Iutian Tsai

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Iutian Tsai ("IT") 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?

IT : I live in Taiwan and have been deeply influenced by ancient Chinese philosophy and culture. At the same time, I have been exposed to the beauty of ancient Chinese art.

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

IT : Since childhood, I have always loved art as an expression of nature. After I grew up, and found it was impossible to truly mimic the emotion and power of nature, I began to realize that people are touched by nature because of its intangible energy, rather than its actual color and shape. Thus, I would like to transfer the invisible energy of nature into visible art works. By creating public artwork based on this principle, I can share my feelings, inspired by the natural world, with all observers of and in the world.

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

IT : Destiny makes me a designer.

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

IT : Public art works. Public art works are bigger scale than other art forms. As I am thinking the aesthetic, I also have to consider how the works interact with the environment. There are many challenges to involve in creating public art works.

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

IT : I think that young designers should pay attention to what touches their heart in daily lives, pass the positive energy to other people. The most important goal for young designers is to find a specific issue they want to figure out for the world and help people see the beauty of lives.

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

IT : Great design is inspiring people and aesthetic.

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

IT : I will consider whether this design inspire people and the environment or not.

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

IT : Continue to highlight important issues in life, make complex life easier, and make people focus on a better life.

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

IT : Public art works. Public art works are bigger scale than other art forms. As I am thinking the aesthetic, I also have to consider how the works interact with the environment. There are many challenges to involve in creating public art works.

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

IT : I get inspiration from the nature, and I would like to transfer the invisible aura into concrete art works.

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

IT : Mornings and evenings inspire me the most. I take a walk in the forest and observe the changing of light, temperature, smell, sound and etc...

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

IT : It’s simplifying. Refine the idea out of your thoughts.

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

IT : Mr. Jiang Xun reminded me of Zhuangzi’s words: Clever people busy themselves with work. Intelligent people worry. But the ignorant ask for nothing - they feast and drift through life, rudderless. If there is any value in art, I think it should be to awaken in the world a call to return to a pure heart.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

IT : Connect with the energy of nature.

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

IT : Everything happens has its meaning, making me a designer.

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

IT : In the right place.

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

IT : I am working on some furniture which present Taiwan imagine. I am looking forward to hearing people’s response.

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

IT : I would like to help people to see the bound between the nature and human beings; at the same time, I can use my works to change people’s perspectives about life.

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

IT : Community empowerment. I strongly felt the connection between people and the earth at that time. This kind of life experience will help us to find the roots of lives.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

IT : Pass the positive energy to other people. The most important goal for designers is to find a specific issue they want to figure out for the world and help people see the beauty of lives.

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

IT : Public art works. Public art works are bigger scale than other art forms. As I am thinking the aesthetic, I also have to consider how the works interact with the environment. There are many challenges to involve in creating public art works.

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

IT : Public art works. Public art works are bigger scale than other art forms. As I am thinking the aesthetic, I also have to consider how the works interact with the environment. There are many challenges to involve in creating public art works.

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

IT : Can focus more on introducing the energy of nature into the lives of urbanites.

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

IT : It depends on the client.

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

IT : At first, I will try to figure out what the main idea is , clarify how to present my idea and moldier works.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

IT : Less is more. Especially in 2020.

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

IT : It depends on how good the design is.

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

IT : It is just a tool.

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

IT : The tools I use the most is pencils and paper.

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

IT : It is just a tool.

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

IT : The cost.

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

IT : Be loved.

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

IT : Haven't met yet.

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

IT : Zhuangzi’s words: Clever people busy themselves with work. Intelligent people worry. But the ignorant ask for nothing - they feast and drift through life, rudderless. If there is any value in art, I think it should be to awaken in the world a call to return to a pure heart.

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

IT : The only book I leave on the desk is diamond sutra.

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

IT : I will meditate once I get up, and I spend time companying with my kids. If I have time, I will take a walk to the forest nearby my house or to the old town in order to look for ideas.

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

IT : The people who full of energy.

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

IT : It's a good opportunity to make people willing to get to know my works.

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

IT : All in nature.