We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Qian Zhen ("QZ").
A student who has already graduated from university, this is her graduation project. She has always focused on the integration of art design and culture, using cultural approaches to bring a broader impact to art and design. She is currently also exploring more commercialization efforts, beyond just her past major(environmrntal art design).
Qian Zhen Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Qian Zhen.
Qian Zhen Design - The Joy of Swimming Fish Exhibition Space Design
Designer Interview of Qian Zhen:
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?
QZ : My major in college was art and design, and I discovered my strong interest and talent for drawing from a young age. Design allows me to express myself and serves the needs of others. I have always aspired to be an artist, using design to influence and serve people.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
QZ : My studio focuses on art and technology, specifically in space exhibitions. We have significant freedom in choosing topics, allowing us to fully leverage the potential of each member and create contemporary artistic works.
DI: What is "design" for you?
QZ : I believe design is the process of solving abstract or specific problems. It requires us to translate complex ideas into forms that are easy to understand and use, all while considering the combination of functionality and aesthetics.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
QZ : I prefer designs that embody stream of consciousness, abstraction, and are rich in thought. These types of designs provoke deeper thinking and showcase cleverness.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
QZ : Currently, I don’t have a specific favorite design, but during my college years, I was deeply impressed by the architect Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. His works exhibit harmony between space and structure, which I find very captivating.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
QZ : The first piece I designed for the company was a preliminary concept for an exhibition, aimed at showcasing the depth and layers of artistic works through spatial design.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
QZ : I enjoy using breathable materials because they offer unique functionality and help create better interaction between the design and users.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
QZ : I feel most creative when I focus on a specific project, especially during brainstorming and sketching phases, where inspiration often flows freely.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
QZ : I particularly focus on balancing beauty and functionality, as achieving this balance is essential for effective design.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
QZ : During the design process, I often feel picky and conflicted. My pursuit of perfection leads me to scrutinize every detail critically.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
QZ : Sometimes I question whether it truly represents my vision, which can lead to complex emotions. However, when I see it seamlessly integrate into its environment, I feel a sense of relief and satisfaction.
DI: What makes a design successful?
QZ : I believe the success of a design lies in deep contemplation and its ability to function efficiently, meeting specific purposes without wasting resources.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
QZ : I first consider the design's applicability and functionality—whether it adequately meets the target audience's needs is a critical standard for me.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
QZ : Designers bear the responsibility of creating better operational methods that promote efficiency and sustainability while being mindful of environmental issues in their designs.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
QZ : The design field is evolving towards greater efficiency; the future will see more designs focusing on effective functionality to meet rapidly changing market demands.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
QZ : My most recent exhibition was my graduation exhibition, which showcased all my work over four years of university. I have yet to determine the timing for my next exhibition, but I am currently planning new themes.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
QZ : My inspiration often comes from Daoist philosophy and my observations of the world around me. I focus on what is happening currently and use daily artistic experiences to nurture my creativity.
DI: 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?
QZ : I would describe my design style as breathable and stream-of-consciousness, with abstract characteristics. My design method emphasizes the interplay between artistic expression and practical application, constantly exploring new techniques.
DI: 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?
QZ : I live in China, and the Eastern culture here profoundly influences my design. It provides me a unique perspective, but there are also limitations, such as a reliance on tradition.
DI: How do you work with companies?
QZ : Collaboration with companies usually happens naturally. We often start synchronizing ideas early in the project to ensure we share a common vision.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
QZ : I believe companies should pay attention to whether candidates have a synchronized vision and a deep understanding of the problems they need to solve when selecting designers.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
QZ : My design process begins with sketching, transitioning from concepts to actual implementation, and often requires continuous revisions and refinements.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
QZ : My favorite home design items include a drawing table, bookshelves, lighting fixtures, decorative paintings, and seating; each adds a unique beauty to a space.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
QZ : My day typically revolves around work and contemplation. I spend my mornings brainstorming ideas and my afternoons working on sketches and models.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
QZ : I would encourage young designers to be brave in contemplating life and to find a design style and direction that suits them best. Being yourself is the most important factor.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
QZ : Having a strong personal style as a designer can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. While it can help me stand out in design, it may complicate collaboration with others.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
QZ : My "golden rule" is to maintain acute sensitivity, allowing me to capture shifts in inspiration and needs promptly.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
QZ : Understanding the needs of the target audience and modeling capabilities are critical, ensuring that the design remains aligned with its intended purpose.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
QZ : My toolbox includes sketches, design software (like Sketch and the Adobe suite), research books, and inspiration materials I gather from daily life.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
QZ : I set clear daily goals to effectively organize my time, ensuring that every project progresses according to schedule.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
QZ : Designing an object usually occurs relatively quickly, while the adjustments and refining phases often require a considerable amount of time to achieve a polished final outcome.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
QZ : People frequently ask me, "Why do you want to be a designer?" This question leads me to reflect on my original motivations and aspirations.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
QZ : I believe that dedicating time to my graduation project has been my most significant experience; it taught me the true meaning and value of design.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
QZ : My client base primarily consists of companies and individuals seeking innovative designs, hoping to express their concepts and visions through my work.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
QZ : I enjoy creative design work the most because it allows me to break conventions and brings more challenges and enjoyment to my practice.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
QZ : My future plans are primarily focused on the commercial sector. I hope to establish a team for my design projects to advance more exciting ideas together.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
QZ : I tend to initially develop designs independently and thereafter collaborate with my team to better articulate my ideas.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
QZ : Currently, I am planning an exhibition that explores the merging of my design philosophies with practical applications.
DI: How can people contact you?
QZ : People can reach me via email or through my personal website. I welcome discussions about collaboration or design-related ideas anytime.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
QZ : At the moment, I have no other questions. I look forward to more opportunities to share my design philosophies and experiences in the future.