Interview with He Liu

My journey into the world of design was inspired by my mother, who is a professional architect. Growing up with her, I developed a deep appreciation for art and aesthetics. When I picked up a pencil at the age of six, I knew I had found my passion for artistic expression. As I explored the beauty of design, I became captivated by its challenges and the opportunity to break old rules and establish new ones. This led me to pursue studies in graphic design in China before coming to the United States. Now, as the Chief Designer in my current role, I thrive on innovation, exploration, and helping brands build meaningful connections with their audiences.

I divide the entire design process into six steps. The first step is Exploration: gaining insights into the problem. After receiving the requirements, it is crucial to understand the business context, product objectives, and user demographics. The second step is Divergence: generating various solutions through brainstorming. Following that, we move into the Design phase, where we refine and select the optimal solution that meets the client's needs. Next comes the Delivery of the final work. Lastly, we validate the commercial impact of the design solution, ensuring its alignment with market demands and helping the brand enhance its visibility.

Designing "Xizang Shannan" fills me with awe, responsibility, excitement, and a sense of introspection. I'm inspired by the region's natural beauty and cultural richness, and I feel a deep commitment to honoring its heritage. Exploring the unique colors, patterns, and textures of the area fuels my passion, while I approach the design process with sensitivity and attention to detail. Overall, it's an emotionally rewarding experience to showcase the beauty and significance of "Xizang Shannan" through my design work.

My experiences of studying and working in both China and the United States have deeply enriched my perspective on life. It has allowed me to embrace a diverse range of influences and appreciate the beauty of cultural fusion. With a harmonious blend of Western thinking and Eastern aesthetics, I bring a unique and human touch to my creations. Furthermore, my passion for illustration enables me to infuse my work with a sense of warmth and emotion, creating a genuine connection with viewers and evoking a shared appreciation for beauty.

I come from China, a land steeped in a rich traditional culture that holds not only a long history but also deep cultural significance. The traditional customs and values of my nation have greatly influenced modern art and design, leaving an indelible mark on the creative landscape. What truly excites me is the opportunity to infuse Chinese traditional culture into contemporary artistic expressions, as it has become a prevailing trend and an inherent characteristic of our evolving world.

Through the study and exploration of our cultural heritage, I have come to realize that it is through this profound connection with our past that we can create meaningful art and design that resonates with people on a deeper level. It is a testament to the power of tradition and the human spirit, bridging the gap between different cultures and fostering a sense of unity and understanding.

My ultimate goal as a designer is to shed light on the richness of Chinese culture, allowing the world to embrace our values, ethos, and virtues. By showcasing our country's exceptional cultural legacy and traditional arts, I hope to foster appreciation and promote cultural exchange, enabling us to forge a more interconnected and compassionate global community.

As a designer who has been working for many years, the following is my experience:

Find your strengths, and as you begin your design career, remember that your voice and perspective are your greatest strengths. Embrace your individuality and let it shine through in your work. Your personal history, passions, and values ​​will infuse your designs with an authentic and human touch that will set you apart.

Take every opportunity to learn. Have an experienced designer by your side who can provide direction and guidance. Their insights and wisdom will help shape your skills and perspective. Also, don't hesitate to collaborate with designers and professionals from different backgrounds. Through collaboration, you'll gain fresh perspectives, learn new techniques, and make meaningful connections.

Design with Empathy. Design is not just about aesthetics; it's about solving problems and improving people's lives. Build empathy by putting yourself in the shoes of your target audience. Understand their needs, wishes, and challenges. Designs designed to positively impact their lives. Let empathy guide your decision-making process and create designs that resonate on a deeper level.

Stay passionate, design is a journey that requires passion, dedication, and persistence. Stay true to your love of design and let it be your driving force. Approach challenges with a positive attitude, knowing that every obstacle will bring you closer to your goal. Be open to feedback, keep improving your skills, and never stop exploring new ideas and technologies.

Stay true to your original aspiration and forge ahead.

Every day, the first thing I do when I arrive at the office is to start the day with a cup of coffee, energizing myself for the day ahead. Typically, I begin by browsing through design news or fashion updates, searching for the latest design trends and elements, and making notes of interesting findings. After that, I dive into my daily work routine.

