Interview with Yichun Lin

Yichun Lin ("YL") interviewed on Sunday, 5 January.

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

YL : I have been working in the design field for nearly ten years. It wasn’t until after starting my career that I pursued formal training in art and graphic design. Recently, I’ve been exploring areas beyond graphic and digital design, such as fine arts, ceramics, and multimedia art. One of my proudest moments was participating in an orchid-themed exhibition in August 2024, where I showcased my ceramic work. This experience not only expanded my creative expression but also deepened my appreciation for blending natural elements with art.

How did you become a designer?

YL : My journey to becoming a designer started with a love for drawing and creating from a young age. I pursued formal education in graphic design, which opened doors to professional opportunities and collaborations. The decision to become a designer wasn’t influenced by a single person but rather an internal drive to express ideas visually and solve problems creatively. The pivotal moment was realizing the power of design to communicate and inspire. My passion for design continues to grow as I explore new mediums and push creative boundaries.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

YL : When designing, my top priorities are: Visual impact: I aim to create designs that are vibrant and attention-grabbing, often through bold colors and strong visual contrasts. Functionality and clarity: The design must effectively communicate its purpose while being user-friendly and accessible. Emotional connection: I strive to evoke feelings and build a connection between the audience and the design. In terms of technique, I often blend digital tools with hands-on methods. For example, I use software for precision and visualization but also incorporate physical mock-ups or sketches to explore ideas. My style is characterized by boldness, experimentation, and a willingness to challenge norms, with an emphasis on creating a balance between aesthetics and purpose.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

YL : Designing brings a mixture of emotions, from excitement to a deep sense of fulfillment. The initial phase, where ideas first come to life, is particularly thrilling. There’s a joy in imagining how a concept can evolve and take shape. As the project progresses, I find satisfaction in problem-solving and refining the details. The completion of a design delivers a sense of pride, seeing how the work can connect with and inspire others. Designing fulfills me by allowing me to express creativity, tell a story, and leave a meaningful impact.

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

YL : My journey as a designer was shaped by my diverse experiences and non-design skills, such as observation, storytelling, and adaptability. Growing up in Taiwan gave me a unique cultural lens that influences my work, while living in New York exposed me to various art forms and global perspectives. My early passion for visual intensity and bold colors led me to focus on designs that captivate attention. Participating in projects like the orchid-themed ceramic exhibition strengthened my appreciation for merging natural and artistic elements. These experiences taught me to be resourceful, curious, and empathetic—qualities that are crucial in design.

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

YL : My growth path involves expanding beyond traditional graphic design into multidisciplinary art, including ceramics and multimedia installations. I plan to continue creating works that explore the relationship between body, space, and emotions. A dream project of mine is to design an immersive art installation that combines bold visuals, interactive elements, and storytelling to engage audiences on a sensory and emotional level. Ultimately, I hope to be remembered as a designer who pushed boundaries, inspired creativity, and left a meaningful imprint on the design world.

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

YL : The beginning of a design career can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to stay curious, patient, and resilient. My advice is to focus on developing your personal voice while learning from others. Don’t be afraid to experiment, fail, and learn from those failures. Seek out feedback and mentorship, but trust your instincts too. A piece of advice that stayed with me is, “Good design is about solving problems, not just making things look pretty.” Always prioritize understanding the audience and the purpose behind a project. Finally, invest in continuous learning—whether through books, workshops, or just staying inspired by the world around you.

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

YL : Success in design is not just about talent—it’s about consistency, collaboration, and staying open to change. Always push your boundaries and question assumptions. Be detail-oriented but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. I recommend building strong communication skills to present your ideas effectively and collaborating seamlessly with clients and teams. Learn to balance creativity with practicality—remember that great design serves a purpose. Avoid getting stuck in trends; instead, focus on timeless principles. Lastly, stay inspired by exploring different cultures, art forms, and technologies. Success comes from passion, adaptability, and persistence.

What is your day to day look like?

YL : My day starts with a cup of coffee and a review of my to-do list, which helps me prioritize tasks. I usually check emails and read design news or articles to stay updated. Depending on the day, I might be sketching concepts, refining designs on the computer, or experimenting with materials in the studio. Meetings with clients or collaborators are sprinkled throughout the week. I love finding small moments to step back and reflect, whether it’s during a walk or while doodling. My favorite part of the day is when I’m deeply immersed in creating, losing track of time while working on something meaningful.

