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Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Yamin Zhu (YZ) for A' Design Awards and Competition. You can access the full profile of Yamin Zhu by clicking here. Access more information about the award winning design Forty-Nine Union Liquor here. |
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Interview with Yamin Zhu at Tuesday 28th of May 2024 FS: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design? YZ: Members of the Forty-nine Union have united through shared beliefs, striving to create symbols representing values and honor, with the hope of passing them down through generations. Through this design series, ancient Eastern philosophy and aesthetics are integrated, nurturing a deeper appreciation for Chinese wine culture and enhancing confidence in Chinese culture, thereby increasing the sense of belonging among members. FS: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve? YZ: My focus is on how traditional craftsmanship can be transformed into commercial products. The goal is to spread the drinking culture and values of the Forty-nine Union to more partners, while also presenting the Chinese philosophies of "Chinese chivalry", "loyalty", and "trust" to a wider audience. FS: What are your future plans for this award winning design? YZ: Sell it in the market, leveraging both its cultural and commercial value. FS: How long did it take you to design this particular concept? YZ: 3 mouths. FS: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration? YZ: Over the past eight years, members of the Forty-nine Union have remained united by their shared faith, endeavoring to craft a collection of symbols representing value, belonging, and honor for each partner, intended to be passed down through generations. We, members of the Forty-nine Union, decided to pursuit the inspiration together. FS: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself? YZ: This design is currently in intensive production and sales, having already achieved a sales conversion of tens of millions of euros for the Forty-nine Union. FS: What made you design this particular type of work? YZ: The design aim to create a set of works and artworks that can be passed down for more friends to enjoy. Designed to endure across generations, these products contribute to environmental preservation through their lasting legacy. FS: Who is the target customer for his design? YZ: Members and clients of the Forty-nine Union, formed by 49 friends driven by love and sharing, all seeking a better life. FS: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts? YZ: This design offers a full set of tools for enjoying Chinese drinking culture. Its national treasure value and elegant design suggest it could be suitable for upscale occasions. Designed to last for generations, these products also help preserve the environment by being passed down through families. FS: What is the most unique aspect of your design? YZ: This design comprises a white porcelain pot originating from Jingdezhen, the birthplace of porcelain. It features one divider adorned with the Shang Dynasty Taotie pattern, four shot glasses, one brush pot crafted from blue and white underglaze white porcelain, and a large wooden box for packaging. Each item serves as a testament to Chinese culture, elucidating the philosophical and brand culture of Forty-nine Union. Designed to endure across generations, these products contribute to environmental preservation through their lasting legacy. FS: What is the role of technology in this particular design? YZ: Mature technology aids in achieving a more perfect and refined presentation in design. In this collection, the display of traditional patterns, blue and white porcelain, high-temperature firing, and the mortise-and-tenon structure and pattern carving of the wooden boxes all rely on technological assistance. FS: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design? YZ: The research method involves collecting suggestions and data from all partners, followed by analysis, summarization, and modification. The results of the study have proven successful in achieving the initial objectives, both spreading Chinese philosophical ideas and preserving brand culture. FS: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept? YZ: There are two challenges in the process. The first one concerns white porcelain. The ultimate expression of white porcelain is to be as white as snow and as resonant as jade. The second challenge is the difficulty in crafting the square bottle. In pursuit of the perfect effect, we chose these two most challenging elements to complete this set of works. FS: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work? YZ: I have learned how to commercialize and mass-produce artistic craftsmanship. In this process, the expression of design language, the selection of production techniques, the optimization of production stages, and cost control all need continuous refinement to maximize the cultural and commercial value of the product.
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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Good design deserves great recognition. |
A' Design Award & Competition. |