We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Xinyi Yao ("XY").
The award-winning graphic designer is known for sharp fashion instincts, creative solutions to complex problems, and cosmopolitan style influenced by experiences in multiple continents. Has worked with elite brands including Vera Wang, L'OreĢal, and Miss USA Pageant.
Xinyi Yao Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Xinyi Yao.
Designer Interview of Xinyi Yao:
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?
XY : I was studying digital animation before I came to the U.S. After I got in Pratt Institute I fall in love with graphic design. The 2nd semester in Pratt, I switched my major to communication design MS program. I believe when you have fun you did the right thing.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
XY : I am working for a plus size fashion company in-house design department.
DI: What is "design" for you?
XY : To find a problem, and use design to solve it. Meanwhile, make it pretty if it possible.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
XY : Creative, elegant, looks simple, but not simple.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
XY : I don't have a favorite design, but if mentioned for 2016. I really like 2016 Dior yearbook cover design.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
XY : An animation film. It was my first internship.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
XY : transparency, always give a pure and elegant feeling.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
XY : After I have done a lot of research, and deeply thinking.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
XY : Did I tell people a story?
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
XY : exciting and having fun.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
XY : exciting and can't wait to show it to public.
DI: What makes a design successful?
XY : functional, telling a story, solved a problem.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
XY : Does this work?
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
XY : Designers couldn't be selfish, we need to make our design work. We design thing not only because we like it, also because we need to make it work.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
XY : Must be creative and unique
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
XY : It was 2016 New York Design week. Maybe next one will be A' design award's exhibition.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
XY : I would like to try different thing and to get the different experience from life. My life inspired me a lot.
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?
XY : Most my work is about fashion branding and graphic design. I like the elegant and high-end style. I am good at typography and colors. You see my work here: https://xinyiyao.myportfolio.com/
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?
XY : I living in New York City about 5 years. I like it. This is a great place for a designer. It always comes with pros, didn't see any cons.
DI: How do you work with companies?
XY : We have weekly meeting with markrting people and make a sale plan.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
XY : The good design help to solve the problem, but to enhance sell also need to have a good business plan.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
XY : research, brainstorm, sketch, design, refine, refine, refine.........
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
XY : My computer, My pens, watercolors......
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
XY : Coffee in the morning read some design books and websites, go to work. Thinking, drawing, designing.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
XY : Try to do not think it as work, have a fun, you will find your own place in this industry.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
XY : Positive: Fun and I really can do something that I like for a living. Negative: there are a lot of talented designers out there, you need to always to learn new things to update yourself as the designer.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
XY : Never stay in comfortable zoom.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
XY : Thinking differently. Be creative.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
XY : AI. PS. Indesign
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
XY : Thinking it in the subway when I am on my way home, do it when you have the most time.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
XY : It really depends on the deadline, fast can be a month or couple of weeks. Slow can be years.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
XY : Why do you want to be a designer?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
XY : The time when I interned in Vera Wang.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
XY : Vera Wang, Miss USA, Perrier, Woman Within
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
XY : The most freedom I can have. They allowed me to do something different.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
XY : To sell Dreemz, make it in the real ice cream market.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
XY : I develop my personal project by myself. But at work, I working with a team.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
XY : Yes, I am designing dogs dating app for the future.
DI: How can people contact you?
XY : graphicdesignerxinyi@gmail.com