Interview with Jia-Ru Lin

Jiaru Lin is currently the Head of Design at Amaffi in New York. She has worked with brands such as Tom Ford, Gucci, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Coach, ZARA, Comme des Garçons, and Maison Margiela.

Jia-Ru Lin

Designer Interview

16 April 2017

I was always interested in art and design. After college, I was more certain to be a designer.

I focus more on packaging design, branding and communications design.

Have good taste and be visually picky.

Conceptional, eco-friendly, and minimalist works.

I like design that is conceptional and have a little humor.

Cosmetic packaging design.

Eco-friendly materials.

After getting a GOOD sleep.

Look GOOD at least.

Comfortable.

Appreciate and happy.

When the designer is proud of his/her design.

The theme, purpose, and uniqueness.

I think designers are problem solvers. Sometimes like a visual doctor too!

I think connecting with the environment, technology and humanity will be a trend for future designs.

It was for graduate Thesis at Manhattan Center, New York.

Everyday observations.

Minimalist style. I try to keep only the important elements in design and get rid of the unnecessaries.

I am from Taiwan but am currently living/working in New York.

Do my best as a designer, and try to convince the best final design selection that I made to companies/clients.

You can have your opinion in design, but don't critique visuals(type, color, materials, etc) if you don't understand.

I listen to what clients wants. Then sketch up based on my experience/intuition. Thirdly do research. Then design/revise/refine.

Cosmetic/skincare items, books, kitchen utensils, light, toys.

Work, eat, sleep and OTHER.

Try to challenge yourself outside your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes in design.

Positive is that you'll always get inspired, negatives is that it's hard to satisfied by visual(because it's hard to get to perfect).

Trust my instinct and taste.

Designer's taste and passion.

Adobe Illustrator, Indesign, Photoshop.

Aim on what is the most important, and then target the minors.

It depends on the scale and deadline. It can be from a week to a year!

How did you come up with the idea?

At Baron&Baron, New York. I worked with amazing Art Directors and people there! It was a foundation of my design skills and taste.

I had worked on GUCCI, NARS, Revlon, and other fashion brands.

Packaging Design. It's what I'm good at and passionate about.

Keep improving myself as a designer.

As a team.

I am currently working on Tom Ford beauty project.

jiaru27@gmail.com

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Interview with Jia-Ru Lin

Designer Interview

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?

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

What is "design" for you?

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

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

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

When do you feel the most creative?

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

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

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

What makes a design successful?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

How do you work with companies?

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

Can you talk a little about your design process?

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

Can you describe a day in your life?

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

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

What is your "golden rule" in design?

What skills are most important for a designer?

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

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

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

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

What was your most important job experience?

Who are some of your clients?

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

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

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

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

How can people contact you?

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition