Jin Zhang

Specialized in Design.

Jin Zhang

About Jin Zhang

WOOLLYWOODY is an independent furniture brand founded by chinese designer Zhang Jin. WOOLLYWOODY adheres to the attitude and accomplishment of the oriental culture, and uses western design methods to interpret modern oriental style. WOOLLYWOODY creates Oriental design products to be used in modern space and to find the intangible and spirit outside of the figurative element. Touch the nature with WOOLLYWOODY.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with Jin Zhang

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 have been industrial designer since I graduated from university. I set up my furniture brand -WOOLLYWOODY in 2017. I am very happy about my choice and persistence, enjoying all kinds of joys and sorrows.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
My company and brand supply original design furniture, mixed with Chinese and modern Western elements. I think this mixture is very novel and interesting.
What is "design" for you?
I think design is the process of innovation, making new and different things for everyone.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like the designs that inspire people. It like a little flame and more inspirational ideas.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I like many designs very much, because the world is more interesting because of design.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
I founded the company, opened the furniture brand, and I am the chef designer.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
My favorite material is the combination of wood and cloth. I think the combination of hard and soft texture is very cordial.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I am concerned about whether the design contains some new elements, new concepts or new forms.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
China has rich traditional culture and oriental aesthetics. I often immerse myself in it.
What makes a design successful?
When the product is needed, it is a good product. However, to be a good design there are too many requirements, such as aesthetic feeling，market considerations, production process restraint.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
I will first observe whether the design has solved some problems and is the appearance beautiful.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Our design needs to push forward the design history.Our designs also need to be friendly to the environment and society.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I think the field of design is pluralistic. The future of the design is diverse.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
The last exhibition I attended was the Guangzhou design week at the end of 2017.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
My inspiration comes from observations in life and ancient Chinese poetry. Paying great attention to the details of life, I find some problems and try to solve them with design.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
My style of design is modern Chinese style. I am fascinated by the mysterious and charismatic oriental aesthetics. My style is to combine modern design elements with oriental aesthetics. My design method is incorporate the modern industrial design method into Chinese philosophy.
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 China. The cultural heritage of China has a great influence on me. In China, designers are not going to think deeply about China's cultural heritage and oriental aesthetics, which is a pity.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Designers show their styles and abilities through works, which can be used for reference. Enterprises talk to designers according to their own requirements.It's a good thing to find a common vision.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Hope young designers will discover new inspirations from their own culture. Read more and think more.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Most of the designers are self driving talents, who can spontaneously create for a long time. But I think it's easy for designers to worry too much about themselves.
What skills are most important for a designer?
The most important skill of a designer is the ability to solve problems.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I used a drawing book to record my inspiration and ideas. I used CorelDRAW and rhinoceres to express my ideas on the computer.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I will quickly record my thoughts and express them quickly，and then do something else.
What was your most important job experience?
Every experience I have is important, and it will not be spent in vain.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I like the work that can inspire people. Because it's interesting and can inspire people to think more.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
My future plan is to make some far-reaching designs. My next plan is to carry out some experiments on materials.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I'm making a set of tea room furniture. I want people use them more conveniently and feel their inner peace.
How can people contact you?
My Email zh.jin@woollywoody.com.My contact number 8615021523698.Email is prefer.

Extended Interview with Jin Zhang

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. I am industrial designer and working for years.
How did you become a designer?
I love the trend of Chinese culture which motivates me to design. I have been fond of drawing and creating things since childhood, which made me a designer.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I design furniture. I hope to apply modern design methods to Chinese traditional design and incorporate more Oriental aesthetics.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
I like the work that can inspire people. Because it's interesting and can inspire people to think more.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design can satisfy people's spiritual needs. Everyone has their own preferences, so they deserve the design they like.
What is your day to day look like?
I design the furniture. I design for companies or people who share my interests.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
My dream project is do some research and experiments on a new material and new form.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
My secret recipe and secret ingredient of my design is Oriental Aesthetics and philosophy.
What is your biggest design work?
The clothes designed by Issey Miyake. His design has a strong Eastern culture, so you have to think about him.
Who is your favourite designer?
May be the next one.Because I've been working hard, and I'm making progress.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I like oriental philosophy very much and I have been studying these books.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
On the one hand, the design meets people's spiritual needs. And on the one hand, it needs to solve some problems in life. All my designs are like that.

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