About Me

Hello! I am Tawny Shu, a fourth-year student at The New School, specializing in BFA Product Design. A California native, my cultural background includes Taiwanese heritage, allowing me to communicate fluently in Chinese, particularly with my parents.

Driven by a passion for creativity and exploration, I actively seek to integrate new techniques and styles into my design repertoire. This commitment to continuous learning serves as a foundation for inspiration in my work. Throughout my academic journey at The New School, I have aspired to broaden my perspectives and refine my approach to design, contributing meaningfully to the field.

I am the proud owner of a small crochet business specializing in the creation of bespoke items, ranging from charming plushies and stylish purses to intricately crafted outfits. In addition to showcasing my creations on Instagram and TikTok, I maintain a robust online presence through platforms such as Big Cartel and Depop, where I offer a curated selection of ready-to-order products.

Beyond the world of crochet and knitting, I find immense joy and fulfillment in my musical pursuits. As a singer-songwriter, I have independently produced and released two original compositions. These songs, borne out of my creativity and recorded within the confines of my room, are available for streaming on various platforms including Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music, courtesy of an online distributor.

My athletic achievements further underscore my multifaceted nature. Having been an avid swimmer since middle school and a water polo player since sophomore year in high school, I not only set two records in my sophomore year but also earned the MVP award during the swim season. Notably, I received the Most Improved award during the water polo season, a testament to my dedication and continuous pursuit of excellence in diverse arenas.

Additional Info

  • I am able to work in Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, ProCreate, Rhino, Figma, Fusion 360, Creo, and SolidWorks. I have taken a CTE course for graphic design, and a Graphic Design Specialization class on Coursera that was offered online by CalArts. I also have experience working in the wood shop, metal shop, wet shop, laser lab, and CNC machining. I have experience throwing clay on the wheel, hand-building pieces, and glazing. I am very passionate about fiber arts and spend a lot of my time crocheting or knitting.

  • You can find all of my crochet creations and sales on my crochet Instagram: @wontawn.crochets where I post finished pieces and works in progress. I also have a TikTok account @wontawn.crochets and a DePop where I list items for sale. I enjoy creating custom pieces for people because the collaborative experience is exciting for me, I love hearing new ideas that people have for things they’d like to see and I love having the power to bring those ideas to life. I have participated in market places a few times but I much prefer creating products for orders since there is more stability in knowing someone will purchase the piece.

  • Design to me is about so much more than just aesthetics. It is about functionality and it is about thoughtfulness. I believe that if we design with more thoughtfulness we can make our world a much better place. By thinking about where materials are sourced from, and how they interact with the Earth we can help prevent drastic climate crises.

  • My goal is to absorb and learn as much knowledge as I can from my education at The New School and apply it to my future work to help and create a more sustainable world. I hope to always apply thoughtfulness to my work and to be a part of the generation that will change the world. I am open to any opportunity for learning and growth and would love to explore new mediums and experiences.