Qixin Wu

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Qixin Wu ("QW") 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?

QW : Sure! My name is Qixin Wu. I was born in China and located in New Jersey right now. I have loved to draw from childhood and never gave up recording my memories and experience with drawing. I gained my textile engineering bachelor's in Shanghai but determined my career in the design field. So I went abroad and started my graduate degree in Philadelphia for deep diving into textile design especially in print/surface. Playing with colors, silhouettes, and different materials is much more fun than I thought before.

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

QW : I love to observe and record. I felt thrilled when I recorded what I observed very well. So I drew everywhere at any time. My doodle was all over the walls of my home. Thanks to my parents, they didn't punish me for that reason but encouraged me to keep my enthusiasm for drawing and encouraged me to learn how to play the piano. I am so lucky to have learned drawing and instruments and to keep in touch with all the knowledge about aesthetics. All of those drove me to determine my life into a path in design. Which can keep my passion for drawing and expand my curiosity in lots of other fields.

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

QW : The patterns for home textiles, the fabrics for home textiles or apparel, and the graphic designs for multiple surfaces in both printed-out and digital.

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

QW : I would like to say, first of all, be humble. There are so many talented around the world and once you meet them, there is much more you can learn from the pioneers and peers. And never rely on the so-called inspiration. Do more research, and deep dive into what you gained already. Don't put any preconceptions on your customers (if you worked).

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

QW : For commercials, a great designer can impact your customers, not just align with their opinions. For personal design projects, a great designer can jump out of the box.

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

QW : Can be easily differentiated from other competitors, but the difference is not its goal.

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

QW : aesthetics and can be used. Because it can bring value to pay back that investment.

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

QW : I want to create more material designs. I want to play with different materials to make fabrics and create decorations.

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

QW : I want to record the time. I do have some ideas in my mind. Just don't have time to finalize it.

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

QW : Never let your inspiration go, but never only reply to your inspiration. Read more, explore more, and be humble to learn.

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

QW : I love the aesthetics of Guanzhong Wu. I love the cute ideas of Tanka Tatsuya.

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

QW : I don't have any typical favorite designs. I only have favors in aesthetics and type of designs.

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

QW : The Last Blooming. The idea of recording time collapse is starting from here. The whole concept was vivid in every step when I created it. I do like the idea of combining the different fabrics to create a sheer look. And I do like to press the living flower during heat press.

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

QW : Read, go out to meet nature and people. Collecting more information and digesting it, not being ruled by it. Surrounding by a good environment, if possible, go to a good college to learn.

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

QW : Maybe become a software engineer.

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

QW : The definition of design is expanding right now. For me, design is not only about creating something and putting it into use. It is a lifestyle, an aesthetic of living. It contains curiosity for life, enthusiasm for aesthetics, and respect for nature and humanity.

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

QW : My parents. My boyfriends especially the first and the second one when I was a student. My teachers especially the one when I study textile design.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

QW : Pure heart for what I am doing right now. When I am drawing or designing something, I am 100% into it.

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

QW : Unconfidence in myself.

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

QW : Clear and presentable.

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

QW : Recording time. I may create some decorations for my home only. I collected some materials already.

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

QW : To have my own business and impact to younger generations.

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

QW : I think this is the question for the "people"? In my opinion, I can only provide some suggestions in a certain way according to their questions. So it is hard to answer.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

QW : The designers impact all industries, from our daily life, like interior design, home textiles design, fashion design, landscape design, and architecture design; to the scientific level like the design for space ship, information wars, and so on. With a designer's heart, a designer can carry ownership of what he/she is working on, which definitely benefits the society.

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

QW : I am working on decorating my house.

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

QW : The Last Blooming, and the current decoration design project.

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

QW : Environmental friendly.

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

QW : Information Design.

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

QW : It depends.

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

QW : Start by researching the related and competitive information.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

QW : Regard the best as usual.

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

QW : Design sets the trends.

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

QW : The main tool and also the resource of the second inspiration.

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

QW : Adobe Suite, Figma, Cinema 4D.

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

QW : It depends on what kind of designs you are doing. As for textile designs, color is the key.

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

QW : Where does the inspiration come from, what is the process, and how do you achieve it.

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

QW : Can I take photos?

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

QW : Right now I don't have one. Yes, I believe.

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

QW : I would like to say my professor.

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

QW : The Design of Everyday Things.

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

QW : Read, and learn new tools and technology.

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

QW : Guanzhong Wu.

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

QW : It is hard.

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

QW : Green and white. I loved fall when I was a child, and right now I love the 4 seasons. For other questions, I don't have any preference.

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

QW : As a designer, I have drawn a giant painting over 120 inches by 120 inches. And when I carried it, I was covered. Looks like there is a big piece of paper walking in the street. Really funny.

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

QW : Read, and receive updated information from trends and also from the people surrounding.

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

QW : I think so.

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

QW : Energy and environment problems. And people will be addicted to information illusion. Spiritual pursuit will become the next trend after the information revolution.

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

QW : Check out my website, I promise I will update it.