During my free time, I enjoy visiting various exhibitions. It's not just limited to art exhibitions; I also love watching movies and documentaries. Design is a field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines, and that's what fascinates me. The ability to explore different realms and draw inspiration from various sources is what keeps me engaged and passionate about my work.

I make it a habit to browse various design news sources and explore the latest design elements and trends. While it's important to stay updated with the latest trends, I understand that blindly following them may not always lead to the most effective design direction. However, incorporating relevant trends in a thoughtful and strategic manner can bring a certain level of attention and engagement to projects. It's about finding the right balance between incorporating trends and maintaining a unique and authentic design approach that resonates with the target audience.

The artistic influence and years of experience have honed my ability to discern quality in design. Drawing upon solid design techniques and a strong design thinking foundation, I am able to evaluate works with a critical eye. However, I firmly believe that art is subjective, and there is no definitive right or wrong. What truly matters is the value and impact that work carries. As long as a piece resonates with its audience and brings something meaningful to the table, it can be considered a remarkable work of art.

I firmly believe that there is always room for growth and improvement in every design. However, a truly exceptional design goes beyond aesthetics. It is purposeful, addressing specific needs and objectives, and it has the power to create tangible business value. By aligning design with strategic goals and user requirements, we can unlock the full potential of a design and ensure its success in delivering meaningful results.

Entering a fashion company posed my first major challenge as I was tasked with leading a team to create the website for our brand, GREY LAB. The process of website creation proved to be lengthy and filled with challenges. In the rapidly evolving fashion industry, especially in a fashion hub like Los Angeles, designing a website that stands out in the market becomes a tremendous endeavor.

Fashion websites have become a primary platform for brand promotion and interaction. To achieve a successful design, it is crucial to consider various aspects, including user experience, brand identity, and visual appeal. To better understand GREY LAB, I engaged in detailed discussions with the brand's founders and fashion designers, learning about the brand's origins, design philosophy, and future aspirations. I analyzed the evolving preferences, spending habits, and lifestyle choices of our target audience to ensure our design resonated with them. Additionally, I delved into the recent market shifts surrounding GREY LAB.

Furthermore, our boss had an ambitious timeline of launching the website within a month. Web designers understand the immense challenge of delivering a complete website, from visual design to development, within such a tight timeframe. Our team had to re-strategize and make compromises on certain elaborate ideas and functionalities to meet our boss's expectations.

After two intense months of rapid brainstorming and hard work, we successfully launched the website in February 2022. To our delight, we received over a hundred orders on the very first day, indicating a promising start for GREY LAB's online presence.

Alan Chan

Melbourne is my city of choice, it's full of art. The perfect fusion of history and modernity, the whole city is inclusive and prosperous.

I work both individually and with a team. It mainly depends on the project intent and efficiency requirements.

The purpose of this work in Shannan, Tibet is to use the power of art to bring vitality to urban development. Although it is commercial cooperation, looking forward to the future, the value it brings to the development of the city is immeasurable.

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to the judges for their wise and impartial evaluation. Winning this award has significantly boosted my professional confidence and has opened doors to valuable resources, such as an increased client base and media coverage. Moreover, achieving this award was a direct part of my career plan, signifying that I am getting closer to my professional goals.

A passion for art and a love of challenge.

I choose to become a designer.

I am a visual designer, I focus on all graphic UI/UX and branding.

To become a successful designer, it is essential to utilize design principles, explore multiple design solutions, enhance critical thinking skills, stay informed about design trends, and dedicate time to continuous learning and practice. Additionally, cultivating the habit of reflecting on experiences and summarizing lessons learned plays a crucial role in professional growth and development. By incorporating these aspects into one's design journey, aspiring designers can strive towards achieving impactful and fruitful outcomes.

I think a good designer fulfills expectations, whereas a great designer surpasses them, leaving a lasting impression.

A good design should meet the customer's needs and have commercial value, or it should have a significant social impact.