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

YL : I believe in balancing staying current with trends and sticking to my own personal style. While I don’t follow trends blindly, I do pay attention to them as they often reflect changes in culture and technology, which can inspire my work. I’m more focused on creating timeless pieces that resonate with people, rather than just jumping on the trend bandwagon. I gather inspiration from a wide range of sources, such as nature, art, travel, and even technology. Design trends can be helpful in understanding the pulse of the industry, but my aim is always to create designs that feel meaningful and unique to my personal vision.

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

YL : Good design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about function, user experience, and the ability to solve a problem. When I evaluate a product or project, I ask myself: Is it intuitive? Does it fulfill the purpose effectively? Is it aesthetically pleasing while still being practical? The design must also be cohesive with its context, whether it’s the space, audience, or purpose. A common mistake to avoid is overcomplicating things; simplicity often leads to the most impactful designs. For me, a good design strikes a balance between form and function, and leaves a lasting impression.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

YL : Deciding when a design is “ready” can be tricky, but it often comes down to a feeling of completeness. If the design serves its purpose, resonates with the intended audience, and meets all the goals I’ve set, then I consider it ready. It’s important to trust your intuition—sometimes you just know when it’s right. However, I also recognize that there’s always room for improvement, so I might revisit designs later if I feel there’s an opportunity to enhance them. I try not to overthink or get caught up in perfectionism, as that can hinder progress. Once a design feels resolved and fits its context, I move on to the next project.

What is your biggest design work?

YL : My biggest design work so far would be my ceramic pieces displayed at the orchid exhibition in Queens, New York, in August 2024. It was a significant project where I explored the intersection of nature and craftsmanship. The design focused on the delicate, intricate nature of orchids, which I captured through ceramics. What makes this work special is the way I combined my skills in both art and design to create a tactile experience with a sense of fragility and beauty. The challenges in this project included translating organic forms into static materials, but it was immensely satisfying.

Who is your favourite designer?

YL : My favorite designer is Sato Kashiwa. His work inspires me because of his deep understanding of design's power to communicate. He has a way of blending simplicity with strong visual impact, and that’s something I admire. His approach to branding and design thinking has always influenced me, especially in how he handles color and minimalism.

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

YL : As a Taiwanese living in the U.S., my cultural background plays a significant role in shaping my design approach. I bring elements of Taiwanese art, tradition, and my experiences in New York into my designs, which gives my work a unique perspective. Currently, I’m working on a project that explores the relationship between the body and space, which is deeply influenced by my cultural understanding of balance and harmony. I believe good design has the power to improve society by creating more thoughtful, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solutions. Personally, design has helped me streamline my life and approach to work, bringing a sense of clarity and purpose.

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

YL : My work culture emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and open-mindedness. I believe that the best ideas come from diverse perspectives, so I highly value working with partners who bring different skills and viewpoints. It’s important for me to foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and learning from one another. When selecting business partners or collaborators, I look for people who are passionate about what they do and who can align with my values of innovation and quality. I work both independently and in collaboration with others, depending on the project. In terms of corporate culture, I believe in having a clear vision while remaining adaptable. The core challenges of my profession include staying inspired while maintaining consistency, managing time effectively, and meeting the needs of clients while maintaining artistic integrity. A good designer should have a strong sense of empathy, attention to detail, and a passion for continuous learning.

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

YL : As a designer, I believe it’s important to give back to the community that has supported me. I’ve been involved in pro bono work, offering design services for non-profit organizations that align with causes I believe in. I also participate in design events and conferences to support young designers, offering mentorship when possible. I think it’s essential for artists, designers, and architects to be engaged in humanitarian projects, as design can make a significant impact on improving the lives of others. Good design is not only about aesthetics but also about contributing to social good. I make it a priority to find opportunities where I can offer my expertise and help others succeed.

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

YL : Participating in the A’ Design Award has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It gave me the opportunity to showcase my work on a global platform and gain recognition for my efforts. Three main benefits of participating in design awards and competitions are: 1) They provide an opportunity for exposure to a wider audience, 2) They allow you to receive feedback from experts in the field, and 3) They offer networking opportunities with fellow designers. Design competitions are important because they challenge you to push the boundaries of your creativity and technical skills, which ultimately contributes to your growth as a designer. Being named Designer of the Day was a truly humbling experience, and it motivated me to continue refining my craft.

Yichun Lin Profile