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Interview with Tong Tong |
Home > Designer Interviews > Tong Tong |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Tong Tong (TT) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Tong Tong by clicking here.
FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
TT: My name is Tong, and I am a fashion designer of Chinese origin, currently based in New York City. My passion for fashion was sparked not by traditional education, but through a serendipitous encounter with a fashion class that I attended out of curiosity. This experience opened my eyes to the profound cultural significance and meticulous craftsmanship of fashion, turning what was a fleeting interest into a lifelong vocation. My early interest in art was nurtured by an inspiring art history class during my high school years, which encouraged me to explore my creative talents more deeply. This exploration led me to pursue a career in art and design, where I have been continuously seeking knowledge and honing my skills. Today, I draw upon my diverse cultural background and the rich experiences gathered along my journey to infuse authenticity and depth into my designs. Each creation is a testament to my commitment to storytelling, craftsmanship, and fashion as a powerful medium for self-expression and cultural dialogue.
FS: What is "design" for you?
TT: For me, design is the process of manifesting a vision into tangible form, utilizing creative methods and professional tools. It's about presenting innovative and aesthetically pleasing solutions to problems, ultimately creating something that resonates with others and enhances their experiences.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
TT: I'm drawn to designs that challenge my expertise and push me beyond my comfort zone. Despite the occasional hardship, these projects fuel my professional growth and prevent stagnation.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
TT: I feel most creative after my breakfast and before I sleep.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
TT: Throughout my design process, I place a primary emphasis on the execution of the design, with particular attention given to patternmaking and the exploration of diverse materials. This focus allows me to bring my concepts to life with precision and creativity, ensuring that every detail is meticulously crafted to achieve the desired aesthetic and functionality. By prioritizing the execution phase, I can seamlessly translate my vision into tangible, high-quality garments.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
TT: My emotions while designing are a blend of anticipation and excitement, tinged with a hint of nervousness. However, I strive to maintain a sense of calmness and focus throughout the creative process.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
TT: When my designs come to life, it's like experiencing a moment of truth. There's a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, almost like holding my breath until the final reveal. So, when the garment matches my vision, it's a rush of surprise and relief.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
TT: When evaluating a design, I prioritize understanding the designer's original intention and research. It's essential to assess whether their work effectively realizes these objectives. Additionally, I consider the balance between functionality and aesthetics, if relevant, to gauge the overall effectiveness of the design.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
TT: I firmly believe that designers bear undeniable responsibilities towards both society and the environment. Beyond merely creating products, designers have the power to shape lifestyles and influence behaviors that can have profound impacts on our world. One of the most critical responsibilities of designers is to consider the full life cycle of their creations. In industries like fashion design, where the environmental footprint is increasingly scrutinized, designers can play a pivotal role in addressing issues of pollution and sustainability. It's not enough for designers to focus solely on functionality and aesthetics; they must also prioritize sourcing materials responsibly and minimizing negative environmental impacts during production. Furthermore, designers should contemplate the fate of their products once they reach the end of their lifecycle. Whether it's designing garments with recyclable materials, incorporating biodegradable elements, or creating products that can be repurposed or upcycled, designers have the opportunity to minimize waste and encourage sustainable consumption habits among consumers. By embracing this holistic approach to design, designers can contribute to a more sustainable future while simultaneously fulfilling their creative vision. Ultimately, it's about recognizing the interconnectedness of design, society, and the environment, and leveraging design as a force for positive change.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
TT: I draw inspirations from various aspects of my life, often encompassing movies, photography, and music, as these mediums evoke vivid imaginations and emotions for me. Additionally, histories and memories, especially those related to vintage clothing and antique objects, never cease to fascinate me. To nurture my creativity, I also try to maintain a sense of curiosity and sensitivity, constantly questioning the reasoning behind things. It involves allowing myself the freedom to play, experiment, and occasionally fail, rather than waiting for inspiration to strike.
FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
TT: I currently reside in the vibrant melting pot of New York City, but my roots lie deeply in Beijing, China, where I was born and raised. The rich tapestry of my Chinese cultural heritage undoubtedly serves as a cornerstone of inspiration throughout my design journey. However, my experience of living in the United States has afforded me a fresh perspective, enriching my creative process with new insights and influences. My designs, such as “Home Alone” and “Reinterpretation of Changshan”, are tangible reflections of this fusion of cultures. They are explorations of my Chinese heritage and upbringing, infused with the nuances and experiences gained from living in the US. This unique blend of influences imbues my work with a sense of depth and authenticity, capturing the essence of my cultural identity in a global context. Living in New York City presents both opportunities and challenges for designers. On one hand, the city's diversity and dynamism foster creativity and innovation, providing a fertile ground for artistic exploration. On the other hand, navigating the competitive landscape and balancing cultural influences can be daunting. Despite these challenges, I see my dual cultural upbringing as a source of strength, allowing me to draw from a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. It enables me to create designs that resonate with audiences from different backgrounds, fostering connections and bridging cultural divides through the universal language of design.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
TT: When I conceive an idea, whether it's a vivid image or an abstract feeling, I almost always develop a narrative or create an environment for my collection. I find that narrative is crucial to my creative process. Once the concept takes shape, I source fabrics that seamlessly fit into that narrative. Furthermore, I enjoy experimenting with visual elements from my research, incorporating them into my collections through prints, embroidery, or unique silhouettes. Across different collections, my consistent aim is to infuse playfulness and simplicity into my designs.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
TT: For someone who's just getting started, I believe it's crucial to be comfortable with the idea that things won't always go as planned and to maintain curiosity and enthusiasm. Experiment creatively without overwhelming yourself, and your unique voice will naturally develop over time. Additionally, acquiring a strong understanding of various garment-making techniques is important, as it will establish a solid foundation for your own designs and boost your confidence in the creative process. Moreover, I highly recommend actively engaging with others who share your interests. Whether it’s through discussions, networking events, or online communities, interacting with like-minded individuals can provide invaluable guidance and support. Personally, I’ve found that these connections have played a crucial role in my development, offering insights and encouragement that have propelled my growth in ways I never anticipated.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
TT: In my design process, I rely on a diverse array of tools spanning both traditional and digital mediums. For ideation and initial sketches, I find myself reaching for the simplicity of pencil and sketchbooks, allowing me to quickly capture ideas and concepts in their raw form. As the design evolves, I seamlessly transition to professional-grade software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CLO3D, and Gerber Accumark. These digital tools not only facilitate precise detailing and refinement but also enable effective collaboration with team members and clients. However, my toolbox extends beyond software and hardware. I maintain a curated collection of art books and films, which serve as wellsprings of inspiration, enriching my creative process with diverse perspectives and visual stimuli. These sources ignite fresh ideas and imbue my designs with depth and originality. By integrating both traditional and cutting-edge tools into my workflow, I ensure adaptability and innovation, enabling me to tackle design challenges with creativity and precision.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
TT: Time management is undoubtedly a skill that requires continuous refinement, and while I don't claim to be a master of it, I've found several practices beneficial in my work as a designer. Firstly, I believe in the importance of monitoring and understanding my working patterns. By keeping track of the time it takes to complete various tasks, I gain valuable insights into my efficiency and areas where improvement may be needed. Additionally, I make it a habit to allocate extra time for unexpected situations. Designing often involves unforeseen challenges or revisions, and allowing for flexibility in my schedule ensures that I can adapt to these circumstances without compromising project deadlines. Ultimately, effective time management in design is about finding a balance between structure and flexibility. While I continue to refine my skills in this area, I approach each project with a commitment to understanding my workflow and anticipating potential challenges, allowing me to deliver high-quality work within the allotted time frame.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
TT: I am currently working independently to develop my designs, but I am looking forward to more collaborations in the future.
FS: How can people contact you?
TT: People can contact me through email: ttong981105@gmail.com Or visit my website at: https://www.tong-tong-tong.com/
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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