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.
ProfileI 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.
.
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
PublishsL. 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.
The design highlights a vibrant and playful illustration style, emphasizing the fruity and refreshing qualities of the beer. Elements such as juicy peaches, dynamic splashes, and wheat graphics are integrated to create an energetic and eye-catching visual identity.
The packaging design aims to capture consumer attention on shelves while conveying the brand’s fun, creative spirit and commitment to quality craft brewing.
Project Title: C4 Energy Drink Visual Design
This project focuses on creating a bold, energetic visual identity for C4 Energy Drink, encompassing product packaging design, high-quality 3D renderings, and promotional design assets. The goal is to visually capture the brand’s essence—power, performance, and refreshment—through a dynamic and cohesive design language.
The packaging uses high-contrast, vibrant colors such as electric blue and bold yellow to evoke energy and athleticism. Large geometric elements and strong, blocky typography reinforce brand visibility and appeal to fitness enthusiasts and active lifestyle consumers.
High-fidelity 3D rendering techniques are used to showcase the product with photorealistic lighting and texture. The renderings include condensation effects and various dynamic camera angles to highlight the design’s visual appeal and physical presence.
Based on the core packaging visuals, a series of promotional assets were developed, including posters, social media content, and digital ads. These materials aim to amplify brand awareness and drive customer engagement across multiple platforms.
Project Title: Tobacco Packaging Design
This project involved end-to-end packaging design for multiple tobacco brands across Europe and the United States. The scope included original illustration creation, packaging material research and selection, and full packaging system development—from concept to production. Each design was tailored to reflect the brand’s cultural tone, regional market preferences, and visual identity goals.
Each product features hand-drawn, bold, and edgy illustrations that reflect the lifestyle and attitude of the target audience. The style blends street art influence with pop culture aesthetics to stand out in a competitive shelf environment.
Explored and tested a range of packaging materials to ensure compatibility with both regulatory requirements and the brand’s image, including:
-Glossy foil prints
-Matte and soft-touch laminate finishes
-Embossed and spot UV detailing for premium feel
From dieline setup to final print production, the project included structural packaging design (boxes, tins, pouches), Compliance with EU and U.S. labeling laws,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 DesignThis 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.