Interview with Kay Jiaqi Zhou

Kay Jiaqi Zhou ("KJZ") interviewed on Wednesday, 8 August.

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

KJZ : I did my Product Design diploma in China Academy of Art then I finished my Product Design master degree in Birmingham Institute of Art and Design in the UK. Before I started my personal brand POPORCELAIN, I worked for a fashion watch design company in the UK.

How did you become a designer?

KJZ : I was quite good at drawing when I was little, but I didn’t know if I would like to be a designer. When I was about 16, I was facing the issue about choosing a major to study in school. I wasn’t sure will I be good at science, maths or languages, but I was quite sure I like drawing, crafting. I didn’t want to give up this hobby so I decided to go for the art and design route.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KJZ : The top 3 aspects of the my deisgn process are crafting, firing and testing. I should perhaps also mention sketching. A lot of the design began with sketching, but this doesn’t apply to all. Sometimes design took place while I play with defferent materials. Crafting is extremely important through the whole design process, no matter before or after firing.Firing is the key for turning clay into porcelain. It’s the ’must-have’ process. Testing applies to all design. Any new design pieces would be tested in different phases. It could be testing on the new glaze, new firing method, new shapes etc..I don’t use digital tools or do rederings to assist my design at the moment, but I can see the possibilities for computer aided design, which is something I would possibly try in the future.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KJZ : Unsure, challenging, satisfied. Most of the design journey is unsure and challenging. Sometimes even could be disappointing. The most exciting moment can be ‘unlock the kiln’(open the kiln). I always look forward to seeing the new born porcelain pieces, but the fire result may not always be successful. Seeing the final finished product is satisfied and pleased. Turing something undesirable(the soft muddy clay) into some beautiful and desirable jewellery brings me the sense of happiness.

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

KJZ : Shopping, searching. Shopping definitely benefit my design. Daily life shopping can bring me ideas and inspirations. Also it can keep to up-to-date with the trends.Good searcing skill can help me find out solutions. For example searching on new materials, or making methods etc.

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

KJZ : My growth path so far has been slow and steady. The next step for me would still be developing more good designs for POPORCELAIN. In the future I would like to set up my brand shop and design studio.‘Dream design project’ – cooperate with sophisticated porcelain craftsman and other skillful craftsman – combing the traditional skills to the modern designs.

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

KJZ : Be open-minded, be humble, be concentrated, be cheerful, be patient.

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

KJZ : Don’t be afraid to try something new, also don’t feel too upset if it failed.

What is your day to day look like?

KJZ : My workdays usually begin at 7, with simple breakfast and coffee. Then check my emails and social medias. It’s a luxury for me to work from home. My studio is just next to my kitchen. Depends on the work schedule, sometimes I sit in front of the computer to sort out the digital issues, like photo editing, design specifying, emailing or document archiving. But what I enjoy more is to turn my Wi-Fi off then turn the music on and facing my clay or jewellery bits in my studio. I allow myself to have a long lunch break. Usually is an hour or even more than that, because it’s very common I work more than 9 hours a day. A long lunch break can refresh myself. I try not to work too many hours in a day. That is possibly one of my principle for being a good designer – not overworking.

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

KJZ : I would follow up the latest design trends, but I don’t completely stick with them. I would like my jewellery design to be fashionable, but also timeless. Social medias, fashion and design websites, blogs are the best way to look for new trends. Design trends are like the wind that makes the whole industry dynamic. Without wind, the whole atmosphere would be dull and lifeless.

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

KJZ : A well designed product or project should be thoroughly considered during the desiging and making process, also the post-consuming process. Is the whole process ‘anti-human or anti-environment’ ?! I would judge a design as good design if it’s under a healthy developing process, which should be environmentally friendly, designers and workers friendly. Not abuse using materials. Not over-pressured on designers nor under-valued on workers.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KJZ : Every new design piece would be tested before they are launched. Once they can pass the test, they are ready. But there will always be a way to improve them, such as improving the materials or the making technique.

What is your biggest design work?

KJZ : Plum Blossom Cluster Necklace is the biggest design work so far. Simply because its a delicate statement piece and it takes a long time to make.

Who is your favourite designer?

KJZ : mmm…. This is a difficult question to answer. I favour a lot of designers. If I have to name some favourites, then they are Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. I love their stunning and lovingly handcrafted products. Their deisgn is fashionble, beautiful, detailed, also sometimes a bit playful. If I were given a chance to talk with a signle dead designer, I would like to talk to Zaha Hadid, who gave the new definition to walls and floors.

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

KJZ : I currently live the Denmark, while I come from the very south part of China. I do feel the cultural heritage of my country affects my designs, especially when we are talking about ‘china’! Denmark is like a wonderland for designers. It’s full of design atmosphere in Denmark. The ‘hygge’ cosiness can calm me down and warm me up.

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

KJZ : I work alone, although I cooperate with bloggers, videographer and suppliers. When I selecting business partners or hiring people, I look for their personality and capability. I prefer to work with honest, humble and creative people.

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

KJZ : I am sorry to say I haven’t achieved much philanthropic contributions to society so far, however I will absolutely love to do so in the future. I think artists, designers and architects should involve themselves with humanitarian projects. It could be even more than human being, it could be about animals, plants or environment.

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

KJZ : Thanks to A’ Design Award, I can see the whole design industry is full of talents and hope. I love to see every designer is trying their best to contribute to the industry and making effect to improve our everyday life. It’s absolutely an honour can be the Designer of the Day. I appreciate this support and encouragement. I will carry on and bring out more good designs.

Kay Jiaqi Zhou Profile