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Interview with Jing Chen |
Home > Designer Interviews > Jing Chen |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Jing Chen (JC) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Jing Chen 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?
JC: Influenced by my uncle when I was young, I developed a strong interest in art. My passion for art has shaped my interests and hobbies, ultimately leading me to where I am today.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
JC: At present, the studio is still under construction and has not found a satisfactory partner for the time being.
FS: What is "design" for you?
JC: Design is a creative process that involves transforming ideas, plans, and concepts into tangible products, systems, or workflows. This process usually includes steps such as research, conceptualization, prototyping, testing, and implementation. Designers need to consider user needs, functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Design can be applied to a variety of fields, including industrial design, graphic design, fashion design, architectural design, interface design, and interaction design. Design is not only about appearance; it is more important to solve problems, improve user experience, and meet user needs.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
JC: I particularly enjoy designing projects that incorporate unique regional cultures. This enhances my curiosity and ignites a strong desire to explore them further. To understand its cultural background and history
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
JC: My favorite design is one that is unexpected yet practical. Good design aims to achieve the ultimate goal within the theme, and the process in between is challenging. It requires repeated revisions, patience, time, and mental stamina. At the same time, it is sometimes necessary to return to the starting point and reconsider the original design intention, similar to a piece of art created for people to appreciate and use. Designed products can interact with people and create a joyful atmosphere. I believe this is a good design, and I personally appreciate it.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
JC: The first project I designed for the company was a shoebox featuring an imperial design style inspired by traditional Chinese aesthetics. The colors of blue, bright yellow, and earthy yellow are reminiscent of the imperial style of China's Qing Dynasty, emphasizing the nobility of the shoes.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
JC: My favorite materials include various special papers, environmentally friendly materials, natural textures, and petal materials. I enjoy designing websites using techniques such as hot pressing, digital printing, digital hot stamping, UV processing, engraving, three-dimensional molding, screen printing, gold plating, flower baking, injection molding, and die cutting.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
JC: I find that I am most creative after drinking black tea during the day.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
JC: First of all, I will focus on the basic functionality of the product. Secondly, it is important to consider whether the design can meet people's emotional needs, their experiences, and satisfaction with the product. Finally, it is important to consider whether the design can mitigate environmental damage.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
JC: When I design, I consider the perspective of consumers or users and conduct market research to determine the direction and goals of the design. This is important because it is not just artwork; empathy is crucial, and this can enhance sales.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
JC: When my design is realized, I am very happy to see it being recognized by customers, and all the efforts are worthwhile. While earning money, I also gain recognition of my own abilities. The design that is recognized and produced is like my own child, with the hope that it can be recognized by most people. This is the biggest reward for me
FS: What makes a design successful?
JC: Like plus action equals success
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
JC: Design is the process of creating beauty, and to judge the quality of a design, not only needs aesthetic vision, but also needs professional standards. When evaluating a design, I first look at its functionality, which is the foundation of the design. A good design must be able to meet the actual needs of users and achieve its established functional goals. Next, I look at how innovative the design is. Good design can often break through the routine and bring people freshness and surprise. This innovation can be formal, it can be content, or even the subversion of traditional ideas. Then, I think about the beauty of the design. Beauty is subjective, but there are rules. I will evaluate whether the design is harmonious and in line with aesthetic principles from the aspects of color matching, shape and line, space layout, etc. I will focus on sustainability of design. Good design should respect the environment, reduce the consumption of resources as much as possible, and achieve sustainable development of economy, society and environment. I think a good design should be functional, innovative, beautiful and sustainable. These four aspects are my basic judgment criteria for good or bad design, and they are also the goals I have been pursuing in my design practice.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
JC: First, designers need to be socially responsible. This is mainly reflected in the following aspects: 1. Promote cultural exchange and diversity: Designers communicate information and values through design language and have the responsibility to respect and promote communication and understanding between different cultures to avoid cultural conflicts and misunderstandings. 2. More convenient and inclusive products and services through design. 3. Enhancing the public aesthetic level: Designers bear the responsibility of guiding and improving the public aesthetic level, thereby fostering the healthy development of social culture. Secondly, designers need to take responsibility for the environment. This is mainly reflected in the following aspects: 1. Promote the concept of sustainable development: Designers should prioritize environmental protection and sustainable development by utilizing renewable resources and environmentally friendly materials whenever possible, and by minimizing environmental pollution during the production process. 2. Minimize Resource Wastage: Designers should optimize designs to reduce resource wastage during the production, use, and disposal processes of the product, and prolong the product's service life. 3. Enhancing Energy Efficiency: Designers should prioritize energy efficiency by aiming to minimize energy consumption and carbon emissions when planning buildings, residences, and transportation systems. In short, designers need to recognize and take responsibility for the social and environmental impact of their design actions. By focusing on social issues, promoting sustainability, and improving energy efficiency, designers can contribute to a better and more harmonious society and environment.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
JC: The evolution of the design field can be described as dramatic, from the most basic graphic design to today's virtual reality and interactive experiences, designers are constantly exploring and innovating. The essence of design has never changed, it has always been to solve problems and improve people's lives. However, as technology advances, designers have more tools and platforms to achieve this goal. For example, designers can now use AI and big data for precise user research, as well as VR and AR technologies to provide more immersive experiences. For the future design, I believe that with the development of 5G, AI, big data and other technologies, the design will be more intelligent and personalized. Designers of the future may no longer need to draw by hand or use complex design software, but will only need to complete the design through simple programming or direct dialogue with AI. In addition, design will also be more interdisciplinary, and designers will need to have more knowledge and skills, such as programming, data analysis, psychology, etc. This change brings us more possibilities.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
JC: My last design exhibition was in China, and the next exhibition is expected to be abroad
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
JC: The design inspiration of my work comes from Chinese Zen culture, which integrates Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism cultures To cultivate creativity, we must first dare to challenge the status quo, not be afraid of difficulties, and have the courage to try new things. In this way, we can learn from failure and constantly optimize our way of thinking. Secondly, read more books and observe more, expand the knowledge horizon, enrich the mind, and provide more materials for innovative thinking. Finally, keep a positive and optimistic attitude, believe that you have the ability to solve problems and have the courage to face challenges. My inspiration comes from a passage said by Koshinobu Ahara, a Zen master in the Tang Dynasty in ancient China. Seeing mountains is mountains, seeing water is water, seeing mountains is not mountains, seeing water is not water, and finally seeing mountains is still mountains, and seeing water is still water, the sublimation of people's thought and cognition has deeply touched my infinite association of design works, thus promoting the birth of this work
FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
JC: I have chosen Zen minimalism as my design style. Out of my love for Chinese traditional culture and history, I am immersed in exploring the possibilities of design. In the process of discovery and learning, you will be amazed by the profound wisdom of the ancients. This wisdom has the potential to transform your way of thinking, your way of life, and even your values. It can also help you navigate relationships among individuals, between people and objects, between individuals and nature, and between humans and the environment. The primary goal of this work is to enhance individuals' mental cognition through product design, promoting awareness and improvement. It aims to evoke the positive connotations of cultural charm, transcending national borders. This positive artistic concept enables more individuals to comprehend Zen wisdom and derive benefits from it. My design methodology involves collecting and studying traditional Zen culture, understanding it, exploring the relationship between culture and design themes and brands, and making breakthroughs in mindset and thinking. This approach allows for better execution of design, distinguishing it from the design of other products.
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?
JC: I live in Changsha, Hunan Province, China As a Chinese individual who deeply appreciates traditional culture, I am profoundly influenced by Chinese traditional values. Therefore, my designs are inevitably imbued with elements of this rich cultural heritage. I believe that a design inspired by ancient wisdom can gain more recognition worldwide, much like the saying "all roads lead to Rome," which is globally known.
FS: How do you work with companies?
