Jiaxing Guo

Interview with Jiaxing Guo

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?

My first degree was a bachelor of engineering, so I have the training in science and technology. After I graduated from the first university, I realized I have a strong sense of self-expression. Because I was not a really good talker, so I thought design could be a great tool for me to achieve something from my perspective. So I started working as a 3D prototyper for a design company. I worked in the maker lab with other designers, engineers, to **build prototypes.** After 2 years, I realized I need to know more about design systematically to be a “legit” designer, and that’s why I came to LA, to study industrial design.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

Now I’m freelancing in LA. I’ve worked in product design studios, interior design studios, and fabrication labs and developed innovative approaches and experiences at the intersection of industrial design, technology, and fashion.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

Probably the Tŷ Nant water bottle by Rose Lovegrove. It just good and beautiful.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

It was a product for scooters. I’m glad they made the real prototype.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

It’s hard to say. Depends on what kind of product I’m working on.

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

I think as human, we all have the same responsibilities for society and environment.

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

The process of achieve a thing could be seen as the process of designing. The definition of design is getting more vague.

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?

I would say irrational and emotional. I don’t want to be a designer who can only solve problems.

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?

LA, California, but I’m from China. I don’t really feel the cultural heritage, maybe because of my design education.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

Better communication and trust. They cannot select, because they have to try.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

A Good design process includes 4 steps, critical thinking, attention to detail, and visual communication, execution. I think I have the ability to see the bigger picture, while not losing sight of the details. I can create and deliver a concept at a certain level while also understanding the execution difficulties from an engineering perspective.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

My adidas OZELIA shoe, my Yeezy Gap hoodie, a book by Jeff Staple, iPhone SE, and toilet paper.

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

+: be able to design. -: Sometimes you have to listen to someone else.

Designer of the Day Interview with Jiaxing Guo

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

I've been a industrial designer for about eight years. In China, I've worked on Beijing Design Week for two years, then I came to Los Angeles, started my career as a designer in the US. In here, I've worked with some well-knowned clients such as Kelly Wearstler and WGSN.

How did you become a designer?

I was studying engineering before I even heard of design. After graduated, I got a job as a industrial designer in a maker lab, mainly working with 3D printers. After three years I decided to study design more systematically to valid my design process. And that was why I came to Los Angeles to study product design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

Technique and style are both important to me. The top three aspects of my design process are concept, excecution and presentation. For all my projects, the particular important part is a good presentation. For digital tools/techs or hands, I need them both because I do digital renders as well as the physical models sicne they have different purposes. For a new project, I would start with the brief.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

The most exciting part for myself is to figuring out the perfect concept and solution. I like the feeling that I sketched out the forms I like or satisfied. During the execution process, sometimes I feel a bit tired. But I would be energized when I finish the process.

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

Apart from my design degree, I also have en engineering degree, which is extremly helpful when I design the product. My engineering background really gives me a unique perspective when I look into design problems.

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

Currenly I'm still at my early stage of my design career. I don't' really have a clear future plan. Let's just see how it goes! My dream design project would be a shelter for everyone!

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

Be brave. Don't be afraid to break the rules (but make sure you aware of teh rules). Also remember to learn everyday. The design world changes so fast and we need to keep an eye on it.

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

Everyone has their unique skills. You don't have to be like some else. As a professional creative individual, it is important to find your own/unique position and perspective.

What is your day to day look like?

Well...I always try not to mix my work with my life. We need a normal life to experience. I have some daily reading list before I start my design work, just to warm up. If you get bored...grab a drink you like!

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

I have some daily reading list before I start my design work, in order to know what's happening in the design world. Trends do matter, but I try not to follow them because I need to follow my own design language. To me, trends are more like research, just to know what people are seeing now.

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

I don't have a specific criteria for a well designed project. Normally when I feel some thing it's well designed, there is a vibe on that project. But well designed doesn't mean it's a good design. Good design requires the interaction with the audiences.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

If you have time or resources, you can always improve or iterate a design. A good designer should know how to stop the process. For me, It's always about deadlines. Deadlines make successful projects.

What is your biggest design work?

My biggest design work is Silver Siren Speaker. Since the whole product is hand-made- it realy took me a lot of time to make everything perfectly excecuted. It brought me some design recgonition and exhibition. Currently, I'm making it into a collection that shares the same concept.

Who is your favourite designer?

My favourite designer is Philippe Starck and my favourite peice by him is Alessi Juicy Salif Citrus Squeezer. I really like his style and design philosophy.

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

I live in Los Angeles so I would say LA is currently my inspiring city. Art is part of my creative process. Sculptures, painting...they are all connected to my design philosophy.

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

Normally I prefer work along...but I do like collaborate with other people, which would benefit the project, also I can learn from others.

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

I would not consider pro bono design work because designers should be paid for their contribution. But good design would make impact for the society.

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

I feel really good being part of the A' Design Award community. I have more chance to show my work to the industry and I got more recognitions.

Extended Interview with Jiaxing Guo

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

How did you become a designer?

My desire of creating. I think being a designer is great way for me to execute my creative skills.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

I chose to become a designer. I came across industrial design after I graduated. It was a book by Naoto Fukasawa.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

For the most of my time now, I design shoes, either functional sneakers and casual shoes. For the rest of my time, I also design furniture and lighting. I with I could design some pop-up spaces.

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

A good designer designs objects. A great designer designs experiences.

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

There is a sweet spot……It’s really hard to tell. Although every designer has their own criteria, but when you know it, you know it.

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

Good design makes impact. Actually I don’t think everyone should invest in good design. Just like a stock, if everyone should or could invest it, something bad would happen.

What is your day to day look like?

I would design cups, purely for drinking. And I would design for my cats.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

The first one was Naoto Fukasawa. I study product design because of him. Also Philippe Starck. I like his style.

What is your biggest design work?

Alessi Juicy Salif Citrus Squeezer by Philippe Starck. It's not functional at all but nobody cares lol.

Who is your favourite designer?

My Silver Siren Speaker design. I think it is a great representation of the concept of form+function.

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

Design is creating experience for people. To me, it's a way for me to talk to my audience.