Interview with Jingwen Zhang

Jingwen Zhang ("JZ") interviewed on Monday, 7 May.

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

JZ : I grew up in Shanghai, China before arriving in America in 2014 to study Accessory Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). I am currently seeking a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree and is expected to graduate in the spring of 2018. I earned her bachelor degree in Industrial Design at Donghua University. I've started to learning art since I was young. And I got the professional study since 2010.

How did you become a designer?

JZ : My undergraduate university is quite famous for fashion design. In our industrial design department, we get to includes the accessories design. During the learning of accessories design, I realized that my true calling was accessory design because the discipline combines fashion, function, and creativity.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

JZ : With the recognization of my true calling in accessory design, the goal of bringing in special, eye-catch design for accessories as the discipline combines fashion, function, and creativity. My project is focusing on the deep exploration of the soul's needs for the human being, which is also an important expression of my concern for people mental health in a positive way.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

JZ : I would feel well accomplished after I finished each project. The design is a long-term journey. As a designer, I have the responsibility for doing the design, pattern making and producing. The process of discovering and exploring the new technology is quite exciting for the designer.

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

JZ : I started to learn art since I was a child. The knowledge and learning of art in both dance and drawing field, these help me to develop my interests and skills in the fields.

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

JZ : I was born and raised in Shanghai, China. After I got the bachelor degree, I came to American to get the learning in master degree and accomplish my dream. My desire job is being a design director for a high- end top luxury brand.

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

JZ : Feel free to spread out your ideas and imaginations. Since you were young, you can be a design master in the future. Just believing in yourself!

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

JZ : Believing in yourself and never being afraid to do the special design. As long as it is useful or fashionable, it would like by someone.

What is your day to day look like?

JZ : I would describe it as hustle and bustle as busy as a bee every day.

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

JZ : I would go to some professional trend website to search and learn about the latest trend. Sometimes, I would also go to stores to get the most trendy elements.

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

JZ : The respond and suggestions from the consumers and market are the most important to me. A good design I feel like it would make people’s life easier and beneficial’s them.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

JZ : It's hard to tell if a design is ready. I feel like it's more depends on the designer. With the trends rapidly changes, the design would need updates on trends, while how does a design could be long-last is something that the designers need to consider.

What is your biggest design work?

JZ : My biggest design work is my Comfort collection. It's really quite minimalist, with a pure look and functional.

Who is your favourite designer?

JZ : Karl Lagerfeld is one of my favorite designers.

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

JZ : As my background, I have the experience of both living in Asian and American. My design usually comes with a global lens and vary by culture.

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

JZ : Currently, I work as an individual designer for designing handbags and footwear. I also have the skills in pattern making. For the business purpose or collaboration, please feel free to e-mail serenazhang1210@gmail.com.

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

JZ : I am focusing on the deep exploration of the soul's needs for the human being, which is also an important expression of my concern for people mental health in a positive way. Most of my design is focusing on appealing people's mind from a lot of different aspects.

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

JZ : I am able to get more knowledge and communication with other designers, get into the commute of professional designers and being more clearly for my ideal career plan.

Jingwen Zhang Profile