We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Di Lu ("DL").
Ludi, the driving force behind Inprocess Design Studio, is an avant-garde artist and designer whose vision has illuminated the realms of Beijing Design Week and Suzhou Design Week. Her belief in design as a means to solve societal issues guides her innovative approach, marrying creativity with utility. Ludi stands out for her commitment to using design as a dialogue between art and society, aiming to spark positive change and inspire the next wave of creative minds. Her work, celebrated for its thoughtful engagement with contemporary challenges, strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal and social significance. As a pioneer for her generation, Ludi's contributions to the design and art communities are marked by a fresh perspective and a dedication to making a difference through creativity. This approach has not only positioned her as an important figure in the design world but also as a role model for aspiring artists and designers seeking to impact society through their work.
Di Lu Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Di Lu.
Di Lu Design - Future Past Exhibition
Designer Interview of Di Lu:
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?
DL : I have always been fascinated by design and beauty since I was a child. I hold two degrees in design: a Bachelor's in Graphic Design and a Master's from the Academy of Art University (AAU) as well as an MFA in design from the University of Southern California (USC), where I studied under April Greiman. My passion for creating and problem-solving naturally led me to pursue a career in design.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
DL : My studio is called InProcessDesign. We collaborate with a variety of clients on projects ranging from visual systems to book design. My work focuses on creating solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, with a strong emphasis on user experience and storytelling.
DI: What is "design" for you?
DL : Design is about solving societal problems. It’s a process of creating solutions that improve people's lives and contribute to the betterment of society.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
DL : I enjoy designing visual systems and books the most. These projects allow me to explore different aspects of visual communication and storytelling. In the future, I hope to work more on motion design projects.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
DL : One of my favorite designs is my work for the Beijing 751 International Design Week. It was a significant project that helped increase public awareness of the design industry and showcased the power of design to influence and inspire.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
DL : The first thing I designed for a company was a logo and brand identity for a local business. This project taught me a lot about the importance of understanding client needs and translating them into effective visual solutions.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
DL : I have a strong affinity for working with digital platforms and technologies, especially those that allow for motion design. Tools like Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D are among my favorites as they enable me to bring static designs to life.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
DL : I feel the most creative when I am exposed to new environments and experiences. Traveling, exploring different cultures, and engaging with diverse perspectives often spark my creativity.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
DL : I focus on the user experience and storytelling aspects of a design. It's important that the design not only looks good but also effectively communicates its message and serves its intended purpose.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
DL : Designing brings me a sense of excitement and fulfillment. The process of creating something new and solving problems through design is incredibly rewarding.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
DL : When my designs are realized, I feel a great sense of accomplishment and pride. Seeing my work come to life and positively impact others is a wonderful feeling.
DI: What makes a design successful?
DL : A design is successful when it effectively communicates its message, solves the problem it was intended to address, and resonates with its audience.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
DL : I first consider the functionality and user experience of the design. A good design must be intuitive and serve its purpose well. Aesthetic appeal is also important, but it should not compromise functionality.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
DL : Designers have a responsibility to create solutions that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and inclusive. We should strive to minimize environmental impact and consider the social implications of our work.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
DL : The design field is evolving towards more inclusivity and sustainability. I believe the future of design will focus on creating solutions that address global challenges and improve the quality of life for diverse populations.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
DL : My last exhibition was part of the Beijing 751 International Design Week. I would love to hold my next exhibition in a city that values design and innovation, potentially in Tokyo, which is my favorite place.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
DL : My design inspiration comes from various sources, including travel, nature, art, and everyday experiences. I feed my creativity by constantly seeking new experiences, staying curious, and engaging with different cultures and perspectives.
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?
DL : A strong emphasis on visual storytelling and user experience characterizes my design style. I explore this style because it allows me to create meaningful and impactful designs. My approach to design involves thorough research, conceptual thinking, and a focus on solving real-world problems.
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?
