HE LIU

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer HE LIU ("HL") 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?

HL : I completed a 4-year program in visual design at Guangxi Art University, earning a bachelor's degree. Subsequently, I pursued further education in graphic design and computer studies at the Academy of art university in San Francisco, where I obtained a master's degree. Presently, I hold the position of chief designer at a fashion company in Los Angeles while also managing my own design studio.

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

HL : A passion for art and a love of challenge.

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

HL : I choose to become a designer.

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

HL : I am a visual designer, I focus on all graphic UI/UX and branding.

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

HL : To become a successful designer, it is essential to utilize design principles, explore multiple design solutions, enhance critical thinking skills, stay informed about design trends, and dedicate time to continuous learning and practice. Additionally, cultivating the habit of reflecting on experiences and summarizing lessons learned plays a crucial role in professional growth and development. By incorporating these aspects into one's design journey, aspiring designers can strive towards achieving impactful and fruitful outcomes.

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

HL : I think a good designer fulfills expectations, whereas a great designer surpasses them, leaving a lasting impression.

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

HL : A good design should meet the customer's needs and have commercial value, or it should have a significant social impact.

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

HL : In my opinion, a good designer possesses a strong aesthetic sense, creative ideas that can impact the objective world, and the ability to solve clients' problems. Additionally, from a business perspective, a great designer is able to establish a positive connection between the design and the target market. Design goes beyond aesthetics; it requires keen market insights. The production process of exceptional design achieves a balance between aesthetic value, commercial value, and societal value.

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

HL : I want to create a project focused on public mental health. By using my design skills to raise awareness, destigmatize mental health issues, and provide valuable resources and solutions for people in need. I wish my design can make a positive impact by fostering understanding, promoting self-care, and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

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

HL : There are many projects I would like to work on. I believe that in the future I will find the opportunity to fulfill all my goals.

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

HL : Sorry, but I want to keep my secret. One thing I can share is always to keep your passion.

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

HL : Alan Chan Yu Chien

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

HL : Cai Guo-Qiang's new fireworks work "One Night Stand" was performed on the Seine River between the Louvre Museum and the Musée d'Orsay. It is unprecedented that works are great creations.

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

HL : "Tibet Shannan" is my greatest design, but also a project that has brought promising commercial value to a city, as evidenced by its recognition and achievement of the A-design silver award.

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

HL : As I mentioned, to be a successful designer, one must utilize design principles, explore multiple design solutions, develop critical thinking skills, understand design trends, and invest time in continuous learning and practice. In addition, cultivating the habit of reflecting on the experience and drawing lessons from it also plays a vital role in professional growth and development. By incorporating these aspects into one's design journey, aspiring designers can strive to achieve impactful and productive outcomes. I also follow the nine points to improve myself.

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

HL : An artist

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

HL : Design is not limited to art, but it involves all aspects of people's work and life. The ability to create new things and to perceive existing things in new ways are both forms of creativity. There may be countless perspectives and methods for people to observe and experience the world, and as long as these perspectives and methods can be applied to daily life, it is the power of design. Design endows products with cultural connotations and distinctive styles. A good creative concept is essential as it not only embodies the essence of design but also gives the work a personalized, professional, and unique effect.

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

HL : My mother

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

HL : Passion and dedication towards design.

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

HL : Designers can experience periods of fatigue due to excessive creativity, so it is important to learn how to strike a balance between work and rest.

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

HL : Designers should present their work in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner. They should effectively communicate the key elements and concepts of their design, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills. Presentations should be well-organized, tailored to the target audience, and highlight the unique features and benefits of the design. By using appropriate mediums and engaging visuals, designers can effectively convey their vision and generate interest among stakeholders.

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

HL : A project about PTSD, I hope through my design to help people solve their problems in an acceptable and easy way.

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

HL : I hope to become an influential designer and use my designs to showcase the greatness of different cultures to the world.

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

HL : I think people will expect a good designer to bring valuable positive energy through the power of design and provide them with feasible solutions.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

HL : Design helps create a better society by promoting functionality, accessibility, sustainability, community engagement, social innovation, and cultural expression. It improves everyday experiences, fosters inclusivity, addresses environmental challenges, empowers individuals and communities, drives positive social change, and enhances cultural diversity and understanding.

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

HL : I am working on rebranding a fashion brand with the aim of propelling it towards a more expansive and dynamic commercial stage.

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

HL : I have had the opportunity to contribute to the success of six fashion brands by building their websites, and these projects have been the most satisfying experiences of my career. Through my expertise and efforts, I have helped these brands establish a strong online presence and achieve their business goals.

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

HL : With immense potential for improvement and innovation in the field, I am eagerly anticipating a future of even more captivating and emotionally resonant designs, driven by groundbreaking design technologies.

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

HL : I think it will be a fusion of more advanced technologies.

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

HL : It really depends on the project itself.

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

HL : To ensure a comprehensive approach, my primary focus will be on thoroughly understanding the project's needs and objectives.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

HL : Work hard play hard!

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

HL : I think they have achieved each other.

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

HL : I use it as a tool for improvement, but I don't rely on technology.

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

HL : Adobe Suite and Sketchbook for sure.

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

HL : Color, materials, and ambient elements in design play a crucial role in setting the mood, expressing personality, and making things look and feel just right.

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

HL : About my design concept and process.

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

HL : How they get ideas.

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

HL : I do believe in collaborative design, my teammates are my partners, and they play important roles.

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

HL : Artists who have been contributing work. They usually bring incredible inspiration to my designs.

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

HL : Designing Design

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

HL : To be a successful designer, you gotta do a bunch of things. First, use design principles, try out different solutions, and think critically. Stay in the loop with design trends and keep learning and practicing. Oh, and don't forget to reflect on your experiences and learn from them. That's how you grow as a designer. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to achieving awesome results. And hey, I'm right there with you—I follow those nine points too!

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

HL : I am very grateful to the organizers for their recognition. I think success requires accumulation. Time will give you the answer.

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

HL : My favorite color is black. My favorite place is art gallery. My favorite food is Chinese food. My favorite season is summer. My favorite thing is time and my favorite brand is Lego

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

HL : My teacher discovered my talent for drawing when I was 6 years old. Since then, my mother has always supported my dream, which is also the opportunity for me to become a designer today.

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

HL : Every day is beautiful, I like challenges, I like new challenges and I like to challenge myself.

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

HL : As I mentioned, my art teacher discovered my talent, and my mother was a great architect. This has had a huge impact on me as a designer.

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

HL : I can't predict what will happen in a thousand years, but I always believe in hope.

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

HL : Keep following my projects, you will find everything about me!