We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Yinghua Lu ("YL").
Fueled by a deep passion for design and ignited by my affection for sneakers, my creative process draws inspiration from the intricacies of life, crafting a world where vibrant harmoniously blend with both rigorous precision and unrestrained creativity.
Yinghua Lu Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Yinghua Lu.
Yinghua Lu Design - Hypex Creek Shoe
Designer Interview of Yinghua 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?
YL : Hello, I'm Yinghua Lu, and I'm thrilled to be here as a footwear designer. I became a product designer driven by my deep passion for footwear. Since childhood, I've been fascinated by shoes, constantly observing the latest trends and styles. Eventually, I thought about pursuing a career in footwear design. This realization prompted me to relocate to Los Angeles and begin my journey at ArtCenter.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
YL : My journey started with a solid foundation in product design from ArtCenter, where I honed my skills in the intricate process of footwear creation. Throughout my career, I've had the experience of contributing to projects for globally recognized sports brands like ANTA and ADIDAS. My passion for footwear runs deep, and I'm dedicated to pushing boundaries and crafting captivating, innovative projects within this dynamic industry.
DI: What is "design" for you?
YL : To me, design is the journey of translating abstract ideas and visions into practical and tangible solutions that enrich the lives of individuals. As a footwear designer, it extends beyond crafting visually appealing shoes; it encompasses comprehending the wants and needs of consumers, interpreting evolving fashion trends, and innovating to develop products that excel in both form and function, resonating deeply with the market. Design embodies a seamless fusion of creativity, utility, and viability, with the overarching aim of delivering profound and meaningful experiences to users.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
YL : My favorite kind of design is footwear design. What draws me to it is the perfect blend of fashion, functionality, and innovation that footwear embodies. It's incredibly fulfilling to channel my creativity into tangible products people wear daily. I thrive on the challenge of anticipating and setting trends, infusing each design with captivating storytelling elements, and striking the delicate balance between creativity and commercial success. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of the footwear industry keeps me constantly engaged and inspired.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
YL : One of my favorite designs is the HYPEX Creek shoe. It seamlessly integrates outdoor functionality with hypebeast style, incorporating innovative elements inspired by safety belts to ensure a secure foot lockdown. This design offers customizable fit options and combines speed-dry materials with ergonomic design principles. The HYPEX project represents my commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional footwear design by merging fashion and practicality uniquely and compellingly.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
YL : The first thing I designed for a company was when I was on the Adidas Originals footwear team. It was a new color and new materials design for shoe models D’pad, Courtic, Haiwee, and Stadt. For the first time doing a design like this makes me excited.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
YL : My favorite technology is 3D design software and platforms used to create 3D assets. These tools allow for precise modeling and prototyping, enabling me to bring complex and innovative footwear designs to life. The ability to visualize and iterate on designs in three dimensions enhances creativity and efficiency, making the design process more dynamic and engaging.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
YL : I feel the most creative in the middle of the night or early morning. These quiet hours provide a serene and uninterrupted environment, allowing my ideas to flow freely and my imagination to thrive.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
YL : During the design process, I prioritize functionality to ensure the product performs well and meets user needs. Aesthetics are equally important, as I strive to create visually appealing designs that align with current trends and consumer preferences. Additionally, I focus on innovation, integrating unique elements that set the product apart and enhance its appeal in the market.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
YL : When I design, I often feel excitement and passion as I explore creative possibilities and bring ideas to life. There's also a sense of satisfaction in solving design challenges and achieving a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality. Additionally, there's a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing that my designs may evoke positive emotions and resonate with users once they are brought into the world.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
YL : When my designs are realized, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment and pride in seeing ideas transformed into tangible products. There's often excitement as I witness how the design interacts with its users and how it meets their needs and expectations. Additionally, there's a sense of validation and satisfaction knowing that my creative vision has translated into something meaningful and impactful in the real world.
DI: What makes a design successful?
YL : A design is successful when it effectively solves a problem or fulfills a need while resonating emotionally with its users. It should demonstrate innovation and uniqueness that sets it apart in the market. Additionally, a successful design considers practical aspects like manufacturability, sustainability, and scalability, ensuring it can be efficiently produced and adopted widely.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
YL : For judging a design as good or bad, I first consider its functionality—how well it solves a problem or meets a need. Next, I assess its aesthetics to determine if it is visually appealing and aligned with intended user preferences. Finally, I evaluate the overall user experience to ensure the design is intuitive, and engaging, and enhances usability.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
YL : From my perspective as a designer, I believe it's crucial to take responsibility for the societal and environmental impacts of our work. This includes designing products that enhance quality of life, promote inclusivity, and address societal needs. Additionally, designers should prioritize sustainability by reducing environmental footprints, using eco-friendly materials, and advocating for ethical production practices. By considering these responsibilities, designers can contribute positively to society and the environment, fostering a more sustainable and equitable future.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
YL : The design field is evolving rapidly, changing consumer expectations, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. In the future, I see design becoming more integrated with technology, such as AI and machine learning, enabling personalized and adaptive products. There will also be a greater focus on user-centered design, where empathy and inclusivity play central roles in creating solutions that cater to diverse needs and preferences. Moreover, sustainability will continue to shape the future of design, with an increased emphasis on eco-friendly materials, circular design principles, and minimizing environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle. Overall, the future of design holds promise for innovation, creativity, and positive societal impact.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
YL : I have not had any exhibitions yet in my career. However, I am looking forward to planning and organizing my first exhibition shortly. I see it as an exciting opportunity to showcase my designs and connect with a broader audience who shares a passion for innovative footwear design.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
YL : My design inspiration stems from a blend of nature's beauty, cultural influences, and cutting-edge technology. To feed my creativity, I immerse myself in diverse experiences—from exploring natural landscapes to studying global fashion trends and engaging with technological innovations. These sources collectively inspire me to create footwear designs that are both aesthetically compelling and functionally innovative.
