Graduates
Tony
Zhang
He/Him/His
Academic Program
BS in Product Design
Specializations
Consumer Product, Transportation Design, Industrial Design
Distinctions
Graduation with Honors
Attended ArtCenter Extension

Projects

About

Combining the best of both worlds, creating designs that are not only beautiful but also meaningful

In 2007, at the Beijing Auto Show, seeing the Aston Martin DBS changed my life. It sparked a deep love for cars and gave me purpose to grow. At five, I drew nothing but cars, and by eight, a mentor introduced me to car design as a real career. To chase that dream, I moved to the U.S. for high school, stepping out of my comfort zone. There, I discovered another passion—drumming—during a talent show. It became a way to express myself without seeking approval—a connection to my true self. I didn’t need sheet music, just the beat within me.

As I grew, I made an unexpected shift from transportation design, which captivated me with its sculptural beauty, to product design, which taught me the power of detail—user experiences, processes, and craftsmanship. Now, I found my true passion, combining the best of both worlds, creating designs that are not only beautiful but also meaningful, guided by the principle of “form-driven function.”

The journey hasn’t been easy. Challenges tested my resilience, forced me to embrace pain and brought clarity and direction. My story began with cars, but it’s far from over. I’ll keep exploring, discovering who I am, and creating what truly matters.