In my opinion, a good designer possesses a strong aesthetic sense, creative ideas that can impact the objective world, and the ability to solve clients' problems. Additionally, from a business perspective, a great designer is able to establish a positive connection between the design and the target market. Design goes beyond aesthetics; it requires keen market insights. The production process of exceptional design achieves a balance between aesthetic value, commercial value, and societal value.

I want to create a project focused on public mental health. By using my design skills to raise awareness, destigmatize mental health issues, and provide valuable resources and solutions for people in need. I wish my design can make a positive impact by fostering understanding, promoting self-care, and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

There are many projects I would like to work on. I believe that in the future I will find the opportunity to fulfill all my goals.

Sorry, but I want to keep my secret. One thing I can share is always to keep your passion.

Alan Chan Yu Chien

Cai Guo-Qiang's new fireworks work "One Night Stand" was performed on the Seine River between the Louvre Museum and the Musée d'Orsay. It is unprecedented that works are great creations.

"Tibet Shannan" is my greatest design, but also a project that has brought promising commercial value to a city, as evidenced by its recognition and achievement of the A-design silver award.

As I mentioned, to be a successful designer, one must utilize design principles, explore multiple design solutions, develop critical thinking skills, understand design trends, and invest time in continuous learning and practice. In addition, cultivating the habit of reflecting on the experience and drawing lessons from it also plays a vital role in professional growth and development. By incorporating these aspects into one's design journey, aspiring designers can strive to achieve impactful and productive outcomes. I also follow the nine points to improve myself.

An artist

Design is not limited to art, but it involves all aspects of people's work and life. The ability to create new things and to perceive existing things in new ways are both forms of creativity. There may be countless perspectives and methods for people to observe and experience the world, and as long as these perspectives and methods can be applied to daily life, it is the power of design. Design endows products with cultural connotations and distinctive styles. A good creative concept is essential as it not only embodies the essence of design but also gives the work a personalized, professional, and unique effect.

My mother

Passion and dedication towards design.

Designers can experience periods of fatigue due to excessive creativity, so it is important to learn how to strike a balance between work and rest.

Designers should present their work in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner. They should effectively communicate the key elements and concepts of their design, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills. Presentations should be well-organized, tailored to the target audience, and highlight the unique features and benefits of the design. By using appropriate mediums and engaging visuals, designers can effectively convey their vision and generate interest among stakeholders.

A project about PTSD, I hope through my design to help people solve their problems in an acceptable and easy way.

I hope to become an influential designer and use my designs to showcase the greatness of different cultures to the world.

I think people will expect a good designer to bring valuable positive energy through the power of design and provide them with feasible solutions.

Design helps create a better society by promoting functionality, accessibility, sustainability, community engagement, social innovation, and cultural expression. It improves everyday experiences, fosters inclusivity, addresses environmental challenges, empowers individuals and communities, drives positive social change, and enhances cultural diversity and understanding.

I am working on rebranding a fashion brand with the aim of propelling it towards a more expansive and dynamic commercial stage.

I have had the opportunity to contribute to the success of six fashion brands by building their websites, and these projects have been the most satisfying experiences of my career. Through my expertise and efforts, I have helped these brands establish a strong online presence and achieve their business goals.

With immense potential for improvement and innovation in the field, I am eagerly anticipating a future of even more captivating and emotionally resonant designs, driven by groundbreaking design technologies.

I think it will be a fusion of more advanced technologies.

It really depends on the project itself.

To ensure a comprehensive approach, my primary focus will be on thoroughly understanding the project's needs and objectives.

Work hard play hard!

I think they have achieved each other.

I use it as a tool for improvement, but I don't rely on technology.

Adobe Suite and Sketchbook for sure.

Color, materials, and ambient elements in design play a crucial role in setting the mood, expressing personality, and making things look and feel just right.

About my design concept and process.

How they get ideas.

I do believe in collaborative design, my teammates are my partners, and they play important roles.

Artists who have been contributing work. They usually bring incredible inspiration to my designs.

