We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Jolly Yan Yee Kee ("JYYK").
Jolly was graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University with a degree in Product Design in 2015. She believes ''Life doesn't get better by chance, it gets better by change.'' After she graduated, she applied a job as Junior Optical Designer. She want to design more emotional product and instill life to the products.
Jolly Yan Yee Kee Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Jolly Yan Yee Kee.
Designer Interview of Jolly Yan Yee Kee:
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?
JYYK : I studied Product Design in Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
JYYK : My company is working on eyewear for more than 10 years.
DI: What is "design" for you?
JYYK : Design is to solve problems.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
JYYK : I like designing lifestyle products.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
JYYK : I like Ingo Maurer ''Birdie'' lamp the most. It is the representative of emotional design.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
JYYK : I like acrylic, wood and ceramic.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
JYYK : When I am in toilet.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
JYYK : Brainstorming.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
JYYK : Frustrated.
DI: What makes a design successful?
JYYK : Clear mind.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
JYYK : The concept.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
JYYK : To design something which can last longer and help the people.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
JYYK : Design field is going to be saturated. We need more new things.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
JYYK : My last exhibition is November 2016 in Hong Kong. My coming exhibition is April 2017 in Italy.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
JYYK : When I walk around, I can have inspiration from surroundings.
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?
JYYK : People think I am crazy. But I am not sure.
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?
JYYK : I live in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is small and fulls of buildings. So I always need to go to other countries to take a rest. Otherwises, I will become stressful. Because of the small space in Hong Kong, I will also design more things which can use in small space.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
JYYK : First brainstorm, then initial idea and concept development, then details development. And finally with model making.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
JYYK : Lamp, Book shelf, Bed, Sofa, Table.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
JYYK : Don't give up. Try and learn.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
JYYK : Design can't earn much. But design can make me feel alive.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
JYYK : No rubbish.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
JYYK : Brainstorming.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
JYYK : Pen and Adobe.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
JYYK : 24 hours with design.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
JYYK : Three months.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
JYYK : Why you have this idea?
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
JYYK : Upcycling. Because I like to transform trash into treasure.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
JYYK : My future plan is to find a lighting company which I can work in.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
JYYK : By Myself.
DI: How can people contact you?
JYYK : By email. jollyyan@hotmail.com