The Creative Journey of a Truku Designer | Peng Chi and Haochi Studio
With a neutral appearance and a warm smile, Peng Chi, a member of a Truku tribe, is the founder of Haochi Studio.
Her studio exudes a distinctive personal style: black tables, chairs, bookshelves, and furniture stand in stark contrast against the white walls.
Peng Chi laughs and says, “Black goes with everything, and for many of the tools I use, I don’t get to pick the colors—but pairing them with black always works!” Her life and creative work seem to embody this simple yet bold and unique approach.
Studio partner Chen Xuan, an Amis from Fengbin’s (Maogong Tribe), is not only Peng Chi’s close collaborator at work but also her dear sister in life. Together, they support each other and jointly manage this creative and inspiring space.
Aesthetic Connection to the Tribe and Land
Peng Chi has loved drawing since childhood. She attended Fu-Hsing Art School’s evening program in high school, where she built a strong foundation in design. After graduating from university, she worked in human resources in her hometown. Later, a fortunate opportunity led her to join the printing and design company Haiwen Studio, where she reconnected with design work and reignited her creative journey.
“The owner of Haiwen Studio was my mentor!” Peng Chi shared. With the guidance and support of her mentor, she decided to become a full-time designer and established Haochi Studio in 2014. The name reflects her desire to create meaningful impact through design, using visuals as a medium for communication and expression.
Relocation and Growth
In its early days, Haochi Studio primarily handled projects within Wanrong Township. To expand her business, Peng Chi relocated her studio several times. In 2021, she finally found an ideal space in Zhixue, where she personally crafted a comfortable and inspiring work environment.
A Decade of Design
Over the past ten years, Haochi Studio has taken on numerous projects in graphic design, exhibition planning, and event coordination, accumulating a wealth of experience. Peng Chi believes that there’s no single “correct” answer in design, which is why she prioritizes communication with clients, striving to create the perfect design solutions tailored to their needs.
Looking Ahead
Peng Chi envisions Haochi Studio as a platform that supports the arts industry, providing more opportunities for tribal artists. She believes that the cultural and creative industries need more stable business models, enabling artists to focus on their craft while earning fair compensation.
Peng Chi shared:
“Cultural creativity is the fusion of cultural heritage and the creative industries. I hope that in the future, the studio can infuse different tribal cultures into new industries, making culture the most valuable added benefit.”
Haochi Studio’s social media showcases a variety of distinctive designs, blending cultural elements with the practicality of modern functionality.
