Jingwen Zhang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jingwen Zhang ("JZ") 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?

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.

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

JZ : During the learning of accessories design, I realized that my true calling was accessory design because the discipline combines fashion, function, and creativity.

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

JZ : I chose to become a design because I have huge passion and enthusiasm in the fashion field.

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

JZ : I prefer to design handbags and footwear for the most of the time.

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

JZ : Feel free to spread out the imagination, ideas and being creative.

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

JZ : A good designer would design a good product, while a great designer would thinking in a wider view of people, global wise, and environment.

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

JZ : A good design I feel like it would make people’s life easier and beneficial’s them.

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

JZ : It would help people in their there to make their life easier. The good design which could probably help them save a lot of time.

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

JZ : I plan to design a collection which fits the high fashion market needs.

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

JZ : I have couples new design which needs the equipment and time for realizing. Those are all in my schedule for producing.

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

JZ : Most of my design is conceptual, the special outlook of it which could attract people’s attention. However, it also able to provide the functionality for people to really use it in their lives.

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

JZ : Karl Lagerfeld is one of my favorite greatest designers.

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

JZ : Boyy bag is also one of my favorite items now. Since it’s fashionable and also classic which could fit a lot different occasion.

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

JZ : The comfort coat which could transform into a bag. It looks modern, comfortable to wear and useful.

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

JZ : Actually, I’ve also learned about jewelry design and fashion design which I believe those skills would help me a lot in accessories design process for the pattern making and hardware design parts.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

JZ : Dancer. I impacted a lot of form art starting from my childhood.

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

JZ : The design is something which would make people’s life easier and with higher quality.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

JZ : My parents are my biggest supporter. With all their encourages and support that I could come abroad and realize my dream.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JZ : The love and passion for fashion.

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

JZ : The limit of the time since I need to do all design, pattern and producing all by myself.

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

JZ : I feel like just say whatever how they really think and gathered their ideas in truth.

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

JZ : I am planning to get my line sometime in the future.

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

JZ : I wish to be a top designer for a luxury brand, but also I hope to have my own brand under my name as well.

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

JZ : Keeping come up with fresh ideas.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JZ : It could help in the system, either or benefits in people’s lives.

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

JZ : I am currently working on some design and collaboration with some companies.

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

JZ : My comfort and geta inheritance collection.

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

JZ : I hope the design industry would have more different new and special design coming out in the market in the coming years.

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

JZ : I hope the design would go more and more globalized.

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

JZ : It usually takes about three months.

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

JZ : It depends.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JZ : Design the products which would beneficial peoples’ in their lives.

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

JZ : I feel like actually, the design would set more on the trends. Meanwhile, it diffuses from upper to the bottom in the fashion market.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

JZ : It plays an important role in my design. My design comes with a minimalist look, but also with unique technology and functions.

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

JZ : Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Indesign.

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

JZ : It would support the design to look better and getting a better-using experience.

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

JZ : How would you like your design to appeal to the people?

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

JZ : I usually get my sources, elements, and ideas from my lives. I like walking around and trying to explore and discover new elements and technology.

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

JZ : It depends on the projects that I am working on.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

JZ : High fashion market.

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

JZ : Accessories history book.

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

JZ : By learning from other masters, gaining advise and suggestions from the public.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

JZ : People who work in the fashion industry.

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

JZ : It provides me the recognition that people like my work and encourages me in the design field.

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

JZ : I prefer white and things with a minimalist design.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

JZ : Trying to make a custom handmade heel is difficult and it takes time.

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

JZ : When I see the real product, it gives me a huge accomplishment for myself.

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

JZ : I started to learn art in dancing and drawing since I was a child. It’s my dream to be an artist since I was young.

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

JZ : I would fulfill my whole life with design.

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

JZ : Thanks for like my design! For business purpose, please feel free to e-mail serenazhang1210@gmail.com.