Favie Chiu

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Favie Chiu ("FC") 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?

FC : I studied Advertising for my undergrad. During college, I thoroughly enjoyed the film production course. After graduation, I assisted my friends in working on some music video projects. It became clear to me that graphic design played a significant role in film; regardless of the quality of editing, typography on screen could seamlessly integrate with the video and enhance the overall quality of the work. This realization prompted me to pursue a Master's degree in Graphic Design.

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

FC : I love going to museums and seeing art shows. Seeing art pieces truly inspires me to be creative. The reason why I became a designer is just because I really enjoy the work I am doing, and I think design really helps people to have a better quality of life.

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

FC : I choose to be a designer. When I was in college, I realized how important the design can improve the aesthetic of a video, and have a successful art piece.

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

FC : I do visual design the most in my career, focusing on product design the most. I wish to do motion graphics more because I still very enjoy making films and videos.

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

FC : Really just getting yourself involved in the design community, make more connections. I believe that designers can help each other grow and learn very fast.

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

FC : A good designer works professionally and delivers high-quality final products. A great designer, however, develops a holistic design strategy and conducts thorough research centered around the core design concept.

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

FC : It’s when the functionality and usability really meets the audiences needs. I would evaluate a design based on the objective and see if it really solves the problem with a thoughtful comprehensive design final piece.

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

FC : The value of good design enhance the quality of people’s life. It can benefit people in many ways, for example, A good chair design may consider how the form that help people to reduce back pain, also give a steady support when the user sit on it.

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

FC : I would like to design a shop that has a collective of design items which helps both the designer to promote their design and the consumers to engage with good design.

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

FC : I am very interested in environmental issues, I’d like to consider raising the awareness of fast fashion, and promote sustainable brands which have good quality of the material that help people’s daily wear last longer.

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

FC : Research, the more I know about the competitors of what I am designing for, the more I understand how to find the unique point of view to convey the concept of the design.

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

FC : Raphael and George, who owned the Printed Goods Design Studio. I like how they put the art into people’s daily life.

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

FC : My most recent favorite is KISMAS’s lamp design, the light design was very thoughtful with a different kind of glasses, which gives different vibes for the atmosphere.

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

FC : There was a diary panel (12x12) I designed years ago, The story was about a sunny day at the flea market. It was a great experience because I had them printed on the farbirc I found in flea market.

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

FC : Listen to others feedback, I think feedbacks are valuable, it usually gives me ideas on how to improve.

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

FC : I don’t know, I might become a filmmaker.

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

FC : For me, design is a process of thoughtful creation that transforms ideas into tangible realities. It’s about making life better by improving how things work and how they look, ensuring that they are both functional and delightful to use.

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

FC : My design friend, Hamda, she encourage me to do a lot of creative ideas. My biggest suppoter are my family, my mom, my daughter who gives me energy to do better.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

FC : Listen to others, have a humble mind, and always learning.

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

FC : Imposter Syndrome, Doubting my skills and feeling like I wasn't good enough; Finding the right path to solve the design problem, I have been always going side tracks when working on design project, focusing on the problem to solve wasn’t always easy for me.

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

FC : I think designers should present their work with a clear navigation in mind, having clear hierachy and good asthetic would also support the presentation.

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

FC : I am working on some environmental related issue that people are facing now. Especially in fast fashion.

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

FC : Contribute to the design community. There are ups and downs in my career, and I always found some good designer friends who gave me advice on how to overcome these challenge. Now, I’d like to help others if they are facing challenges as well.

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

FC : People expect an esteemed designer to bring a high level of expertise, creativity, and innovation while maintaining professionalism, attention to detail, and effective communication. They also anticipate leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

FC : Design helps create a better society by solving problems, improving functionality, and enhancing user experiences, leading to more efficient, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing environments and products.

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

FC : I am excited about a design project for a collective shop of designer items with my designer friends, we select items that are inspiring and make people feel good in their daily life.

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

FC : Hands on projects all makes me feel satisfied because I really enjoy making good crafts.

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

FC : I would like to see increased emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices, greater inclusivity and diversity, and a stronger focus on user-centered design in the industry.

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

FC : The design field is likely headed towards deeper integration with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and advanced materials.

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

FC : It depends on the project, if its a branding project with a identity guildeline, it usually takes about 2-4 months.

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

FC : I always begin with research, analyzing competitors or similar concepts, and defining the moodboard before designing. Once the draft design's look and feel are established, I consult with friends or potential users to gain insights and make adjustments based on their suggestions.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

FC : My life motto as a designer is that amidst the chaos of our world, the beauty of design deserves recognition and appreciation.

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

FC : Design and trends influence each other mutually; designers innovate to set trends, while trends reflect societal shifts and influence design.

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

FC : Technology empowers designers to innovate, streamline processes, and integrate functionality and aesthetics effectively.

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

FC : I use Adobe and Figma the most.

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

FC : Color, materials, and ambient elements play crucial roles in design by influencing mood, perception, and functionality. They contribute to creating cohesive and engaging experiences that resonate with users and enhance the usability and aesthetic appeal of a design.

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

FC : I wish people would ask about the thought process behind the design decisions, how the design improves their experience.

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

FC : I am admire! And want to know more how they come up with this idea.

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

FC : My ideal design partner would be someone experienced in motion design and coding. I strongly believe in co-design as it brings a more holistic perspective to a design project.

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

FC : I have a lot of artist friends, I always like to listen their ideas behind, these really gives me a big picture of how to think of the approach when it comes to a design project.

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

FC : The Art of Co-Design, I learned how to colloborate with others and become more efficient.

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

FC : Learning, trying new methods, meeting new people.

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

FC : April Greiman, I want to learn how she started with all these creative ideas of using technology when people just started to using computer.

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

FC : I feel good, and feel grateful. I don’t think it is hard as long as you are able to finish the work.

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

FC : Favorite color: beige, place: in the woods, food: salad with shrimp, season: winter, things: I like collecting little pieces that I think the design is good, brand:Acne Studio

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

FC : I was discussing a project with my co-worker, and we both replied the same idea simultaneously. It was amazing how our minds connected.

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

FC : Seeing some new updates of my favorite design brands. I motivate myself by starting design something with my mood or a feeling to encourage myself.

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

FC : No, I don’t think it is obvious, I like to go with the flow.

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

FC : I see the world could be a lot different than what we are used to now, everything become more efficient and convenient with the technology.

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

FC : I’d like to collaborate with you if possible, and I want to know how you feel when you do design.