Xinyi Yao

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Xinyi Yao ("XY") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

XY : My undergrad degree was digital animation in China. And then I went to Pratt Insitute for my master degree in Communication Design

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

XY : I am a visual communication designer, who focuses on prints and digital. I believe when you have fun you did the right thing. I found graphic design is the really fun thing to do.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

XY : I got lucky to choose to become a graphic designer.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

XY : I do packaging and digital. I want to both.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

XY : Find your passion.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

XY : A good designer makes the pretty design, Great design make things work.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

XY : Telling a story, fixing a problem.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

XY : Good design can help people or company to solve the problem. Bad design can't.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

XY : I design for in-house design department to enhance sell. But if I have time I will design something for myself.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

XY : I want to design a wedding dress for myself in the future.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

XY : My secret is that I followed the golden rule: when you have fun, you did the right thing. After I done a project I always ask myself: Did I have fun? If not, I just strat over again still the good design born.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

XY : Jessica Walsh

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

XY : I don't have the favorite design yet.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

XY : My greatest design is the perfume book that I designed. It is the first time I put my passion into the design, and I win graphic design USA.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

XY : Always check out good work and ask why it is the good design.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

XY : The design is a way to solve the problem.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

XY : A broken from my last relationship help me realize that I have the more important thing in my life to do.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

XY : Probably the language barrier. When I first year at Pratt Institute, I had the hard time to understand the class.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

XY : I think this is great.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

XY : A dog dating app.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

XY : To become the famous designer and own my own studio.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

XY : To see more good work.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

XY : Design can make the world look different, work differently.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

XY : I am working on more digital stuff. And thinking about future.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

XY : Dreemz, because it is my most creative project fro the past.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

XY : Give young designer more chance.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

XY : To the digital world.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

XY : Couple weeks

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

XY : research.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

XY : Never stay in comfortable zoom.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

XY : Design sets trend.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

XY : AI, PS, Indesign

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

XY : My eyes and brain.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

XY : Why do you want to do this design?

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

XY : Why didn't I came up with this idea?

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

XY : Have the same goal, and willing to cooperate. Yes, I believe.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

XY : How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

XY : Learn new tech

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

XY : Actually not, if you do hard work.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

XY : If black account a color. Place: New York City Season: spring. Brand: Vera Wang

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

XY : When clients love your work make me so happy. That is the great moment I can have as the designer.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

XY : Yes, My mom wants me to be quiet, then she can do something for her own, Until I start to the drawing, I became quiet. That how my mom found my thing.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

XY : Everything will be digital.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

XY : I am not that good to have fans. Just to love what you do, and be good at it.