Andrew Lam

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Andrew Lam ("AL") 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?

AL : After graduated with a BFA in Animation, I work as a producer in the animation, vfx and gaming industry for a decade. Started up as a concept artist in the gaming industry to eventually managing projects. In 2015, I have an opportunity to join a friend who own a goldsmith workshop. I was tasked to modernizing the factory, exploring 3D printing technology and also touch on artistic work as I am build samples to test the pipeline. When the process improve, then I devoted more time in designing so I ended up as a jewelry designer. With background in gaming and animation, that explains my unique design style from conventional jewelry.

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

AL : There are a lot of things around us that we are numb about, sometime those things might be totally non user friendly but we just get use to it on with our lives. I feel that we can just put a little more effort to get things smoother and improve mankind a little more. For that I think we have at least contribute our life back to the society.

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

AL : I choose to become one, infact my parents did ask why don’t I be like my brother take up engineering courses. But I am glad my parents are very supportive when they know I will like to pursue my interest.

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

AL : Presently I am a jewelry designer, I will like to design more jewelry that my audience will like to associate with. Which allow them to express themselves.

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

AL : Constantly learning and executing. Only through constant execution then you skills can improve.

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

AL : Good designer accomplish his/her job and meet its requirement. Great designer improves and bring the design to the next level.

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

AL : In my opinion, a good design communicates. Not much instruction is given but a user will know how to use it. User-friendly.

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

AL : Our lives are getting complicated with a lot of new product and services keep popping out. And worse still they are diversify. Good design will simplify all these ‘cross confusion’. Basically simplify an already complicated life.

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

AL : Learn and Execute then Listen and adjust.

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

AL : It is really about practice and execution. If unsure, do some research then back to the drawing board again.

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

AL : I will be an educator, in fact I am now teaching as a Senior Part-Time Lecturer at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. It is the top 12th University in the world.

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

AL : Design is about improvement, improve a situation/product/environment/visual/usability etc.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AL : Determination. There is a lot of uncertainly at times. But one need to know the objective and have the determination to carry it through.

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

AL : I think I am always at a lonely path. I do not have a lot of physical friends or co-worker sharing the same interest as me. Jewelry industry in Singapore is a very small industry. Eg, I am the only Designer among the Craftmen, I am the only person understand and exploring 3D printing in the company. So I have to do a lot of online research and self-learning.

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

AL : Nowadays, online should be best. Be it as a group sharing, forum or competition. Present your work and be ready to receive critic.

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

AL : My next immediate project will be new Jewelry category that I have yet to explore. Eg, bangles, earcuff. Such not be too drama, just constant exploring and learning.

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

AL : I will like to give a new meaning to Jewelry. I will like to see Jewelry to be more fuse into the wearer. Like a tattoo. A wearable tattoo.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AL : Remove complication which will eventually reduce stress.

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

AL : With the raise of 3D technology, it give crafting, prototyping and manufacturing a new meaning. We are now able to achieve details and complexity way beyond traditional means. I hope this edge will push better design into greater heights.

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

AL : The actual concept and digital realization phase is pretty fast. Maybe 2-3 days. But I usually try to spread out so I can always have a fresher view/mind of the design. The technical sides is a bit more time consuming to check the thickness and such. So I will say total about 1 week.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AL : Push beyond the traditional of what you see. Inject new meaning and life to the product.

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

AL : The 3D technology I use allow me to set more details into my design then yesteryears.

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

AL : Google, zbrush, RhinoGold, Photoshop and 3D printer.

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

AL : Learn and Execute then Listen and adjust.

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

AL : Talking to customer, receive their feedback. I am selling my design online, customer can write their feedback. It always feels good if the customer appreciate your design.

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

AL : Not really, I am not an academic achiever. But I am a project and objective driven person, and I am pretty determine to achieve the above.

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

AL : I am a gamer, a fantasy art and movie lover. I love things that challenged the visual looks around us.