Interview with Wan Fen Chen

I have had a high interest in painting since I was a child, so I chose to study in the advertising design department of a vocational high school. After working for two years, I decided to go back to school to study design, so I was admitted to the applied art department of the university. Being a designer should be my career in life.

When designing a new project, I will first understand the needs or problems encountered by customers or users, and then starting point of the idea how to solve these problems, and then start planning a design that can communicate the information clearly. After deciding which elements to put in the design, draw each possibilities on paper. Then select several designs that can be continued and enter the computer to complete the prototype design.

Starting a new design must be confusing, what elements to place? What style do you want to present? How to attract people's attention and so on, Many items need to be determined. During the design process I would imagine the client's mood when they see the finished product and hope they are happy. When the finished product is the most exciting, it means that all the solutions have been implemented and can be used in real.

Observation and communication skills. As a designer, I think the power of observation is very important. Observe people's behavior, the surrounding environment and the changes of nature. Put the observed findings and ideas into the design, and can often make designs that resonate. Communication skills, customers and their own ideas can understand each other smoothly, so as to design works that both parties are satisfied with.

I was employed by some design companies before, and the designs I made were all requested by clients. Sometimes the designs were not the works I was most satisfied with. However, I had also come into contact with many industries, and had learned a lot of relevant knowledge and experience of various industries, which would be helpful for design. Now I have created my own brand and can design according to my own ideas.

See more, learn more, think more.

Now the boundaries of the design field are becoming more and more blurred. The designers in various fields can communicate more actively, providing and learning from each other's experience and design know-how.

I arrive at the studio at about 7:30 every day. On the commute to the studio, I will browse some SNS, look at the current fashion trends and design information, and learn how everyone manages their own SNS. After a hearty breakfast, I make a cup of coffee, and then star to work. The first thing to do is to send and receive emails and some trivial matters, such as: accounting, and then enter the long-term design work. Every 2 or 3 hours of work, I will take a small break and watch a 15-minute video on OTT to change my mood. In the evening, I sometimes continue to design work, and sometimes I browse Pinterest to see design works from all over the world.

I regularly browse several design magazine websites every day, and I also follow the SNS of some design companies. The design style will be based on my own style, but will refer to the current fashion trends to see if it is suitable for my works.

Does this design solve the client's or user's troubles or problems? Aesthetics are very important, but it can't sacrifice the function and comfort of the product for the beautiful appearance.

When I can't find anything that needs to be corrected after repeated corrections, I decide that the design is complete. Of course, there must be some things that I haven't found that need to be corrected, so as long as most users feel that the user experience is good, the project will finish.

Day Code - Chinese Almanac. It’s the first work under its own brand after the establishment of the studio. The idea of designing this calendar has been around for many years, so the studio's first product was decided to be it. On the calendar in Taiwan, in addition to providing information regarding the records of ancestors’ wisdom – lunar calendar. It also tells people to welcome good fortune and avoid bad omens every day. Nevertheless, the information is provided in verbal form. “Day Code - Chinese Almanac” presents signs transposed from words. It also filtered and deleted some suggestions for incompatibility in the regular lunar calendar and selected reminders suitable for modern people: marriage, business contract, opening a business, moving, etc. to remind them which items are suitable or unsuitable to be done today.
From the product planning and layout design of the project to the launch of the fundraising platform and marketing, I did the entire project process myself. When I saw the finished product, I felt very moved, proving that my idea is not unrealistic and can be realized.

There are many designers I like and respect, one of them is Japanese product designer Fukasawa Naoto. The household items and furniture designed by Mr. Fukasawa can be naturally integrated into daily life because he observes the user's usage behavior and incorporates these observations into his design ideas.

I live in Taiwan. There are many beautiful traditional patterns in Taiwan, and I am also committed to applying these beautiful patterns to works of my brand.

Currently the studio is a one-person studio, so work alone. I've always been working towards designing something that brings people a good mood.

