Dandan Wang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Dandan Wang ("DW") 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?

DW : I graduated from the University of New South Wales, majoring in jewelry and Graphic Design. I have studied, worked, and lived in Sydney for more than 6 years. Now I live and work in Shanghai, China. I chose jewelry design as my career because when I first arrived in Sydney, once I was at home looking through the guidebook I brought back from Sydney Airport, I was suddenly attracted by an Opal ring, and a sense of happiness came up. At that time, I was thinking why not become a jewelry designer, and it turned out to be a great decision.

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

DW : I have loved drawing since I was a child and found that nothing could make me so focused and enjoyable that I would even forget to eat or sleep. So my dream was to be an artist or a designer from then on. However, the process of pursuing my dream was not smooth sailing. I met many difficulties and made a lot of effort, but I never gave up. I believe that there is always something to be gained by paying for nothing in return, and the results will not disappoint those who have been working hard for their dreams.

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

DW : To be honest, becoming a designer has been my dream since childhood, but I was once forced to give up studying design, but fortunately, I persisted. I admire those people who persist in their dreams and never give up.

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

DW : As a jewelry designer, I'm more focused on contemporary jewelry, exploring the boundaries between art jewelry and fashion jewelry regarding wearability and durability.

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

DW : Never give up.

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

DW : If I have time, I would like to design a ring for my mother, because my mother has provided me with great spiritual support on my way to becoming a designer, because when everyone is against my study of design, only my mother has always supported and encouraged me to stick to my dream. When I was very young I vaguely remember my mother always wearing a ring with a blue stone, but that was a long time ago. So I want to design a ring for her and thank her for all she did for me.

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

DW : If there is a chance, I want to do a project for a children's charity, for those children who have dreams but for various reasons, these dreams are difficult to realize. I want to make some jewelry pieces together with these children and encourage them not to give up their dreams easily. And I also want to encourage all girls to believe that they deserve all happiness and beauty. This is also the original intention of my decision to do jewelry design, I believe jewelry can bring people happiness and confidence.

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

DW : I love Zaha Hadid's architectural design. Its ultra-modern futuristic exterior, smooth internal line construction, and unique spatial structure design elements are breathtaking. Her design also gives me some inspiration, especially some futuristic structural shapes and smooth line elements.

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

DW : Cindy Chao is one of my favorite jewelry masters, especially her masterpiece butterfly series, which is amazing, both in terms of craftsmanship and aesthetics.

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

DW : So far, I think my best design work is ‘Rebirth’, because whales are one of my favorite design elements. This jewelry work is inspired by the whale fall, and I spent a lot of effort on the shape and wearing way. Of course, I also look forward to the next better work.

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

DW : I hadn't thought of this question, because I know I will be a designer

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

DW : Design to me is a reflection of the designer's ideological values. The designer's mission is to make the world a better place, make people's lives more convenient and efficient, and bring more emotional value to people.

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

DW : Absolutely my mother.

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

DW : When I was very young, I found that I liked drawing very much, and I got good grades in art classes. The most important thing is that I can keep a high concentration while drawing. I find that I am talented in art and I love doing it. And as I grew older, this hobby and talent did not disappear. From then on, I decided to do what I like for my future career.