Interview with YATING LIU

YATING LIU ("YL") interviewed on Sunday, 26 May.

How did you become a designer?

YL : I initially pursued a bachelor's degree in Applied Economics, influenced by my parents. However, as I approached graduation, I started contemplating my future path. It was during this time that the idea of design emerged. Although I had always been interested in design since I was young, I hadn't formed a clear vision until that sleepless night when I began questioning what I truly loved and what I wanted to do in the future. I vividly remember the moment I first set foot in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design. I felt a sense of happiness and conviction, perhaps because I had experienced chaotic and uncertain days, making me cherish the encounter with something I truly loved. I still recall the words spoken by a senior on that day, words that became my motto and reinforced my determination to become a designer. " In the journey of life, discover something that you possess the ability to do, feel a genuine love for, understand as something meaningful and valuable to society, and recognize as a task that specifically requires your unique contribution. Embrace the realization that in this very moment, you are living out that purpose." This realization and the pursuit of design as a career have been driven by a combination of passion, purpose, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. The creative field allows me to channel my interests, skills, and imagination into tangible forms of expression. It provides me with the opportunity to solve problems, communicate ideas, and evoke emotions through visual means. Choosing to become creative as a result of self-reflection, a deep connection to design since childhood, and a genuine desire to engage in a fulfilling and purposeful profession. It brings me joy to create and contribute to the world of design, and I am grateful for the path I have chosen.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

YL : In my creative style, I strive to achieve a sense of harmony, balance, and comfort in my work. Within my designs, I aim to create a visual language that is harmonious and pleasing to the eye. I carefully balance elements such as color, composition, and typography to ensure a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing outcome. By finding the right equilibrium, I create an overall sense of visual balance that is visually appealing and engaging. Furthermore, I prioritize creating a comfortable experience for the viewer. I consider the user's journey and aim to design with clarity and ease of use in mind. Whether it's through intuitive navigation, clear messaging, or thoughtful user interfaces, I seek to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for those interacting with my designs. Overall, my creative style is characterized by a desire to evoke a feeling of tranquility and visual satisfaction. By incorporating elements of harmony, balance, and comfort, I strive to create designs that not only capture attention but also provide a sense of calm and visual delight for the audience.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

YL : What captivates me the most in the design process is that immersive and focused state of mind, akin to submerging oneself into the depths of the ocean during a deep diving expedition. Everyday life feels like floating on the surface of the sea, but when I engage in design, it's like embarking on a profound dive. Perhaps it's because of my personality, being easily influenced by people and events in my surroundings. In daily life, I tend to be sensitive to interpersonal relationships and the occurrences around me. However, design is the only realm where I can truly immerse myself, disregarding distractions. It doesn't mean that I isolate myself and become oblivious to the outside world while designing. Instead, it represents a state of being, where I find a sense of balance and inner peace. This state allows me to explore my thoughts and ideas, free from external disturbances. It grants me the opportunity to channel my focus and creativity, diving deeper into the depths of design possibilities. It's a time when I can fully express my artistic vision, experiment with various concepts, and refine my designs with unwavering dedication. This immersive experience brings a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, as I witness my ideas taking shape and evolving into meaningful and impactful designs. In this special zone of design, I discover a sense of calm and clarity, enabling me to unleash my creativity and fully engage with the artistic process. It is a deeply rewarding and rejuvenating experience that fuels my passion for design and keeps me continuously inspired.

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

YL : I was born in Beijing, a vibrant and diverse city. However, during my upbringing, graphic design wasn't widely known or pursued, limiting my exposure and understanding of the profession. I later transferred to Hong Kong for university. Hong Kong struck me as a bustling yet nostalgic city, where students were perceptive and thoughtful about their surroundings and the world. Many shops there had decades-old traditions and craftsmanship, even small dim sum eateries cherished and preserved ancestral techniques and spirits. My 6 and half years in Hong Kong left me with cherished memories, reminding me to stay true to my roots and pay attention to details in my design work, creating heartfelt pieces. I then transferred to SVA in New York City to study graphic design. This experience significantly enhanced my professionalism, understanding, and skills in graphic design. I describe New York as "inclusive," where regardless of background, education, or money, you can find a lifestyle that suits you. It's a place of freedom, especially in creative endeavors, allowing me to fearlessly pursue design without the fear of failure or ridicule—an essential aspect for any creator, isn't it?

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

YL : Design can be traced back to ancient totemic cultures and will extend into the intelligent future. It's something that can be done for a lifetime. Design solves problems while also creating them, in an endless cycle. It's something that keeps one curious, ignites the desire for challenges, and never tires. Design changes lives, habits, perceptions, and updates concepts. It's something that instills a sense of social value, purpose, and meaning. My advice to designers is: Focus and passion: Immersing yourself in what you do, eagerly seeking improvement, and welcoming others' advice and assistance. Persevering on the path of design is tough and tiring, requiring much perseverance and enduring many trials and tribulations. So, be prepared for a marathon. Dare to make mistakes, embrace imperfection: Sometimes fear of making mistakes stems from not wanting to accept one's imperfections or facing uncertainty. Especially in the creative process, the more recognition and encouragement one receives, the more likely they are to be constrained, afraid of making mistakes, and scared of not being able to sustain success and recognition. This mentality can hinder progress. Making mistakes here doesn't just mean doing something "wrong," but rather daring, unconventional, even offensive, bold explorations. It's valuable to not repeat safe, repetitive work; try incorporating new insights each time, even if unsuccessful. You'll find your progress accelerating and your unique style emerging. Don't dwell on whether you're confident enough, as confidence is overrated: For students just learning design, seeing confident individuals or being labeled as talented can be troubling. People always say to believe in yourself and not be influenced by others, but in reality, it's challenging living in a society. True confidence doesn't just come from psychological suggestions but from practical, repeated practice. To truly gain confidence, practice more, strengthen skills in unfamiliar areas, excel in areas of proficiency. With more practice over time, you'll undoubtedly become confident.

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

YL : Resonance: Can this work evoke a sense of resonance? Can it convey an emotional impact to me and be communicated in a suitable, appropriate, and friendly manner?

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

YL : I believe that the most profound influence on my creative process comes from Chinese typography. Chinese characters have a rich history spanning thousands of years, constantly evolving and developing. Whether it's the complexity of intricate brushstrokes or the simplicity of a single vertical or horizontal line, each Chinese character possesses its own unique and independent visual characteristics and harmonious structure. When combined, these characters form a coherent rhythm, providing a visual delight. From an early age, we learn to write within square grids, and as we grow, each person develops their own distinctive handwriting style. Chinese typography embodies the pinnacle of harmony and balance, which is what I strive to achieve in my work—a sense of harmony and comfort. Balance doesn't necessarily mean symmetry or uniformity; rather, it refers to the organic integration of different elements, creating a visual experience that seeks freedom within limitations. The cultural heritage of my country, with its intricate calligraphy and beautifully crafted characters, has deeply influenced my appreciation for aesthetics, composition, and the harmonious interplay of visual elements. It has instilled in me a profound respect for the art of typography and its ability to convey meaning and emotion through the graceful arrangement of characters. This cultural heritage serves as a constant reminder of the importance of balance, elegance, and the power of simplicity in design. It has shaped my creative process, guiding me to seek beauty, balance, and a sense of cultural identity in my designs.