Interview with Janny Ji

Janny Ji ("JJ") interviewed on Tuesday, 28 May.

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

JJ : I was trained as an illustrator in undergraduate at the Rhode Island School of Design. I started studying graphic design at the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2017. This year is the second year since I entered the field. I've worked as an in-house designer for a tech startup in New York, a freelancer for school and other individuals, a graphic design intern for Pentagram.

How did you become a designer?

JJ : I've been interested in art since childhood. I came to the US in 2011 to pursue my dream to become an artist. I was trained as an illustrator and painter at the Rhode Island School of Design, where I earned a BFA degree. After working with traditional media, I discovered graphic design during my first job and decided to start on a new path.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

JJ : The top three aspects of the design process that I consider the most important is conceptualization, brainstorming and sketching. I'm interested in typography and language, so that becomes an aspect that I integrate in a lot of my projects. When designing, I tried not to limit myself to certain types of tools or technologies. I think it's good to be open-minded and keep exploring. I make mock-ups and physical models depending on the project itself.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

JJ : I enjoy the journey of design the most when designing. It feels exciting, nervous and pleasant at the same time.

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

JJ : Due to the reason that I came from a painting background that I tend to think like a painter when I am designing. I consider that a valuable experience which inspires me to observe, see and think in unexpected ways. Some of my favorite painters including Henri Matisse and Edgar Degas are my biggest influences.

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

JJ : Looking ahead, I am excited to step into the real world again after graduate school, work in an agency setting, collaborate with other talented designers, work on widely ranging projects across media and dimension. I see it as a new journey of learning.

What is your day to day look like?

JJ : For my daily routine, I usually start my day with a 10k run, listen to the podcast, check design news online and start working on my projects. I enjoy listening to the music while I am working.

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

JJ : I do spend some time learning or getting to know some of the latest design trends, but I tend to not follow the trend and focus on developing my own methodology or design style instead.

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

JJ : A good design is conceptually strong and visually groundbreaking.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

JJ : From my point of view, I think there will be always a way to improve a design, so I always keep an open tab in my mind to make my earlier designs better. In scenarios that designers were given deadlines, if the design meets my personal standards, I will consider it to be ready.

Who is your favourite designer?

JJ : Massimo Vignelli and Paula Scher are my favorite designers. They are the biggest inspirations to me both conceptually and visually when I am designing.

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

JJ : I grew up in China and studied and worked in the United States for 9 years. I think this kind of nomadic lifestyle encouraged me to be openminded and learn from different cultures. The experience helped me to think in a similar way when designing.

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

JJ : I think participating in a competition like the A' Design Award provides an opportunity for us to learn from other designers, getting feedback from the professionals in the field, share our work with a larger group of audience. I think A'Design Award invites designers from all over the world and creates this learning community which is very valuable. I feel very grateful being the Designer of the Day.

Janny Ji Profile