Interview with HO YU LIU

HO YU LIU ("HYL") interviewed on Sunday, 31 March.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

HYL : I have been designing jewelry for three years. Before that I use to sell diamonds. I wanted to start designing because I always admired designers in my previous company but I never had any experience designing. One day of friend of mine pushed to me to give designing a try and I did. After that I decided to start jewelry designing full time.

How did you become a designer?

HYL : I became a designer after a friend suggested I give it a try.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

HYL : When I design something, my priorities usually revolve around the gemstone. Because usually when you look at a gemstone it is plain. But when you combine it with a pendant or other pieces of jewelry, it becomes something more. I like the idea of changing something and making it totally different.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

HYL : I feel satisfied when I am designing a new piece of jewelry and a great sense of understanding overcomes me after spending many hours working on it.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

HYL : My father was instrumental in me learning to love gemstones and jewelry. Whenever he came back from overseas, he would often bring these things to me because he felt that i deserved them. This early exposure to jewelry made me become what I am today.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

HYL : Well at the moment I am still trying to expand my jewelry business. I hope to do that with more public exposure. My dream design project would be a beautiful pendant using the best materials available.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

HYL : My advice to young designers is to follow their heart as cliche as that sounds. Try and don't give up. Trust yourself.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

HYL : As a successful designer, I would suggest you look at your customers needs from a different perspective. This new perspective will help boost your own morale as well as those you work with.

What is your day to day look like?

HYL : I usually start my day by looking at my phone to keep up to date on jewelry design news as well as my fellow jewelry designers. At the end of the day, I always exercise to wind down from a stressful day. When I get the chance, I love to relax and play the piano.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

HYL : I keep up with the latest design trends using Pinterest, surfing the web and magazines. New design trends matter a lot because they reflect the changes in the industry during the year. When you look back at previous years, it helps understand where design is going in the future.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

HYL : If you wear the piece of jewelry, it should be comfortable. Beyond that you can't really say what is good design because everyone likes something different. I think most jewelry has their own special design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

HYL : During the design process, most people often check while they are sketching or drawing. During this checking, some instinct inside of you will tell you when your design is ready.

What is your biggest design work?

HYL : My biggest design work to date has to be the one I submitted for this competition.

Who is your favourite designer?

HYL : My favorite designer is Cindy Chao because she designs emphasize nature.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

HYL : I am from the ethnic minority in Taiwan known as Hakka. It is my culture and also my language. It is Reflected in my designs and my life. My lifestyle is comfortable and revolves around work, family and friends.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

HYL : My business philosophy is to help my employees achieve their goals. I also want my company to adapt well to new things. No matter the industry, I think adaptation is necessary.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

HYL : As a designer, I hope to influence people through art and give back to society that way.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

HYL : This will be my first experience attending the A Design competition so any positive experience would be most helpful.

HO YU LIU Profile