JC: As a designer, working with companies is extremely essential. First, I will communicate with the company leader or project manager to understand their design needs and expectations. Then, I will try my best to combine my design concept with the company's brand image, and thoroughly consider the product features and user experience. During the whole cooperation process, I will maintain excellent communication and coordination ability, timely feedback on the progress and accept suggestions. At the same time, when I encounter problems or challenges, I will actively seek solutions and work together with the team to ensure the smooth completion of the project. In addition, in the process of working with the company, I also learned how to balance my own creative ideas with the needs of clients. Occasionally compromises need to be made to meet client requirements, but also to ensure that you do not lose your unique design style and creative thinking. Through these collaborative experiences, I gradually improved my skills in playing a role in a team, solving problems, and driving projects forward. All in all, through continuous cooperation with companies, I understand that teamwork, communication and flexibility are essential skills for a successful designer. These experiences have made me look at work more maturely, and I am willing to continue to learn and improve my performance in the workplace.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
JC: In terms of cooperation between companies and designers, I think the first thing to be clear is the cooperation goals and needs of both sides. Companies should be clear about the type of design services they need and the expected results, and designers need to understand the company's brand positioning, market positioning and target group. Only when the two sides have precisely defined the goals and needs of cooperation can they cooperate better. Secondly, for the selection of excellent designers, the company can consider the following points: First, the professional ability and experience of the designer. An excellent designer should have valuable industry experience, creative thinking and solid aesthetic concepts; the second is the ability to understand the project and communicate. A great designer should be able to thoroughly understand the needs of the company and maintain excellent communication with the company team; finally, work attitude and responsibility. A designer who is responsible, patient and willing to communicate will make the collaborative process much easier. In addition, when working with designers, I recommend that companies pay attention to the protection of intellectual property rights and sign detailed contract terms. At the same time, close contact should be maintained in the process of project advancement, and timely deal with 馩 problems or adjust the plan. In short, when choosing a great designer and working with it successfully, both parties need to respect each other completely, be honest with each other, and constantly put the achievement of the common goal first. Only in this way can we get twice the result with half the effort.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
JC: Packaging design is a genuinely crucial link. It is directly related to the competitiveness of the product in the market and in sales. When designing a package, I normally follow the following process: 1. Identifying Needs: First, it is necessary to clarify the customer's needs and requirements for product packaging and understand the product characteristics, target audience and market positioning information. 2. Market research: By analyzing competing products and understanding market trends, we can better grasp consumer preferences and the direction of the industry and provide a reference for subsequent design. 3. Creative conception: Based on customer needs and market research results, start the creative conception phase. At this stage, we need to give full play to our imagination and propose a variety of possible solutions based on the actual situation. 4. Design sketch: After selecting a few creative schemes that have the most potential, start making preliminary design sketches. This phase requires full communication with the customer and continuous revision and improvement of the design scheme. 5. 3D effects drawing production; after determining the final design scheme, professional software was used to produce 3-D renderings to show the appearance of the packaging effect through 3-D presentation and to more precisely simulate the actual use of the month. 6. Sample production and validation: Transforming 3D renderings into samples. In this process, it is necessary to continuously revise and improve until customer requirements are met. 7. Production document output: After sample confirmation, it is necessary to output the documents needed for production, including printed manuscripts, process instructions, etc., and deliver them to the manufacturer.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
JC: Packaging for Yongshun berry tea/Jieou coffee dynamic QR code design/two-color fish head chopped pepper packaging/Good sixiang mushroom sauce/Happy bird's nest packaging
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
JC: It was a full, busy day. After rising in the morning, I performed my morning exercises according to plan, and found my body extremely relaxed and energetic. At work, I faced some challenges and difficulties, but through hard work and focus, I was able to solve them. After work, I spend time with my family, which makes me feel extremely cheerful and fulfilled. With today's experience, I understand profoundly that life will always have its share of challenges and difficulties, and to deal with them with optimism and steadfastness in the face of them; At the same time, learn to enjoy the great moments in life and cherish every moment with family and friends..Only by continuing to work hard, facing life's problems head-on, and being kind to yourself and others, can we live a full and happy life. Thus, "Do things sincerely and responsibly, be optimistic", "spend more time with family and friends", "enjoy the moment"
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