DL : I live in LA. The cultural heritage of my country greatly influences my designs, providing a rich source of inspiration. The pros include a deep well of cultural references and unique aesthetics to draw from. The cons might be balancing traditional elements with contemporary design trends.
DI: How do you work with companies?
DL : I work with companies by understanding their needs and goals, conducting thorough research, and collaborating closely throughout the design process. Clear communication and mutual respect are key to successful partnerships.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
DL : Companies should look for designers who not only have a strong portfolio but also demonstrate a clear understanding of their brand and goals. Effective communication, a collaborative spirit, and a willingness to explore new ideas are essential qualities to look for.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
DL : My design process starts with thorough research and understanding the client's needs. I then move on to brainstorming and sketching concepts, followed by developing detailed designs. I believe in iterative refinement, gathering feedback, and making necessary adjustments to ensure the final design is both effective and aesthetically pleasing.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
DL : My collection of design books, which provide endless inspiration. A vintage typewriter that serves as a reminder of the timeless nature of good design. My sketchbook, where I capture ideas and concepts. A set of high-quality pencils, essential for sketching and brainstorming. A well-designed ergonomic chair that supports my long hours of work.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
DL : A typical day in my life starts with a morning run to clear my mind and boost my energy. I then spend a few hours working on current design projects, alternating between brainstorming, sketching, and developing designs on my computer. I take breaks to seek inspiration from books, nature, or art. The evening is usually reserved for personal projects or learning new skills.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
DL : Stay curious and passionate. Always ask questions and seek to understand the 'why' behind everything. Don't be afraid to take risks and explore new ideas. Continuously learn from different fields and perspectives, and never stop honing your skills.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
DL : Positives include the ability to express creativity, solve problems, and make a meaningful impact on society. Negatives can consist of tight deadlines, the pressure to constantly innovate, and balancing client expectations with creative vision.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
DL : My golden rule is to always put the user first. A design must be functional and intuitive before it is anything else.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
DL : Important skills include creativity, problem-solving, communication, technical proficiency with design software, and an understanding of user experience and storytelling.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
DL : My toolbox includes Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects), Cinema 4D, a high-performance computer, a sketchbook, pencils, and a collection of design books. Sources of inspiration include art, nature, travel, and various online design communities.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
DL : I manage my time by setting clear goals and priorities, breaking projects into manageable tasks, and using time management tools to stay organized. Regular breaks and maintaining a work-life balance are also crucial to staying productive.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
DL : It typically takes about a year to finalize a design project. This timeframe allows for thorough design research, development, and refinement.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
DL : The most frequently asked question is, "What inspires your designs?" My answer is that inspiration comes from a variety of sources, including travel, nature, art, and everyday experiences.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
DL : My most important job experience was working on the Beijing 751 International Design Week. This project was significant because it helped increase public awareness of the design industry and showcased the power of design to influence and inspire.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
DL : Some of my clients include various companies and organizations that require visual systems, brand identities, and book designs. I prefer not to disclose specific names due to confidentiality agreements.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
DL : I enjoy designing visual systems and books the most. These projects allow me to explore different aspects of visual communication and storytelling, which are my passions.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
DL : My future plans include exploring more motion design projects and continuing to work on inclusive design solutions for people with disabilities. I aim to use design to solve societal issues and make a positive impact on the world.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
DL : I primarily develop my designs myself, but I also collaborate with other designers and professionals when the project requires it. Collaboration often leads to more innovative and well-rounded solutions.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
DL : I am currently working on a project aimed at improving the social experiences of people with disabilities. This project is particularly exciting as it has the potential to make a significant impact and promote inclusivity.
DI: How can people contact you?
DL : People can contact me through my website, email（lu.designer17@gmail.com), or professional social media profiles. I am always open to new collaborations and projects.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
DL : I would like to emphasize the importance of continuous learning and staying passionate about design. The design field is constantly evolving, and it's crucial to adapt and grow with it. Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey and insights.