STEVEN LAO

About

 
 

Born in Hong Kong,
raised in Texas,
forged in New York City,
and kicking it in Austin


 
 

For over 20 years, I’ve worked as a graphic designer, art director, and UX designer, crafting thoughtful and impactful experiences. I believe in creating designs that are easy to use and truly connect with people, whether it’s building user-friendly websites and apps or developing bold brand campaigns.

I’m also passionate about helping others bring their best creative ideas to life. You can think of me as a collaborator, mentor, and visual storyteller.


EXPERIENCE

Freelance Art Director
New York, NY
May 2009 — Aug 2016

Dell Technologies
Austin, TX
Mar 2022 — current

The Mixx
New York, NY
Jan 2007 — May 2009

BorsaWallace
New York, NY
Nov 2005 — Dec 2006

Jolly Design
Austin, TX
Sept 2002 — Nov 2003

WFT Productions
New York, NY
Aug 2013 — current

Code D’azur
Austin, TX
Nov 2019 – Nov 2021

Publicis Sapient
New York, NY
Jan 2018 — Oct 2019

J. Walter Thompson
New York, NY
Aug 2016 — Dec 2017


 
 

Brands helped

Akron Art Museum
Anheuser-Busch
Bon Appétit Magazine
Cadillac
Campbell’s Soup
Coach
Columbia University
Comcast
Crest
Dell Technologies
E. & J. Gallo Winery
Electrify America
EMC
Ford Motors
GE
Johnson & Johnson
Madison Square Garden
Mercedes Benz
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
The News Literacy Project
Pantene
Papa John’s Pizza
Perot Systems
Philips
Polestar
Radio City Music Hall
Red Lobster
Samsung
Sephora
Starbucks
State Farm
T. Rowe Price
Top of the Rock Observation Deck

PLACES worked FOR DURING FREELANCE

BBDO
Conde Nast
DDB
Dentsu
Grey
J. Walter Thompson
NFL
Publicis Sapient
Razorfish
Wunderman Thompson

Awards and Recognition

Austin AdFed
Awwwards
Cannes Lions
Communication Arts
FWA
London International
NYC Big Apps
Webby

 
 

personal Interests

Gaming
I believe it’s a potent medium for art and storytelling.

Photography
I absolutely love cheap, medium-format cameras. And film!

Vinyl records
Give me the ritual of changing out records over streaming services any day.

Biking
Cruising around cities and on trails are my zen moments.

Print-making
Screen printing and linocut are my jam.

Space exploration
I can’t be an astronaut, but I love cheering on NASA.