Interview with Qiuyu Li

Qiuyu Li ("QL") interviewed on Wednesday, 28 September.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

QL : I started to want to be a designer from about 2013, first self-taught, then enrolled in the graduate school of Osaka University of Arts, studying while studying design. It wasn't going well from the beginning, but it has grown rapidly since 2019, and now I can already find my own originality and design more smoothly.

How did you become a designer?

QL : I was originally interested in art from an early age, and when I grew up I realized the beauty of design and decided to become a designer.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

QL : At first, I think it's a problem consciousness. And I think it is important that the idea for the problem is logically established. On the contrary, I don't think the problem of technique is so important, because the problem of skill etc. will naturally improve if you practice over time.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

QL : My design seeks to suppress emotions as much as possible and maximize reason. Of course, we don't eliminate all emotions, we just keep them to the bare minimum.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

QL : It is important to have a passion for life. Design ideas exist from everywhere in our lives, and it is extremely important to think about things with an awareness of the problem, rather than simply taking it for granted.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

QL : My growth path isn't going well, but fortunately, I've been walking with my family and friends who always support me. I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

QL : It will be easier for you to grow by using social media, sharing your work, and showing your work to many people.At the same time, please think about what kind of design you want to make without being influenced by the surrounding environment. It is also important to design while predicting the future, not just looking at the present.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

QL : I'm not familiar with other countries, but in Japan, especially artists who concentrate on contemporary art, I think their horizons are still narrow. I only know my own world. In order to overcome this problem, I think we should actively communicate with people who are more interested in other fields.

What is your day to day look like?

QL : Gathering information is extremely important as a designer, so brew coffee, check the latest news, and watch interesting videos. Then read and study the design profession. I often make works at night.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

QL : You're the one who sticks to your personal style. Of course, the client is important, so we have to consider the needs of the other party, but we also think that the individuality of the designer should never be lost. The problem is that it is important to strike a good balance between the two.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

QL : I don't think there are any particular rules for this criterion. It depends on the person.I think it is more important to have a design that is suitable for the project than to consider whether it is a good design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

QL : Once you've completed all the goals you're looking for, you're done. I think it should be decided at the discretion of the individual.

What is your biggest design work?

QL : This time Utopia City Poster is the biggest design work, and the others are about the visual book currently being produced. It took a lot of time to collect a large amount of materials before making this work.

Who is your favourite designer?

QL : There are many. The most respected and influenced person is L Lissitzky, and the others are Josef Muller Brockmann. There are many other legendary designers, so I can't count them.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

QL : I'm from China, but I've been living in Japan for a long time now. I have lived in Asia for a long time, but I am not particular about Asian culture and try to seek an international culture that is common throughout the world. In his youth, he was influenced by punk rock and has an extremely disliked attitude toward the bad things in the world.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

QL : Respecting each other and actively communicating will make it easier to work. In my case, I often design by myself, but I am happy to work with people. Working in a team may push the boundaries of one person and create even better designs.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

QL : I think designers are responsible for guiding the trends of the times. To give a very simple example, Coco Chanel's fashion design changes the perception of women's clothing. In short, it can be said that design has the power to change the culture and perception of the times.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

QL : It is very effective for testing your own ability, and you can inform many people about your work, and you will feel a sense of accomplishment through participating.

Qiuyu Li Profile