We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative yisong jiang ("YJ").
Hello, I’m Yisong Jiang, a dedicated designer recognized for my commitment to crafting visually striking and deeply user-centric experiences. My expertise lies in the intricate realm of vehicle design, where I seamlessly merge the artistry of aesthetics with the precision of functionality. Each design I undertake is a thoughtful orchestration of form and purpose, creating not just products, but immersive journeys. With an unwavering passion for innovation, I consistently push the boundaries of conventional design, ensuring that my creations not only meet industry standards but redefine them. My approach is rooted in a meticulous understanding of user needs, market trends, and a keen sense of storytelling through design. As we embark on this creative journey, I look forward to collaboratively bringing your vision to life. Let’s transcend the ordinary and shape experiences that are not only visually captivating but leave an indelible mark on those who encounter them.
yisong jiang Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by yisong jiang.
yisong jiang Design - ModuCruze Futuristic E-Bike Concept
Designer Interview of yisong jiang:
DI: 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?
YJ : I've always been captivated by the emotional connection people have with cars—the way a shape or silhouette can instantly evoke speed, elegance, or power. Growing up in China, I spent countless hours sketching vehicles from magazines and imagining futuristic concepts. That curiosity gradually evolved into a passion for design, leading me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Transportation Design at ArtCenter College of Design in California. My foundation in design is rooted in strong sketching, storytelling, and 3D modeling skills, but what drives me most is the opportunity to shape how people interact with the world around them. I've had the chance to work with both traditional OEMs and ground-up startups, contributing to everything from full exterior vehicle concepts to component and product design. I love that design lives at the intersection of art and engineering—it’s not just about aesthetics, but also about purpose, emotion, and experience. Becoming a designer felt like a natural path for me. It wasn’t something I chose in a single moment—it was something I grew into as I continued to seek ways to create meaningful, beautiful solutions in a complex world.
DI: What is "design" for you?
YJ : For me, design is the art of intention—it's the process of solving problems beautifully and meaningfully. It’s not just about how things look, but why they exist, how they function, and how they make people feel. In the context of automotive design, it’s about telling a story through form and proportion—creating something that moves people both emotionally and physically. Every curve, surface, and detail should serve a purpose, whether it’s to enhance performance, user experience, or the brand’s identity. Great design strikes a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and innovation. At its core, design is a language. It communicates without words, and when done well, it becomes timeless. It’s how we translate abstract ideas—like speed, safety, or sustainability—into something tangible and human. So for me, design isn’t just a profession. It’s a mindset, a way of observing and shaping the world with curiosity, empathy, and a desire to make it better.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
YJ : I’m most drawn to designing vehicles and products that offer a unique experience—especially those that challenge convention and push the boundaries of what’s possible in form, function, or sustainability. As an automotive designer, I particularly enjoy working on exterior designs that tell a strong visual story. I love shaping proportions that evoke emotion—whether it's the confident stance of an off-roader, the refined elegance of a luxury EV, or the bold simplicity of a concept vehicle. There’s something powerful about sculpting an object that moves, that reflects speed even when it’s standing still. Beyond aesthetics, I’m passionate about designing with a sense of purpose. I enjoy projects where design plays a role in redefining how people live, move, or connect—whether it’s rethinking mobility for urban environments, exploring new material languages, or integrating emerging technologies into human-centered experiences. Ultimately, I like designing works that feel fresh, clean, and emotionally engaging, while also being thoughtful about the real-world constraints and the future we're designing toward.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
YJ : I feel the most creative when there's a clear challenge with no obvious solution—a moment where I have to think beyond what's already been done and imagine something new. That tension between constraints and freedom is where creativity thrives for me. Creativity often flows strongest during early concept phases, when ideas are raw and exploration is wide open. Whether I’m sketching loosely, building quick 3D forms, or just thinking through a problem while driving or walking, those moments when my mind is free to wander tend to spark my best ideas. I also feel incredibly creative when I’m surrounded by passionate people—inspiring conversations with other designers, engineers, or even people outside the field can lead to unexpected perspectives. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t just a solo act; it’s also about how we connect dots between disciplines, cultures, and experiences. And strangely enough, I sometimes find bursts of creativity in quiet, late-night hours—when distractions fade and the world feels still, I can fully dive into the flow of creating without overthinking.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
YJ : When I design, I go through a range of emotions, often in cycles—but at the core, it’s a mix of curiosity, excitement, and purpose. At the beginning of a project, I feel a strong sense of curiosity and anticipation. There’s excitement in the unknown—asking questions, imagining possibilities, and searching for that one idea that feels fresh and right. It’s a very energizing phase. As the concept starts to take shape, I often feel immersed and focused, almost like time disappears. There’s a sense of flow when lines, forms, and ideas start to connect—when the sketch or model suddenly starts to “feel” right. That’s when design becomes emotional; I can feel joy, pride, or even surprise at how something evolves. Of course, design also brings moments of frustration or doubt, especially when ideas don’t work as planned or when pushing through complex technical constraints. But those moments are part of the process—and often lead to the most meaningful breakthroughs. Overall, designing makes me feel alive and connected—to the challenge, to the users, and to a larger vision of the future. It’s a deeply human and emotional process, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
YJ : My design process is a balance of creativity, logic, and collaboration. It begins with understanding the problem—diving deep into the brief, user needs, technical constraints, and brand identity to ensure the design has a clear purpose. From there, I move into ideation, sketching freely and exploring a wide range of concepts to find strong visual directions and emotional storytelling. Once a promising idea takes shape, I shift into digital modeling to develop proportions, surface quality, and functionality, constantly iterating and refining. Throughout the process, I seek feedback and work closely with other designers and engineers to challenge ideas and strengthen the outcome. The final phase focuses on detailing, storytelling, and preparing visuals for presentations or reviews. At every stage, I aim to create work that is not only aesthetically compelling, but also meaningful, technically sound, and emotionally resonant.