Lai Jiebin

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Lai Jiebin ("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 : Graduated from Shandong Institute of Arts and Crafts with a major in Public Art Design in 2022

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

LJ : I have had a strong interest in art since I was young, and I enjoy painting, sculpture, and handicrafts. As I grow older, I realize that art is not just a personal expression, but also a way to communicate and interact with others. So, I began to explore and express my understanding and ideas about urban space through art. In the process of learning, I came into contact with public art, which fascinated me. Public art not only has aesthetic value, but also can bring vitality and cultural atmosphere to urban space. I want to create art works that can interact and exchange with the public through my own efforts, injecting new vitality and vitality into urban spaces. As a public art designer, I feel very lucky and proud. My job is to improve urban space through artistic means and provide citizens with a beautiful life experience. I am able to create a more beautiful, comfortable, and cultural environment for the city through my own efforts and creativity.

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

LJ : Choose to be a designer

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

LJ : I hope to design works with unique charm and personality that are closely connected to urban space and citizen life, injecting new vitality and vitality into the city, and making art a part of the city's spirit.

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

LJ : 1: Enhance observation and insight 2: Enhance creativity and imagination 3: Enhance professional skills and knowledge 4: Enhance communication and collaboration skills 5: Continuous learning and innovation 6: Cultivate a sense of responsibility and social awareness

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

LJ : In my opinion, a good designer should not only have outstanding design ability, but also personal ability, thinking, cultivation and vision.

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

LJ : As a public art designer, I believe that good design should be able to meet the needs and expectations of the public, have uniqueness and individuality, reflect social value and significance, focus on practicality and functionality, and pay attention to environmental protection and sustainable development.

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

LJ : Excellent public art works have various values, including enhancing the image and quality of the city, enhancing the public's sense of identity and belonging, promoting social exchange and interaction, promoting the development of culture and art, and improving the quality of life of urban residents. These values have been widely recognized and valued, and are of great significance for the development and progress of cities.

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

LJ : Everyone who needs me

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

LJ : I want to make my public art works become the landmark of a city

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

LJ : Artistic, public and people oriented

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

LJ : Christopher, Bernard Venet

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

LJ : Public art

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

LJ : Learning professional knowledge, practicing skills and expression techniques, participating in exhibitions and competitions, collaborating with other designers and artists, paying attention to social development and public needs, continuous learning and innovation

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

LJ : Public art is the art of public space in the form of sculpture, architecture, public facilities and image art. Its development space lies not only in the unique symbol of urban construction on the material level, but also in people's soul and spiritual guidance. Whether it is urban public art or rural public art, we should adjust measures to local conditions, respect the people, not just decoration.

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

LJ : Parents and teachers

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

LJ : Love and effort

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

LJ : I hope you will pay more attention to public art

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

LJ : The design will be more based on the "human" operation system itself, focusing on sustainability and regeneration. The designer will have to become a psychologist, not only to meet the functional needs, but also to meet the emotional needs,

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

LJ : One week, one month

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

LJ : First of all, I need to know which city I want to design for, and then to understand the history, humanities, environment and other factors of this city, collect materials, sort out ideas, and finally design and change

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

LJ : Art changes life, design creates the future

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

LJ : Better performance of the design effect, and ultimately achieve the design

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

LJ : 3dmax、Photoshop、zbush、D5、Keyshot

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

LJ : Christopher, Bernard Venet