Interview with Valentina Lin

Valentina Lin ("VL") interviewed on Saturday, 17 March.

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

VL : I've studied in Raffles Institute of Higher Education in Jakarta for advanced diploma from 2014-2016 and I'm currently studying for bachelor in Billy Blue College of Design in Sydney. My biggest achievement so far is winning a Bronze Award in Fashion, Apparel, and Garment Design category back in 2015/2016. It's like a boost and motivation for me to keep working in the fashion industry, which I'm really grateful.

How did you become a designer?

VL : I love drawing so much. When I was a kid, I remember that I would take my crayons and start drawing everywhere. Papers, walls, floors, desks, etc. When my parents saw that I have a talent in art, they sent me to an art course where I could improve my skill. After I finished 9th grade, I decided to go to college instead of finishing senior high school. I was about to choose graphic design, but in the end I chose fashion design instead. It's a challenge for me but I really enjoy those days.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

VL : 1, Look for inspirations. Take a walk outside and take pictures of everything. I love to take pictures of the sky as an inspiration for patterns, because the shape of clouds are never the same everyday, and as a color palette. 2, Doodle. Never draw anything in one go, just let your hands move freely. I usually rely on my brain instead of research because I intend to create something new, something people never seen before. Sometimes I do research online only to learn more about techniques. 3, Be patient. Your first and second drawing might not be your final design. You should try over and over and over again until your instinct say yes. Never give up.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

VL : I feel stressed every time I'm about to start a new project actually. It's natural, cause you don't know if you're doing it right or if you already give everything you got but at the end of the day, you'll experience this unexplainable happiness cause you know that you just created something new, something original. The other fun part of making a project is sewing cause I personally like sewing.

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

VL : When designing you'll always forget about time. You forget to eat, drink, and even sleep. I always set a series of alarms to remind me of time, to remind me to stop for a minute just to stretch and drink. You need to learn to take care of yourself even though I understand that it's hard to stop when your brain is full of ideas. But remember this, you'll waste much more time when you're sick.

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

VL : I want to be known for my creative designs, cause creativity has no limits. It's hard because these so called "Creative" designs can't always sell. Money is not a number one priority, but I still need it. I want people who look at my designs to get inspired and motivated. Why are you making regular shirts when you can explore your mind further and make a masterpiece?

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

VL : Great design is must, but it's not your number one priority. You heard it right. If you're at the beginning of your career, you have to at least learn some of the marketing basics. How to make a great presentation, body language, and even your expression. You have to feel confident when you're presenting. You can always improve your skills overtime but first you have to catch people's attention by your presentation.

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

VL : Learn to control yourself. When you're working, you can't always stop doing your tasks just because you're experiencing a creative block. Get yourself a personal sketchbook and sketch every time ideas just pop into your mind, then use some of your ideas for later when you're experiencing a creative block again.

What is your day to day look like?

VL : I always wake up at 5am in the morning. I know it sounds hard but just imagine you waking up in 5am or 7am, I can guarantee that you will feel sleepy in both times. Wake up early in the morning and do your other routines casually. While you're rushing in the morning, you'll develop a bad mood throughout the day. If you're having a good time in the morning, you'll develop a good mood throughout the day then everything will work out fine.

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

VL : I never follow trends like style or color of the year. I just sticks to my ideas, cause random ideas are different than the current trends. But sometimes you could get ideas from the current trends, but do you want to have similar designs with your competitors?

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

VL : The fabric quality and the stitching.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

VL : I rely on my instinct. If the design is finished but something's still bothering me, I'll make sure to check everything and make changes, then I will move on to the next project.

What is your biggest design work?

VL : My #infinitecreativity collection that I submitted in A'Design Award. It's actually my graduation collection which I'm really proud of because I finished everything in just 2 months, which sounds impossible. Everyone around me hates my collection, which made me doubt myself back then. But I'm really grateful that I found A'Design Award and actually won one. It changed my life and it makes me even more passionate in fashion.

Who is your favourite designer?

VL : Alexander McQueen. His designs are amazing and majority of my designs are inspired by him, cause we have a similar taste and style.

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

VL : When I have to design something formal, I'll listen to classical music. When I want to design something crazy, I'll listen to my favorite singer, which is Lady Gaga. Sometimes it's also depends on the mood, sometimes I just want to sit alone in the room without listening to anything and start to sketch.

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

VL : I'm currently working alone but I want to have wonderful people to work with me one day. I want people that I'll hire in the future to be a person that is easy to talk to, their skills could improve overtime. I would like them to grow in a supportive environment. I want to help them grow by teaching them things that I know. They might be a future leader someday and there's this unexplainable feeling when you see your friends growing and become successful.

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

VL : In the past, it's hard for me to find my footing. It's hard for me to find someone who can help me or who can encourage me. That's why, when young designers come to me, I will help them. I will provide them with knowledge that I've learned for the past few years, so life will be easier for them. I want them to be more successful than I am, so they could help more young designers. It's a nice feeling watching someone from nobody to somebody, watching them grow. It's a proof that nothing is impossible.

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

VL : 1., When I won my Bronze Award, I feel motivated to work harder on my future projects. Whenever I doubt myself, I always look back at my designs and certificates. It reminds me that I've achieved something and I will continue to achieve more in the future. 2, A'Design award will always get in touch with you. They will give you instruction on what should you do next, inspiring you, and always giving you details on what they're doing. 3, I encourage everyone to submit their designs to A'Design Award. In other competition, you just submit your designs and wait until the announcement. In A'Design Award, they will get in touch with you and tell you what's good and what you're lacking off, which is a best service everyone could provide to you.

Valentina Lin Profile