Nike designer Yenny Zhang on how she found a passion for spatial design

As a child, Yenny Zhang was always into drawing and calligraphy, using it as a tool to help her stay calm and focused. It was in middle school (that's early secondary school years to us in the UK) that she decided to pursue art and design more seriously.

Zhang also remembers that her passion for spatial design was sparked during high school. She attended summer courses at Parsons School of Design in New York and the Rhode Island School of Design, where she explored drawing and furniture design.

"That's when I discovered the joy of creating three-dimensional spaces and decided to make design my career," she says.

Later in her education, Zhang moved out to Pasadena, California, to study Environmental Design at ArtCenter College of Design. She says: "One of my favourite aspects of studying there was how the program encouraged us to think beyond architectural aesthetics and focus on storytelling and spatial experience.

"I loved the hands-on projects and collaborative environment, where I could bring ideas to life." One of her biggest challenges, though, was time management (anyone who's completed a demanding university degree can relate). From rigorous coursework and internships to fitting in personal freelance work, Zhang gave 110% to excel, describing it as "tough but rewarding".

She adds: "I also had to push myself to step out of my comfort zone, constantly learning new tools and ways of thinking to stay ahead in such a competitive program."

While she was still in school, Zhang interned at the Nike headquarters and media company Complex. During this time, her key focus was to build a strong portfolio and connect with industry professionals who might help further her career.

After graduating, Zhang continued working for Nike, leveraging those connections and building on her understanding of the brand. "The internship provided a great foundation, and I was lucky to transition into a full-time role there," she says.

In just four years, Zhang progressed from intern to senior designer, which is no easy feat. She describes it as "an intense and fulfilling journey" and credits her success to her ability to adapt and take initiative.

"At Nike, I quickly learned to balance creativity with strategy, collaborating across teams to bring fresh ideas to life," says Zhang. Some of the most challenging projects she worked on were campaigns for the World Cup and Air Max Day, which pushed her even further to deliver work at a high level.

She explains how "consistently seeking feedback and staying curious" helped her refine her skills and stand out among her peers. "I made sure to show that I wasn't just a designer—I was someone who could think strategically and add value to the brand," Zhang adds.

Speaking on her approach and what makes it unique, Zhang believes that her storytelling is what sets her apart. "I don't just think about the visual or functional aspects of a space; I always ask, 'What's the story here? What feeling should people take away?'."

Not only this, but her love for trend culture and spatial storytelling often leads her to create immersive, emotional experiences that resonate with users. In her view, this mindset helps her design spaces that are "more than just visually appealing" and can connect on a deeper level.

"One of the earliest key moments for me was attending ComplexCon," says Zhang. "It was such an amazing experience; seeing famous artists and designers standing proudly in their brand spaces, introducing their products, was incredibly inspiring."

There was everything from people creating graffiti, skateboarding, and dancing to "a living, breathing celebration of creativity and culture," according to Zhang. She says: "The vibe was unbeatable—I felt like I was stepping into these uniquely crafted brand worlds, each with its own strong personality."

Experiencing something so immersive and captivating is what inspired her to use compelling brand stories to design spaces while being just as dynamic and fun.

Landing her internship at Nike was undoubtedly another key moment in Zhang's career. She explains how it completely altered her perspective, showing her "the scale and impact of working with a global brand". Zhang recognises her work on the Pegasus 41 campaign as a career-defining moment.

"It was a project that challenged me to think on a larger scale while still paying attention to the smaller details on execution," she says, adding, "These experiences have shaped not just my career but also the way I approach design."

Zhang also named Pegasus 41 one of her favourite projects, as she had the opportunity to blend the dynamic energy of running with immersive storytelling.

As far as other favourite projects go, the 2022 World Cup campaign is a clear standout. "The energy and playfulness surrounding it were incredible, and seeing the space come to life with bold, inspiring visuals was unforgettable," she says.

"Both projects pushed me creatively and involved incredible collaboration with the team, making them not just rewarding but truly memorable highlights."

Though Zhang has clearly had a dynamic and exciting career so far, it has not been without its challenges. Like many others in the industry, she has struggled with balancing workload and staying inspired and creative.

She says: "I think this is something every designer can relate to - when we're constantly producing ideas and delivering designs on time, we're outputting so much.

"At the same time, we need to stay connected to inspiration, like exploring new trends, learning from others, and seeing all the amazing things creative people around the world are doing."

Her tip to all who experience these difficulties is to take time to step back and take breaks regularly. "It's so important to give our brain time to reset and recharge, so I make it a point to carve out time for learning, whether exploring other people's work, attending events, or meeting new friends in the creative industry," she explains.

"Those moments of input keep me energised and ready for the next creative challenge."

Zhang definitely plans to continue pushing the boundaries of spatial design and storytelling. Right now, she is really enjoying working in-house at Nike. She says, "It's such a creative and innovative brand, full of youthful energy and a rebellious spirit that resonates perfectly with my personality.

"Starting as a design intern, Nike gave me my first job and introduced me to the industry standards, shaping me into the designer I am today."

Looking ahead, Zhang's goal is to become a well-rounded creative professional who seamlessly blends branding, spatial design, art direction, and technology.

"Whether I stay in-house, move to a studio, or eventually start my own business, I want to keep evolving as a designer and crafting stories that leave a lasting impact."