Natalie-Xinru Wu
Madison,WI
Summary
Interdisciplinary artist and UX designer merging fluid painting, interactive installations, and digital media to explore the intersection of analog and digital creativity. Background in Fine Art and Digital Media (University of Wisconsin–Madison), with a focus on generative processes inspired by artists like Pat Steir and Holton Rower. Passionate about leveraging art and design to innovate education, and empower communities.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Design Assistant & Research-Based Artist
University Of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
08.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded design research initiatives to analyze art-tech trends and educational methodologies for interactive projects.
- Maintained structured digital archive of over 200 artwork assets for efficient reuse across installations.
- Delivered high-quality creative solutions under tight deadlines for more than 12 clients, balancing artistic integrity with user experience goals.
Digital Marketing Specialist
Arts For All Wisconsin
Madison, WI
01.2024 - Current
- Developed content for websites, blogs, social media platforms, and online advertising.
- Executed social media and digital marketing campaigns to enhance advertising initiatives.
- Monitored campaign performance through comprehensive reporting systems.
Creative Designer
Hikvision
Madison, WI
06.2021 - 07.2022
- Created designs for webpages, brochures, logos, and advertisements across various media.
- Cultivated and maintained long-term relationships with internal personnel, clients, and suppliers.
Education
Master of Science - Innovation Design
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WISkills
- Art: Fluid painting, interactive installations, generative art, mixed media
- Design: UX/UI, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, AR prototyping
- Education: Curriculum design, workshop facilitation, community engagement
Key Projects & Contributions
"Generative Art Lab" (2023) | Lead Artist & Curriculum Designer
- Developed a hands-on workshop series for high school students, combining fluid painting techniques with basic coding (p5.js/Processing) to visualize scientific concepts like fluid dynamics and fractals.
- Outcome: Partnered with local high school to integrate the program into their curriculum, reaching 150+ students; 80% reported increased interest in both art and science.
- Tools: Acrylics, digital projection, openFrameworks
" Digital Ethnobotany Archive " (2025) | Menominee Tribal Reservation \ Artist-Led Technocultural Preservation Initiative
- Conceptual Vision: Designed immersive sensory experiences translating Menominee plant knowledge into interactive art installations, blending traditional visual storytelling with augmented reality
- Cultural Interface Design: Created the visual language for the digital archive, including:
• Hand-painted botanical elements digitized for UI components
• Animated transitions based on seasonal round motifs
• Custom color system reflecting natural dyes used in Menominee artistry
Accomplishments
- Runner's up - A' Design Award and Competition, Italy(Feb. 2022)
- Bronze - Hong Kong Contemporary Design Awards(Jan. 2022)
- Silver - 2022 British Ecology Design Award(Nov. 2022)
- Silver - 2022 North American Applied Arts Design(Mar. 2022)
- The First Prize Scholarship (1% of students)(Jun. 2023)
Exhibitions
- "2025 Creative Power Showcase- AFA Wisconsin" –Madison Youth Arts Center (MYArts) at 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, Wisconsin, 2025
- "Viscous Harmony: The Science of Flow in Art - GRAADS" - Iowa State University Student Innovation Center, Ames, Iowa, 2025
Community Involvement
- Volunteer Artist, AFA Wisconsin
- Co-VP of External, Design Interactive, UW-Madison
Timeline
Design Assistant & Research-Based Artist
University Of Wisconsin-Madison
08.2024 - Current
Digital Marketing Specialist
Arts For All Wisconsin
01.2024 - Current
Creative Designer
Hikvision
06.2021 - 07.2022
Master of Science - Innovation Design
University of Wisconsin, Madison
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