Nancy Zhang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Nancy Zhang ("NZ") 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?

NZ : As a Chinese Designer/visual artist who bases in Berlin, I graduated from Beijing film Academy. Originally I come from a designer’s family. Both of my parents are designers and almost most of my family members can paint very well although some of them don’t work in creative industry.

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

NZ : For me being a designer is not really a big choice but a heritage thing from my family. Design is one of my ways to express my ideas.

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

NZ : In fact my parents expected me to do something else instead. Yet I still decided to be a creator because I feel like I was born for this.

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

NZ : Concept art design for film, illustration design for publications and textile design for fashion. I love doing all kinds of visual things, they are just not comparable.

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

NZ : Be confident and don’t be scared to make mistakes or face to the failure.

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

NZ : I think it’s the experiences and perspectives.

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

NZ : I think “ details “ are the most decisive standard. It doesn’t mean the design’s appearance decoration details, more like something invisible but you could tell when you touch it: the structures of concept, the accuracy of the shape & texture, the creativity you expressed…..all these things you couldn’t see it directly, but you could feel it when you see it.

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

NZ : A good design is timeless, investing a good design not only makes your lifestyle better but also enriched our aesthetic experiences.

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

NZ : I have achieved what I want to design for the people I love(my family) by illustrations and textiles. Every book I made and every design I made are all paid tribute to them.

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

NZ : Actually I don’t really have dream project but the project I expected to participate in future if there’s chances. One is the stage art designs, the other is the game design.

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

NZ : I am the cook who have very simple recipes and cook very simple dishes. There’s no secret ingredient, I was just concentrated on foods a lot and enjoy cooking so much.

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

NZ : Anni Albers and Joseph Albers I love their colorful geometric designs.

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

NZ : Nature itself is the most incredible design, the beauty and accuracy of each creatures are just flawless.

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

NZ : Personally I don’t think I have the greatest works but the most significant works that I put a lot of efforts in : my personal illustration project” Encounters” ,” Lightseeker” and “ 60 days” , some of them are like personal memories sharing, some content my principles.

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

NZ : Not get influenced by the trends so much and focus on what you want to create.

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

NZ : If I hadn’t become a creator I would probably choose my childhood dream to be a historian.

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

NZ : Design is tangible art.

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

NZ : I appreciate all the people who cares about and push me to become a better self.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

NZ : Maybe it’s timing because I think I am still a emerging designer.

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

NZ : I think most of the obstacles come from within. As a creator, we have to honestly face to our egos, ambitions and concerns.

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

NZ : Nowadays social medias provide big stage for everyone to present themselves, for designers and artists also.

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

NZ : As Illustrator and graphic designer, my new project still focused on publications the most, the new book “60 days” will be released next year, also my new season textile collaboration with Johnstons of Elgins are coming soon on December as well.

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

NZ : There’s no specific ultimate goal for me because I believe the goals will change when people achieve on the different stage. However, bringing lights and beauty of creations are the thing I would do for my life time.

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

NZ : Usually people expect designer or creator provide them a clearer projection to see the true self.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

NZ : Creativity is the best gifts, no matter which forms of art creations, they all help people create a better society.

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

NZ : I just finished my new project last month, recently started to sketch in my head a new project with stories.

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

NZ : There’s no most satisfaction so far, the most significants are 3 of my personal visual projects:”Encounter”, “Lightseeker” and “60 Days”.

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

NZ : Unknown changes is my expectation.

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

NZ : Cyberspace.

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

NZ : Depends on whether the collaboration, manufacturing and shipping going well.

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

NZ : Concept is the basic and also the most important. I would spend more time to make my concept structure comprehensive and then creating will be much easier.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

NZ : My life motto is being a good creator, design is just one of the ways.

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

NZ : Design set the aesthetic trends, but technology trends push design forward.

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

NZ : Design results is my story and technology is the grammar to help me express my words clearer.

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

NZ : The most basic software and drawing tools just like others have.

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

NZ : If you look at a design as a actual person, material is the bones and skin, color is the personality, ambient is the outfits.

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

NZ : They could ask everything they want.

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

NZ : It comes out sparklingly.

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

NZ : It depends on how you define the word” co-design”. Collaboration built the society, we still need people from different fields helps although we could finish one certain procedure alone. An ideal partner should be professional, experienced,, responsible and understandable.

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

NZ : My parents, they have been influencing my aesthetic ever since I was born I guess.

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

NZ : Poems and theories, the most emotional and the most rational,

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

NZ : Developing and learning is a life time journey and also I am far from a master currently.

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

NZ : Gilgamesh, if he did exist in history.

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

NZ : Everyone could get famous shortly nowadays because of the social medias. I am more focused on how to become a better myself as a creator.

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

NZ : Red,Ocean,Well made foods,Summer,traveling.

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

NZ : There are too much lovely and unforgettable memories to share so that I wrote & illustrated a book project called “ Encounters” .

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

NZ : Despite working time, my favorite moments is doing sport and spending time with friends no matter doing sports or traveling.

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

NZ : My childhood dream used to be a historian and discover the ancient ruins. I always thought my parents were such talented designer and I won’t be as good as them, actually I still think they are more skillful even nowadays although they retired long time ago.

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

NZ : Either we live in the other dimensions or we moved to other planets.

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

NZ : Let’s seek lights together.