Interview with Yuke Li

Yuke Li ("YL") interviewed on Tuesday, 17 November.

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

YL : As an illustrator,I have worked in this industry for ten years. I have worked with Hope publishing House in China and Clavis Publishing in the US. I also worked with New York University and New York Times for illustration commission.

How did you become a designer?

YL : I always like to spend sometime with myself. Maybe I am doing art therapy myself, and I absorb and changing all the time. That is why I don't think I have a "style", because I have too many of them.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

YL : I work both traditionally and digitally. They bring different satisfactions.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

YL : It depends on the work. If it is a sad piece,I feel sad. If it is a happy one, I will be smile.

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

YL : I moved from a small city in China to New York. So I have to be constantly learning in order to survive. I think learning is a good hobby.

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

YL : I moved a lot in my previous life time. The good thing is you will get used to changes.The bad thing is you don't always feel safe. So my plan is to find a place I feel safe and settle down. My dream project is the kind of work I feel challenged.

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

YL : If you are serious about it, then do some research about the people, the industry before you invest too much in this career.

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

YL : Action is very important.

What is your day to day look like?

YL : I try to make thing as simple as possible. Every day do some sketches, then push every project forward. If I still have sometime left, I will spend sometime for a sun bath.

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

YL : I browsing the internet a lot to keep myself updated.

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

YL : You can always get feedbacks from audiences and friends. Good one always get attention and "WOW".

How do you decide if your design is ready?

YL : When I am really get tired of it, I know it's done.

What is your biggest design work?

YL : I have a story that I revised multiple times. I am still doing it. I believe it is an interesting one, but also I don't want to push it too hard. It may be a long project, and it is good to have a long-term project along side.

Who is your favourite designer?

YL : I was influent by a lots of great designer and artist. Our professor in the School of Visual Arts Marshall is one of them. I like his attitude especially, "have some fun". As a creator, you have to enjoy your work before audiences did.

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

YL : Any one work related to art and design must go to New York City, since all culture are mingled here. You will experience shock and surprise, which is a good thing.

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

YL : remain truth to yourself and to your audience is extremely important. Your work will expose your thought, so don't play smart, be smart to be true.

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

YL : I work as a volunteer for charity organization from time to time. It is good that I can help people with my own specialty.

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

YL : It is a very professional and serious award. It challenged not only one's professional skill, but also your attitude towards your career. I feel honored to be mentioned by the A’ Design Award.

Yuke Li Profile