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 : I would describe my design style as a harmonious fusion of elegance, functionality, and innovation. My exploration of this style has been driven by a desire to create footwear that not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also performs exceptionally well in various environments. The main characteristics of my style include a focus on clean lines, thoughtful details, and a balance between classic elements and contemporary trends. My approach to design begins with thorough research and observation to understand current market demands and consumer preferences. I then embark on an iterative process of sketching, prototyping, and refining ideas to ensure each design meets high standards of both creativity and practicality. By integrating user-centric insights and leveraging emerging technologies, I strive to deliver footwear that not only meets but exceeds expectations in terms of both form and function.
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 : As a Chinese, I am influenced by the subtle and reserved nature of Chinese culture. Just like kung fu, which uses softness to overcome hardness. My cultural background leads me to pay attention to details while focusing on engaging content. This aspect greatly aids me in storytelling because captivating narratives are often filled with intricate details that invite careful examination.
DI: How do you work with companies?
YL : I work closely with product marketing managers and developers to create products that align with market needs and brand objectives. This collaboration involves understanding consumer insights, market trends, and technical requirements to conceptualize designs that balance innovation with practicality. Continuous communication and iterative feedback loops ensure that the final products meet both creative vision and business goals, fostering a cohesive approach to product development.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
YL : Companies should prioritize designers with relevant experience and a creative portfolio that aligns with their brand values. Effective communication, collaborative skills, and a clear understanding of project goals are essential for a successful partnership. Mutual respect and open dialogue throughout the process ensure innovative designs that meet both aesthetic and functional needs.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
YL : My design process varies depending on the project at hand, but it consistently follows a logical sequence: observation, research, ideation, and prototyping. Observation allows me to gain a deep understanding of the subject matter, while thorough research from the outset helps me uncover insights and identify optimal solutions.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
YL : Gentle monster optical glasses, Georg Jensen KOPPEL Pitcher, Herman Miller Aeron Chair, IWC watch, Air Jordan 28
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
YL : My day typically starts with a review of current fashion trends, followed by diving into my design process. I often engage in meetings with product marketing managers and developers throughout the day to discuss ongoing projects and ensure alignment on design goals and objectives.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
YL : I am still a young person so probably can not have words to say to them but I always tell myself: your passion will indeed be your driving force. Stay focused on honing your skills, seeking inspiration, and pushing the boundaries of creativity in your designs.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
YL : From my perspective, being a designer is incredibly fulfilling due to the opportunity to creatively innovate and solve problems through design. However, it can be challenging when having conflict with your personal taste and commerciality, sometimes you need to sacrifice something.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
YL : My "golden rule" in design is to always prioritize the user experience. Every design decision should aim to enhance usability, functionality, and aesthetics in a way that resonates with and improves the lives of the people who will interact with the product.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
YL : Visual communication is crucial for designers. It's essential to convey ideas clearly and effectively to audiences who may not have a design background. Besides that, skills like creativity, problem-solving, attention to detail, and a good understanding of user needs and market trends are also vital for a designer's success.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
YL : My design toolbox includes Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Rhino and Blender for 3D modeling, a high-performance computer, Wacom tablet, design theory books, fashion magazines, trend forecasting websites, and cultural influences for inspiration.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
YL : I think the research part before designing is the most time consuming. Because I think the direction is depend o the research part and it has crucial role to it.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
YL : For me, designing footwear or any product typically involves stages like research, ideation, prototyping, and refinement. This process can range from several weeks to several months, depending on the project's specifics and the iterative nature of design where multiple rounds of feedback and adjustments are common.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
YL : As a designer, one of the most frequently asked questions I receive is about my design process—how I approach creating a new shoe design, from initial concept to final product. People are often curious about where I find inspiration and how I translate ideas into tangible designs that resonate with consumers.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
YL : My most important job experience was contributing to footwear projects for globally recognized brands like ANTA and ADIDAS. These opportunities allowed me to apply my design skills in a professional setting, collaborate with experienced teams, and gain valuable insights into the industry's standards and expectations.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
YL : As a starting designer, I'm currently seeking opportunities and haven't yet established specific clients. I'm eager to collaborate with companies that align with my passion for innovative and captivating footwear design.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
YL : I enjoy footwear design the most because it allows me to blend creativity with functionality. Shoes are not just accessories but essential items that can reflect personal style and enhance everyday experiences. The dynamic nature of the footwear industry keeps me engaged, constantly challenging me to innovate and create designs that resonate with users on both aesthetic and practical levels.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
YL : My future plans involve continuing to create innovative footwear designs and expanding my portfolio. I aim to explore new concepts, collaborate with industry leaders, and ultimately contribute to shaping the future of footwear design through my passion and creativity.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
YL : I primarily develop my designs independently but often collaborate closely with teams, including product marketing managers and developers, to ensure the designs align with market needs and technical feasibility.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
YL : Of course! I have some exciting projects in progress, but I prefer to keep them under wraps for now. It's important to maintain confidentiality until the designs are fully developed and ready to be unveiled to the public.
DI: How can people contact you?
YL : My email: yinghuastudio@gmail.com website: https://www.yinghua-studio.com/ phone: +1 6266287267
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
YL : I'd like to express my gratitude to my family and friends whose unwavering support has been instrumental in my journey as a designer. Their encouragement and belief in my work continue to inspire and drive me forward.