We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Yuke Li ("YL").

Yuke Li is an author-illustrator based in New York City. She believe the simplest thing is the best thing. That is why she dive herself into this imaginary and prospective industry, an industry communicate with visual language. Here she find herself a fish in the water. Here she can dream big and see further.

Yuke Li Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Yuke Li.

Designer Interview of Yuke Li:

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?

YL : Everything began with doodling. I guess that's the way introvert people express themselves, and when you get started, it's harder to let go. Creating makes me feel energetic and powerful. I guess that is why I choose my career. to feel alive.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

YL : I started my illustration and design studio about seven years ago. I was focusing on magazines and publications more. Now they still a big part of my career. Also I am curious about advertisement industry.

DI: What is "design" for you?

YL : "Design" is a visual language which easy to understand, and it also has emotions itself.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

YL : Kids, women related.

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

YL : I always like MUJI. About those products on shelf, I feel they belong to me, and I want to take them home.

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

YL : It was a logo for a nice bar in my neighborhood.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

YL : Watercolor. I like the accident created by traditional materials.

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

YL : When I see other creative people's works, I always feel inspired by others. No matter it is a drawing, a movie, or a great package.

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

YL : Relationship between different elements.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

YL : It depends on the subject. If it is a sad theme or a happy one.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

YL : I feel connected. Some one understand me at last.

DI: What makes a design successful?

YL : A successful design is the one delivered the right message.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

YL : Does the design connected the text or product in a way.

DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

YL : A design will magnify the idea, so first we should be careful of what we are doing. Second, have a faith and do something helpful and genuine.

DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

YL : "Design" is going to be everywhere, every details, and one day "design" will be our subconscious. At that time, it will be easier to get start as a designer, but harder to be a good one.

DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

YL : I had several group exhibitions before, but not solo one. There will be a group showing for Illustration Program this fall, and I am thinking of doing a solo exhibition early next year.

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

YL : I was inspired by other artist's works and animals very often. Sometimes my head is empty, sometimes I feel I need a pair of extra hands, so I can get things down. I used Instagram for inspiration 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?

YL : Fun, experimental, line works. My main characteristics for WONDERFUL PICNIC is line or fox. I explored line, this element a little bit in this project. I always think that if one says "no", means rejection, and if one says nothing, sometime it also means "no". So what you said is important as what you didn't say. The same rules applies to design.

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?

YL : I live in New York City now. It is the best place for artist. Everybody's background is different here, and every difference is appreciated. You have to be very competitive, but this place brings the best of me.

DI: How do you work with companies?

YL : When I work with another person, time always matters. Everyone follow the schedule, then nothing goes wrong.

DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

YL : Being a good communicator is important on both side. A good company appreciate designer's time and effort; a good designer appreciate every opportunity and be confident about their works.

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

YL : I will think about the subject or text first. Then do some experiment for approaches. Different tools speak the different. Remember to talk with people though all the process. Then make your idea into reality step by step.

DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

YL : I-mac, my bed, a lamp from IKEA, a schedule book I bought from South Korea and my cup.

DI: Can you describe a day in your life?

YL : Usually I get up around 8 AM. Then work the whole day until dinner time. Then work out a little bit. That's a day. During this special time, I like to listen to the news, while I am working.

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

YL : Be genuine to yourself, because everything shows on your works.

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

YL : You kind of get a cense of beauty, but you will be less tolerant.

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

YL : Be genuine to yourself and to the audience.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

YL : Basic drawing skill is need, good eyes and knowledge about softwares.

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

YL : I use Photoshop a lot. I down loaded a set of watercolor brushes, but most of time I use the basic round brush. Sometimes I use I-pad. Procreate and Adobe Sketch are good to try.

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

YL : I have a daily to-do-list. Without it I feel extremely stressful, although I don't always complete everything on it. It's fine, and I will push it to next day.

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

YL : It really depends on project. It could take less than a day and more than a year.

DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

YL : What's your inspiration?

DI: What was your most important job experience?

YL : I used to work as a illustrator in a comic magazine in China. That's how I started to learned the industry.

DI: Who are some of your clients?

YL : Hope Publishing House, People's Literature Publishing House, CECI, Harper’s Bazaar, Dior, Lamer, Kiehl’s etc.

DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

YL : The kind of work which give me a lot of freedom.

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

YL : I have several picture book ideas in my mind. Hopefully I can get them publish next year.

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

YL : Both. I was definitely influent by people I worked with, and I explored a lot myself.

DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

YL : I have a book idea about cat. Somehow I think cat is a person, and it will be an interesting project to discuss a personality of a cat.

DI: How can people contact you?

YL : you can contact me by email: yukeliart@gmail.com, or find me on Instagram: @yukeliart

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

YL : Always be genuine and grateful.