Designing Design

To be a successful designer, you gotta do a bunch of things. First, use design principles, try out different solutions, and think critically. Stay in the loop with design trends and keep learning and practicing. Oh, and don't forget to reflect on your experiences and learn from them. That's how you grow as a designer. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to achieving awesome results. And hey, I'm right there with you—I follow those nine points too!

I am very grateful to the organizers for their recognition. I think success requires accumulation. Time will give you the answer.

My favorite color is black. My favorite place is art gallery. My favorite food is Chinese food. My favorite season is summer. My favorite thing is time and my favorite brand is Lego

My teacher discovered my talent for drawing when I was 6 years old. Since then, my mother has always supported my dream, which is also the opportunity for me to become a designer today.

Every day is beautiful, I like challenges, I like new challenges and I like to challenge myself.

As I mentioned, my art teacher discovered my talent, and my mother was a great architect. This has had a huge impact on me as a designer.

I can't predict what will happen in a thousand years, but I always believe in hope.

Keep following my projects, you will find everything about me!

Riverliu Studio is a premier boutique design team, and I proudly serve as the principal designer and artistic director. We specialize in crafting bespoke market solutions and captivating visual experiences for clients across diverse industries. Whether it's brand development, product enhancement, or service optimization, our expertise enables us to deliver exceptional strategies and stunning visual effects that resonate with your target audience.

Design, to me, can be comprehended from two distinct angles. Firstly, from a purely conceptual standpoint, it is regarded as an art form that embodies the creativity and transformation of the objective world, serving as a means to solve problems for clients. Secondly, from a commercial perspective, the exceptional design establishes a strong rapport with the target market. Design transcends mere aesthetics; it necessitates a profound understanding of the market. A unique design process encompasses a delicate equilibrium between aesthetic value, commercial viability, and societal significance.

The brand visual identity, with its holistic design approach, signifies an ongoing voyage of innovation. Crafting a mature and impactful visual identity presents a formidable challenge that demands meticulous attention to detail and boundless creativity. I am particularly drawn to such challenges, as they ignite my passion and drive for excellence.

I feel a deep sense of pride and fulfillment being a part of the "TEBIET SHANNAN" project, which has been honored with a prestigious silver award in the graphic design category by A-Design. What truly captivates me about this project is its profound purpose of driving the revival of a town steeped in ancient history. It holds great significance to me as it not only enhances the vibrancy of my professional portfolio but also enables me to make a meaningful contribution to urban development and progress.

I love experimenting with different technologies to support my designs. It's all about picking the right tools that perfectly fit the needs of each project. Flexibility is key, and it allows me to tap into various technologies to elevate the impact and quality of my designs.

At night time I feel the most creative.

When it comes to the design process, I place a significant emphasis on the stages of ideation and brainstorming. These stages hold immense value for me as they allow for the exploration of creative possibilities and the generation of innovative ideas. I believe that the initial phase of rethinking and questioning assumptions is crucial for pushing the boundaries of conventional design. It is during this phase that I encourage free-flowing discussions, collaboration, and the exchange of diverse perspectives to fuel the brainstorming process. This collaborative and open-minded approach often leads to breakthrough concepts and unique solutions that can truly make a difference. By prioritizing the process of reimagining and engaging in lively brainstorming sessions, I believe we can unlock the true potential of design and create impactful outcomes that resonate with both clients and users.

Design evokes a diverse range of emotions in me. From excitement and passion to joy and fulfillment when seeing my ideas come to life, to moments of frustration and self-doubt when faced with challenges. These emotional experiences contribute to my growth and a deeper understanding of the design process.

Excited and fulfilled

Ensuring aesthetic appeal that resonates with the audience is of paramount importance to me. Furthermore, I carefully examine the symbiotic relationship between a design product and the market, assessing its ability to effectively fulfill the task of brand promotion.

In response to the client's needs, I assess whether the work provides feasible solutions.

The responsibilities of a graphic designer encompass promoting sustainability, fostering inclusivity, upholding ethical standards, driving social impact, and raising awareness for the role of design in society and the environment.

In anticipation of societal progress and technological advancements, the field of design is poised for unforeseen growth and transformation, leading to unpredictable shifts in mindset, tools, and materials; nevertheless, I firmly believe that this evolution will foster greater inclusivity and evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment.

