Designer Interview
15 questions
When I was in high school, I spent good quality time of mine learning oil painting and started selling to those who loved them, which was also my very first income.
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?
When I was in high school, I spent good quality time of mine learning oil painting and started selling to those who loved them, which was also my very first income. With that passion, I enrolled in Graphic Design major in Hoa Sen university and have been working in the industry till now.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I'm working for Cowan corporation, which specializes in branding and packaging design with their headquarters based in Australia. In addition, my company has many branches in different countries such as Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, New Zealand and London.
What is "design" for you?
To my point of view, design means the way I create the beautiful things fits my personality and difference. It also carries my voice and soul.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Actually I do love all kinds of works; however, F&B products like beer, wine, juice or coffee are my strongest passion.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
My first project with Cowan corporation is RTD milk packaging for Nutrifood, which is a locally traded product.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Foil fusing is my favorite material. Although it depends on the designing purpose but foil fusing can make brings out the design from the simple.
When do you feel the most creative?
Due to the job's requirements, I have to constantly create things to keep up with my job. My favorite working time is midnight, when it gets very quiet and I can work efficiently.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I get super focused while designing. It’s an unexplainable emotion as it is my passion and it’s strong enough to forget the surroundings and concentrate in my designs.
What makes a design successful?
The majority of designs are ordered by clients. I think a successful design both meets client’s requirements and maintain the creativity and personality of the designer.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
I love unique and temerarious designs. Those can look odd but stand out with those in the market and still follow gold standards in layout.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I have always been concerned about the environment. Being a packaging designer, I’m responsible for creating a friendly environmental packaging such as recyclable design, limit nilon and plastic material.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
The industry 4.0 era is changing everything, starting from human’s behavior and lifestyle. In the next few years, people are able to create anything by artificial intelligence. Even with that power, I think creativity and breakthough is irreplaceable.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
I have been always dreaming of my own exhibition and I will definitely do everything within my ability to hold many of mine in the 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?
This is a very good question. Being born and growing up in Vietnam, which is a very beautiful country in South-East Asia. We have more than 1,000 years of history with diversity in forming, which gives us a chance to expose to many cultural art through several dynasties. Le’s Dynasty is my favorite due to the unique and detailed in art, which forms my perception in art as well as the unlimited creativity.
How do you work with companies?
Classified as a creative agency, my working environment is very open and comfortable. It is a full-time job from Monday to Friday but I’m eager to go to work everyday and devote myself to work. I love my job and my working environment.