JC: For future junior designers, I would like to share some insights. Firstly, we should continue to learn and improve our professional skills. The design industry is a constantly evolving and changing field, and only by continuing to learn and advance can you keep up with Times trends and gain more opportunities. Second, be brave enough to try and innovate. Creativity is extremely influential in design work. Fear not to fail..Try different things and be curious about life, art, technology, etc.. Also, when communicating with customers, be great at listening and understanding their needs..Understand what the client wants and give advice and guidance based on your own expertise. Finally, teamwork is extremely valuable, too..In real work, few people can accomplish all tasks independently, and better results can be achieved by working with each other and in teams. In short, in this extremely competitive and challenging industry, we must have strong faith, hard work and experience to become good designers.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
JC: As a packaging designer, I understand the importance and impact of design. I've had a lot of experience in this business. First, simplicity is one of the most influential principles in packaging design. The packaging of a product needs to be able to accurately convey the product's characteristics and brand image while attracting the attention of consumers..Therefore, during the design process, I was constantly focused on simplicity, clarity and understanding. Second, communication with customers is critical. Understanding your client's needs and maintaining excellent communication with them will ensure that you end up with a work that meets your client's expectations. When communicating with clients, I try to understand what they are trying to say and offer professional advice to ensure that the final product meets the needs of the market. In addition, it is extremely essential to keep learning during the creative process..As society has evolved and technology has advanced, modern, distinct and creative designs have become more popular..Therefore, I regularly attend relevant training courses or read industry information to continuously improve myself. In conclusion, conciseness, excellent communication, and continuous learning are the principles that must be followed to achieve success in my work..Through these experiences, I believe I will be better able to cope with challenges and achieve greater things in the future.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
JC: The Golden Rule of design is a deeply influential principle that can be applied in various fields and aspects. The Golden Rule of design, as I understand it, includes respect, fairness and care. First, we need to respect the opinions and rights of others and learn to listen to and respect each other's points of view when dealing with others. Secondly, fairness is also extremely crucial, both in work and in life, and everyone should be treated reasonably and without taking sides. Finally, care, consideration for the feelings of others in the conduct of affairs, and due attention. By following these principles, I find myself able to communicate and get along better with others. At work, I was able to better coordinate team work; I've also been able to build stronger relationships throughout my life.... At the same time, he was objective and fair in his approach to issues. in summary, the Golden Rule of design provides us with a guiding principle for getting along and dealing with business. True success and happiness can only be achieved when we respect, treat others reasonably, and care for them.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
JC: Skills are what matter most to designers. In today's competitive design industry, designers need to possess a set of key skills to stand out. First, creativity is one of the most basic qualities of a designer. Only constant brainstorming and inspiration can produce a work that shines. Secondly, communication skills are also crucial. Effective communication and collaboration with customers, team members and additional stakeholders is key to successful project completion. In addition, technical proficiency is one of the indispensable skills. Mastering a variety of design software and tools, as well as being aware of the latest technology trends, will help increase productivity and maintain a competitive edge. In addition, efforts should be made in time management. Rational scheduling of time and efficient execution of tasks will make the work flow more smoothly. In addition to the key skills mentioned above, a great sense of aesthetics and sensitivity to market trends are also required. As times shift and consumer tastes diversify, keeping up with market dynamics and continuously learning and updating your knowledge will keep you at the forefront of the industry. All in all, in this quick-paced, challenging, but limitless era of opportunity, it is essential to have a fully developed, multi-dimensional self-improvement awareness as a designer, and to improve your skills through continuous learning and practice.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
JC: In packaging design, the use of a variety of tools can help designers do their job better. I have a lot of different software, apps, hardware, and books in my toolbox that have all played an essential role in my packaging design. First of all, in terms of software, the Adobe family of software is one of my most used tools. Photoshop and Illustrator, in particular, help me with image processing and vector drawing. In addition, I frequently use 3D modeling software to create three-dimensional packaging designs. Secondly, in terms of application, the mobile phone has installed some convenient design applications, such as color matching, font selection and other auxiliary tools. These apps provide inspiration for my designs and make the entire creative process more efficient. In addition, in terms of hardware, I will use a professional drawing board for hand-sketching, and have a computer with stable performance and a high-resolution monitor to display my design results. In addition, in terms of books and sources of inspiration, I will read some books on the theory and practical experience of packaging design, and get inspiration by observing other excellent packaging works in the market. All in all, the use of these various tools in packaging design can help us better achieve creative ideas, visual presentation and technical realization. These tools not only enhance our own professional level, but also provide customers with better quality and more in line with market demand product packaging solutions.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