The last exhibition was in Italy, I am not sure when will be the next exhibition.

Studying and working in both China and the United States have provided me with a broader perspective on how to perceive things, and I have developed a proficiency in integrating Western thinking with Eastern aesthetics, enabling me to create works with a unique perspective. Additionally, my skill in illustration allows me to better express and capture my own sense of beauty.

As someone from China, I appreciate the rich history and profound cultural essence of traditional Chinese culture, which holds a significant influence on contemporary art and design. I take great pleasure in integrating elements of Chinese traditional culture into modern art and design, a trend that not only reflects the current era but has also become a prominent movement. By studying and drawing inspiration from our traditional culture and delving into the exploration of our ethnic heritage, I aim to create art and design that holds deep meaning in the context of human history and plays a vital role on the global stage. Through my work, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of China, our cultural values, spirit, and ethics, while also promoting our outstanding cultural heritage and traditional arts.

Originally from China and currently residing in Los Angeles, I find that Chinese culture has provided me with numerous unexpected inspirations for my designs. However, the design industry in China is highly competitive and saturated, making it challenging to achieve perfection in every work due to overwhelming demand and resource constraints.

We have a detailed delivery process in place where we directly collaborate with our clients, ensuring seamless communication and providing comprehensive design solutions tailored to their specific needs.

When choosing the ideal designer for your company, it is crucial to review their portfolio, seek recommendations, evaluate their communication and problem-solving skills, assess their compatibility with your company's culture, and consider the cost and timeline factors.

In my design process, I follow six steps: Explore - gaining insights into the business context, goals, and user demographics; Diverge - generating various solutions through brainstorming; Design - selecting the best solution that meets client requirements; Deliver - presenting the final design; Validate - assessing the design's impact on business goals and brand recognition in the market.

1. Pencil, 2. sketch book, 3. Whiteboard 4. Mac, 5. iPad

n the morning, I browse through the latest design news or updates while having breakfast, then I dive into work. Throughout the day, I take breaks to refresh my mind. After work, I enjoy engaging in recreational activities to relax and enrich myself.

For young, up-and-coming designers, it is crucial to set clear goals, persevere, develop a diverse skill set, seek mentorship, stay updated and inspired, build a strong portfolio, network and collaborate, embrace constructive criticism, remain passionate and curious, and never stop learning.

Positives of being a designer encompass the ability to unleash creativity, contribute to meaningful projects, continuously learn and grow, collaborate with diverse teams, and witness the impact of your designs in the world.

Negatives of being a designer can involve encountering creative challenges, managing client expectations, facing tight deadlines and high-pressure situations, dealing with subjective feedback and revisions, and staying up-to-date with evolving design tools and techniques.

My "golden rule" in design is to prioritize the user or audience's needs and experiences, ensuring that the design serves its intended purpose effectively and efficiently while considering aesthetics, usability, and functionality.

I believe aesthetics and flexibility and logics are most important, it is a discerning ability that involves judgment, allowing designers to make thoughtful choices that result in visually pleasing and impactful designs.

Pen is the most important tool for me.

I will create detailed timetables and always have a contingency plan in place.

It depends on what kind of project.

I will say" Why do we need this?" or "What is this for?"

"Tibet Shannan" project. This really challenges me as a good designer. But I am very satisfied and proud of the result.

ENDLESS ROSE, GREY LAB, ENGLISH FACTORY, 2.7 AUGUETAPPAREL, INC. CONVOSO

The brand visual identity, characterized by a comprehensive design approach, represents a continuous journey of innovation. Creating a mature and impactful visual identity is a significant challenge that requires meticulous attention to detail and boundless creativity. I am particularly intrigued by such challenges as they ignite my passion and drive for excellence.

Improve yourself and gain more personal achievements.

I work as a team, but sometimes I work solo

I have another branding project but I can't talk more details for now.

Through my work email: 1062815304@gmail.com

I would like to express my gratitude to A-design for providing the opportunity to showcase the works of various designers and for creating an unprecedented platform. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and feel honored to receive the award.