Hsianglin Tseng

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Hsianglin Tseng ("HT") 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?

HT : I graduated from Department of Communications Design, Shih Chien University. I have been painting a lot since I can remember. Additionally, my mom is a costume designer. All of this made me have a certain understanding of the material from an early age.

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

HT : There are always many ideas I wanna to present to the world, it’s what led to where I am today.

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

HT : I’m an illustrator and graphic designer.

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

HT : Be more sensitive to the world.

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

HT : Interviewees of “Freunde von Freunden”

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

HT : Branding a life studio.

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

HT : Yoshitomo Nara

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

HT : The way I love the Ukiyo-e which is that by using the woodblock print and printing to describe the Edo period daily life. No matter the color or composition that all attract me.

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

HT : My self-portrait. When I drew it, it was the most honest moment to myself.

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

HT : Antiquities collector

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

HT : Solve problems and make better world

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

HT : My family and my friends and people who meet in life.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

HT : Honestly self conversation.

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

HT : Keep practicing and improve skills, such as convey the ideas I wanna express precisely.

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

HT : When the designers start to present their work, their ideas can be convey to the world.

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

HT : Not just be a designer.

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

HT : Make works attract people.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

HT : Solve problems and bring good sense.

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

HT : I’m preparing an illustration of book by using a lot of technique and subject that I have never done before.

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

HT : Village Ghosts - Book Inside Illustration. That a subject I never done before, and it complete very well.

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

HT : A day to three month.

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

HT : Most time I do some reference to clean the idea what I want then draw the sketch. Unless I have a clearly picture in my head, otherwise I will rest it for a while. Then change bit by bit when some idea pop out until it completed.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

HT : Be honest with yourself.

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

HT : Design sets the trends.

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

HT : The way to convey ideas.

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

HT : Common Pencils、Sketch Book、Ipad、Apple Pencil、Adobe Photoshop、Adobe Illustrator

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

HT : The way to convey ideas.

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

HT : Visual design and material.

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

HT : Yes, I believe in co-design.

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

HT : People met in the life.

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

HT : Comic books.

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

HT : Keep learning new things and exposure to other fields.

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

HT : Yoshitomo Nara, Kelly Beeman, Gosia, Matsumoto Taiyo….wow, too many

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

HT : The feel of be recognition is very grateful.

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

HT : Dark Green, Home, Omelet, Winter, Rugs, Chanel

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

HT : Sometime I have to stand on the side of the road to upload files.

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

HT : It is a very lucky thing for me to use creation to conversation with this world.

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

HT : When I was seven, I knew what I want to live for it.

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

HT : I’m an illustrator, living and working in Taipei, Taiwan. Fascinated by the connection in space and human, and totally believe that "Who we are" is "How we lives". In my life, I use my paper and pencil to communicate with the wold. I hope my paintings can let people felt peace and quiet to listen the voice in their mind. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about me.