JC: Experience of managing design time: When managing my design time, I find it extremely vital to have a clear plan. First, I will list all the tasks that need to be done and rank them by priority. Then, I set reasonable time limits for each task to ensure that the work is done efficiently. In addition, I also leave some flexible time to deal with emergencies or adjust plans. In addition, I realized that staying focused is crucial to productivity. During work, I try to avoid distractions, turn off phone notifications and social media, and focus on completing tasks within the allotted time. Finally, in the process of managing design time, it is also essential to summarize the experience in a timely manner. By reflecting on the problems and solutions encountered in their work, and continuously improving their work style and skills. All in all, I have gained some experience in managing my design time: clear goals, stay focused, summarize in time and continuously improve myself. These methods help me make better use of my time and increase my productivity.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
JC: The first thing to consider is the complexity and size of the product. Typically, the design of a small product can take several months to a year to complete. For large, complex products, development and testing can take longer. In addition, factors such as the number of team members, technical level, and project management ability need to be considered. In short, when designing a product, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the various factors and rationally schedule the time to ensure the quality and efficiency of the final product.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
JC: As a designer, you are frequently faced with some common problems, such as improving your creative ability, effectively communicating with clients, and coping with work stress. In practice, I found some experience. First of all, to improve creative ability requires constant observation and thinking, and actively acquiring current knowledge. Secondly, when communicating with customers, it is essential to listen and understand their needs, and to articulate their ideas and suggestions. In addition, in the face of work pressure, it is extremely essential to arrange time reasonably, maintain excellent living habits and learn to release pressure appropriately. In short, I have accumulated a lot of experience and lessons in my daily work, and I have made continuous progress through reflection on practice.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
JC: My most significant work experience was as a project manager in a multinational company. This experience has had a profound impact on my career development. First of all, I learned teamwork and leadership skills in this position. Since the project involves team members from multiple departments and different countries, I need to communicate and coordinate with all parties to ensure the smooth progress of the project. Through this work experience, I learned how to manage a team effectively and developed my ability to solve problems and cope with challenges. Secondly, this work experience has exposed me to an international business environment. Working with people from different cultural backgrounds has made me more open and inclusive, and more relaxed in dealing with cross-cultural communication. At the same time, it also gave me a deeper understanding of global business operations. Finally, in this job, I also gained a wealth of industry knowledge and professional skills. By participating in various complex projects, my professional knowledge has been continuously improved and I have accumulated a lot of practical experience. All in all, this work experience has had a great impact on my career development and laid a solid foundation for my future.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
JC: Small and medium enterprises, distributors, factories
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
JC: Design work is a job that requires creativity and imagination, and my favorite type of design is graphic design. Graphic design is an art form that conveys information and expresses meaning through elements such as images, words and colors. I like this type of design work because it allows me to use unlimited imagination in a limited space and attract people's attention through concise and clear visual effects. When it comes to graphic design, I prefer to try different styles and techniques, such as illustration, typography, poster design, etc. Each style can bring different feelings and experiences to people, and this is exactly what I strive for - to touch others with my work and make them resonate. In addition, graphic design also needs to have a deep understanding of the target audience and take into account the effect of information delivery. This requires us to continuously learn and improve ourselves, accumulate experience in practice and keep an open mind to unfamiliar things. In a word, I love graphic design work, because it can stimulate my creativity and let me share my ideas and emotions with others. I hope I can do more significant and creative work in this field in the future.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
JC: As a packaging designer, my future plan is to continuously improve my professional ability and design level, and become a leader in the industry. I will continue to learn current design concepts and techniques, continually challenge myself, accumulate experience in practice, and improve my aesthetic ability and creative thinking. In the following work, I will pay more attention to communication and cooperation with customers, thoroughly understand their needs and brand positioning, and tailor unique and competitive packaging design solutions for them. At the same time, I will also pay close attention to market dynamics and changes in consumer preferences, integrate fashion elements and environmental protection concepts into the design, and promote the packaging industry to a more sustainable development direction. Next, I hope to gradually establish my own brand and open my own studio or online platform. In this way, projects can be selected more flexibly and international markets can be expanded. At the same time, they can develop team members to grow together and participate in public welfare to give back to society. In a word, I am full of confidence in the future and look forward to challenges and opportunities.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
JC: Each of my projects is my own design. Although it was a bit gradual, I was able to better control the rhythm of the whole design and make a product that met expectations. Of course, if I have the opportunity to work with others in the future, I will be involved.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
JC: I am currently working on a regional type of tea packaging which, when designed, I will share with you.
FS: How can people contact you?
JC: You can contact me through my profile and find my email address.
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
JC: Not for the time being.
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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