development, as well as 3D character modeling. Each piece reflects my interest in storytelling through visual design — from expressive character poses and costume details to stylized anatomy and world-building. I explore a range of styles, from whimsical and cartoon-inspired to darker, more dramatic themes. My 3D work focuses on bringing these characters to life through clean topology, hand-painted textures, and attention to form and silhouette.

Xiaomeng Zhang

Profile

I graduated from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco with a major in Visual Development and have over seven years of experience in the design industry, specializing in graphic design, packaging design, and game art. I excel at direct client communication and B2B project collaboration, ensuring that every design solution aligns closely with commercial and market needs.

Throughout my career, I have been deeply involved in projects for Nintendo and the Shanghai IKEA LIVAT Center, and have provided design services for major clients including IKEA and Wanda Group. I have led the visual and packaging design for various consumer products, including beverages, tobacco, and other goods on the market. Through innovative visual storytelling and strong brand alignment, I have helped products stand out and increase market competitiveness.
With a solid art foundation and cross-industry project experience, I am skilled at driving design projects efficiently and delivering impactful results across diverse business contexts.
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Education

Master of Fine Art
Academy of Art University
Visual Development 2014-2018

Bachelor of Fine Art
Sichuan Normal University
Animation 2009-2013

Employment

Graphic Designer
Illumcube, San Francisco
Illustration, Graphic Design, Packaging Design

Illustrator
Design and Customize, LLC, San Francisco
Illustration, Graphic Design

Visual Designer
The Knockout Design Group, Chicago, IL
Packaging Design, Graphic Design, 3D Modeling

Marketing Designer
Intergem, Cuppertino, CA
UI Design, Graphic Design, Illustrator

Intership
Zing Games, Chicago, IL
Concepet Design, 2D and 3D Character Design, Game UI

Publishs

L. Ron Hubbard
Illustrator of the Future Issue.38
https://writersofthefuture.com/winners-announced/

Creative Quarterly
Issue.58
https://shop.cqjournal.com/products/creative-quarterly-issue-58

San Francisco Examiner, 2022
San Francisco Artist Colin Zhang Keeps Eyes
Locked on Future
https://www.sfexaminer.com/our_sections/faces/san-francisco-artist-colin-zhang-keeps-eyes-locked-on-future/article_6cbbbc96-ed99-11ec-9d3e-37322c0e3401.html

Voyage LA 2023,2024
https://voyagela.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-xiaomeng-zhang-of-san-francisco/

0.125OZ Book, 2024

SHOUTOUTLA
https://shoutoutla.com/meet-xiaomeng-zhang-illustrator/

CanvasRebel 2024
Meet Xiaomeng Zhang
https://canvasrebel.com/?post_types=&s=xiaomeng+zhang

Xinhua New Agency 2022

ILLUSTRACIENCIA
https://www.blog.illustraciencia.info/2019/10/colin-zhang-teuthidodrilus.html

Skills

Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe After Effects
Procreate
Maya
Zbrush
Blender

Awards

Muse Creative Award 2024

Paris Design Award 2024

Illustrator of the year
L.Ron Hubbard, Illustrator of the future
2024

Rookie Awards
Rookie of the Year, Concept Artist
2020

Zombie Rollerz
Most Promising Game In Development 2016

Last Updated 24.10.31

Peach Crush

This project is a 2D graphic design and illustration for a craft beer packaging. The product, named "Peach Crush IPA," features a peach-flavored IPA and is presented in a standard 12 oz aluminum can.

Print and Graphic

I designed and illustrated a series of large-scale interior wall graphics for Chic n’ Time, a quick-service restaurant located in San Francisco. The illustrations were hand-painted on-site using acrylic paint, adding a rich, textured, and artisanal feel to the space. The visual concept draws inspiration from San Francisco’s iconic street scenes—featuring landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, sloped streets, cable cars, and a lively, diverse community. The flat, playful style and vibrant color palette—anchored in the brand’s identity—help create an inviting atmosphere that enhances the dining experience and expresses the brand’s connection to local culture.

C4 Energy Drink Visual Design

This project establishes a bold and energetic visual identity for C4 Energy Drink through vibrant packaging design, photorealistic 3D renderings, and dynamic promotional assets. Using high-contrast colors like electric blue and bold yellow, along with strong geometric elements and blocky typography, the design conveys power, performance, and refreshment. High-fidelity renderings with condensation effects and dramatic angles enhance the product’s physical appeal, while a cohesive suite of posters, social media visuals, and digital ads drives brand awareness and engagement across platforms.

Tobacco Packaging Design

This end-to-end packaging project for multiple tobacco brands across Europe and the U.S. covered original illustration, material research, and structural packaging system development. Each design was tailored to regional preferences and brand identity, featuring bold, hand-drawn illustrations inspired by street art and pop culture. A variety of materials were tested—including glossy foil, soft-touch laminates, and spot UV finishes—to balance regulatory compliance with premium aesthetics. The scope also included dieline setup, EU/U.S. labeling compliance, and vendor coordination for production and mockups.

Super Mario Maker 2 – Themed Packaging Bag Design

This project involved the creation of a custom packaging bag inspired by the launch of Super Mario Maker 2 for Nintendo Switch. The goal was to design a vibrant, collectible-style bag that captures the playful, creative spirit of the game and connects with fans of all ages.

Shanghai LIVAT (HUIJU) Themed Food Court Map Design

This project involved the visual and layout design of thematic food court maps for Shanghai LIVAT (Huiju), a large commercial complex with anchor stores such as IKEA and Wanda. I was deeply involved in the entire design process, contributing to both the graphic and spatial visual planning to ensure an intuitive and engaging customer navigation experience.

Vinyl Record Sleeve Design

This project involved designing the vinyl record sleeve and label for Topographies, a local San Francisco-baseddream pop band. The goal was to visually capture the band’s atmospheric and emotional sound through a minimalist yet evocative design.