Li Jiuzhou

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Li Jiuzhou ("LJ") 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?

LJ : My name is Li Jiuzhou, I am a designer from China. I got a bachelor's degree from China Central Academy of Fine Arts and a master's degree from Communication University of China. I majored in visual communication and advertising design when I was a student. Since I started my work, I have been exploring the design and carrying out cross-border design. I not only require myself to specialize in graphic design composed of traditional font / layout / graphics, but also consider the development trend of the times. In my opinion, designers must stand on the front line with customers and provide more professional and high-quality services to produce more valuable content that can move consumers.

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

LJ : My father made me have a great interest in art. My dream since childhood is to be engaged in art work like my father. I studied oil painting, sculpture, sketch and printmaking. After I really grow up, I like to combine art with design. I think design should serve the people，so that people can be happier in the process of using products through vision, touch and usage method.

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

LJ : I choose to become a designer.

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

LJ : I like original designs with native culture and emotion, because only such designs are truly plump.

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

LJ : Read more books about aesthetics, history and psychology, and pay attention to all kinds of excellent works, so as to open your eyes.

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

LJ : Design is to serve mankind after all. People-oriented design is a good design.

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

LJ : Design has its own characteristics, and the elements in this design are accurately expressed.

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

LJ : Strong cultural and historical precipitation and sensitivity to fashion.

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

LJ : Read more books about aesthetics, history and psychology, and pay attention to all kinds of excellent works, so as to open your eyes.

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

LJ : My biggest supporters are my parents and wife.

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

LJ : In the future, the design will move towards the design trend of combination of exquisite, cultural and practical. People pay more and more attention to the connotation and function of products.

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

LJ : cross over

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

LJ : Design to serve the people