Interview with Leung Jia Jun

Leung Jia Jun ("LJJ") interviewed on Saturday, 17 March.

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

LJJ : I would say I have about 8 years experience. In my past projects, I have worked with Samsung, Guerlain.etc. Now I am trying to go into the China market and find a new opportunity.Previously I was studying Interior design and decided to make a switch to industrial design after designing furniture.

How did you become a designer?

LJJ : It started with a poor academic records in school that I started doodling in class and found out that I enjoy creating something. It was an internal drive that after a drawing, i started to think how can i make it a model.So i went on deeper trying hard to understand spaces and architecture. in this process found out that I enjoy doing product design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

LJJ : Sketching - Hand making - Software - critical thinkingthese 3 skills have to be matched with critical thinking, because the idea behind is more important.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

LJJ : Fulfilling but always filled with frustrations. Exciting moments only come when you see that your idea works and you are moving forward to make it into a reality. Frustration is when you could not get things right and there are many external factors.

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

LJJ : My Design Journey had been filled with ups and downs, it was filled with more disappointment. And I feel that able t accept that and try again the next day. That is something I feel that it has shaped me.

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

LJJ : My current plan is to find new opportunities in the China market. my Future plans are to be flexible and come up with good designs that is timeless and can be adapted in any market, fit the end users, and learn how to be a great designer.

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

LJJ : Try hard every day and believe in yourself.

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

LJJ : Always be curious and open to ideas.

What is your day to day look like?

LJJ : Every morning come up with ideation and concepts, afternoon execute and test them out. Evening might be a good timing relax and expose to new things.

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

LJJ : I think designers need to have personal style, following others might take aways my thinking process and thoughts. It is a good idea to look and get inspirations.

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

LJJ : Good design is timeless and hidden.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

LJJ : sometimes I am very stubborn with my design, and kept pushing. After a few days or weeks, when i looked back and the work i created, I might have the persepctive that it was over done.Sometimes, in design I have to learn to let go.

What is your biggest design work?

LJJ : Cultiver handbag.

Who is your favourite designer?

LJJ : Jasper morrison.

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

LJJ : Favourite city: hamburgi believe good design is needed in the society and it can change the users behaviour.

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

LJJ : I have a mix of both, because I started out alone. With the crafts that i built, I worked with partners and test my crafts and find ways to refine it.

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

LJJ : I've been finding non profit organizations to take my design solutions and upscale them. If oranges can be re-use, as bags, why do we have to use leather when it is damaging to the earth.

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

LJJ : This platform allowed me to gain confidence and made me feel grateful for this opportunity

Leung Jia Jun Profile