Caxton Chung

Interview with Caxton Chung

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Arts in Design, Visual Communication in 2006. Since then, I have been working as a graphic designer in finance industry. I can’t say I’ve always wanted to be a designer, but I am enjoying my job and having fun through the design process.

What is "design" for you?

Design is an action of solving problems with a sense of aesthetic.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

If I remember correctly, it was layout design for a corporate factsheet

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I would say paper and printed items because they are tangible, I like to feel and appreciate them by holding on my hands.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel the most creative when I am having casual chats with my friends.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

Typography! As I think typography is the basic element for graphic design, and it crucially determine how good a design can be.

What makes a design successful?

When the users find the design practical and value it, it is a successful design

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

For society, I think designers bare a responsibility to raise the bar higher in terms of problem solving. For environment, I think designers should help the environment being sustainable.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

Due to the development of technology, it is a lot easier to design, to create and to execute. So anyone who how to use design software can design. I believe “Design” will be a prevailing industry in future.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I live in Hong Kong, which is a place with a unique culture. It is a mix of Chinese heritage with Western cultures. This definitely affects my way of thinking and my designs. I see this mixed culture more as an advantage. Because I think a good mix or a good balance of East meets West mindset will help my designs being appreciated by a wider group of audience.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

I usually start with creating some visuals in my mind visualizing how the design should be. Once I had a more clear direction, I will turn this idea into virtual on computer and creating some different options. Then I will pick the best option and modify it until I feel it is good enough to call it a complete design.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

On positive side, being a designer has the privilege to think unrestrainedly; while on negative side, being a designer has to develop excessive patience to deal with different kinds of criticism.

What skills are most important for a designer?

I would say “critical thinking”, “sharp eyes” and good communication skills.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

29. My tools are very basic, I use colour pencil and a piece of blank paper for the drafting. And I mainly use Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe InDesign for execution.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

I don't have a particular way to manage my time. But I would keep reminding myself on the deadline, no matter how the design process goes, the design has to be presentable and completed on time.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

I enjoy working on identity design and layout design. I think it is because the audiences’ feedback on these designs is quite instant and direct.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

In terms of work, I will keep equipping myself to create better designs. In terms of private life, I would like to travel to South America soon.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

It depends on the scale of the projects. I work solo and as a team too at office.

How can people contact you?

I can be contacted via my email. And I am quite active on social media, just search for “Caxton Chung”. I have tried searching my name on the internet, there are not many other Caxton Chung.

Extended Interview with Caxton Chung

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

I graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Arts in Design, Visual Communication. For years, I have been working as a graphic designer in financial industry. Before that, I have worked in a graphic house and a chained retail store as a graphic designer as well.

How did you become a designer?

I don't like routines, I like being creative and I am always excited by seeing or doing something new. I think that is my motivation of being designer.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

I chose to become a designer. I don't think anyone can be forced to be a designer. If someone is not enjoying the process of design, one won't be creative enough to do design.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I am an in-house graphic designer, I do a lot collateral designs, event identity designs, layout designs and infographics design. I wish to do more logo and identity designs.

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

First, I don't think I am a design legend, and I think I am still young too. Haha. I think I hardworking is the key to achieve your goal.

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

I think good design is able to improve the quality of life and lifestyle of human, it is definitely worth to invest in good design.

What is your day to day look like?

If I had the time, I would like to design a Traditional Chinese typeface for Hong Kong people. Because I think there are not enough choices of Chinese typeface for designers to use.

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

I would like to design an event identity for a Silent Film Festival.

Who is your favourite designer?

For sure it is the Techo calender that won the A’ Design Award this year. I think it is the structure of this calendar makes this design outstanding.

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

Being objective and have a clear mind to judge and improve my own ideas/designs.