I continued to provide free visual designs to some NPOs. NPOs with visual design needs are also welcome to contact me.

I started paying attention to the A' Design Award three years ago, so when the studio made its first product, I immediately signed up for the A' Design Award. Participating in design competitions can increase global exposure, convey your design ideas to more people, and increase clients' trust in you.

I like beautiful things, so I create them by myself.

I chose to become a designer.

My main design is visual design, but there is no specific design field. As long as it is way by design, shape the ideas, I will want to do.

See more, learn more, think more.

Good designer is to design beautiful works, and great designer is not only to design beautiful appearance, but also to solve users' troubles according to the needs of users.

Does this design solve the client's or user's troubles or problems? Aesthetics are very important, but it can't sacrifice the function and comfort of the product for the beautiful appearance.

Good design makes life better and more convenient.

Commercialize the works of Taiwanese painters and let more people know Taiwanese painters.

I have the project is to analyze the colors that are not produced by oil pastels on the market from the works of Taiwanese painters. Even people without an artistic background can simply copy the works of Taiwanese painters.

My secret ingredient is when I encounter obstacles, try various methods to solve them.

There are many designers I like and respect, one of them is Japanese product designer Fukasawa Naoto. The household items and furniture designed by Mr. Fukasawa can be naturally integrated into daily life because he observes the user's usage behavior and incorporates these observations into his design ideas.

Packaging for the BEER MAIL collection from the Volfas Engelman brewery in Lithuania, designed by creative director Motiejus Gaigalas and graphic designer Sandra Ramoskaite. Because of the name of the series, the shape of the stamp is used as a frame to express uniqueness and collectability. The raw materials for beer production are hidden in the vivid illustrations. Classical illustration style and avant-garde collage techniques perfectly combine gentlemanly demeanor and artistic courage into a unique visual identity.

Day Code - Chinese Almanac. It’s the first work under its own brand after the establishment of the studio. The idea of designing this calendar has been around for many years, so the studio's first product was decided to be it. This calendar retains the spirit of the traditional Taiwanese calendar, with an unprecedented change in layout.

From the user's point of view, consider the user's experience, and add these conditions to the design.

I never thought about industries other than designers.

The problem can be solved elegantly.

After becoming a designer, the colleagues, clients, and manufacturers I met all helped to improve the design quality, and learned a lot of experience and different concepts from them. The biggest supporters are my family, who let me not hold back in designing this path.

When I encounter a problem, try to solve it, and didn't give up easily.

The previous works are not mature enough and sometimes cannot be trusted by customers. So until now, I have been constantly enriching my experience and knowledge, paying attention to new technologies and world trends, and broadening my horizons.

Participate in international design competitions and manage own SNS with heart.

Currently, I am designing a group portrait of 60 Tai Sui Taiwanese gods, which will first be published in the form of a calendar.
Ps. The 60 Tai sui: in the Chinese zodiac, these 60 heavenly Soldiers, assist the Jade Emperor in taking charge of the well-being of the Mortal World.

Improve people's lives by design.

Make life more convenient and improve the quality of life.

Finding problems, continue to improve and solve them.

Production operations for Day Code - Chinese Almanac in 2023 are now underway. This is also the last year that Day Code - Chinese Almanac is published. I am very happy that this calendar has a perfect ending.

Day Code - Chinese Almanac is the most satisfying work so far. From the product planning and layout design of the project to the launch of the fundraising platform and marketing, I did the entire project process myself. When I saw the finished product, I felt very moved, proving that my idea is not unrealistic and can be realized.

The boundaries of the design field are becoming less and less obvious, and the design fields can cooperate more closely with each other.

The design field is getting wider and wider, and user experience is as important as visual aesthetics. Anything that changes requires design, and everyone can design, but professional designers need to pay attention more to details and improve design quality.

Depending on the scale of the project. There are 1 to 7 months.

When designing a new project, I will first understand the needs or problems encountered by customers or users, and then starting point of the idea how to solve these problems, and then start planning a design that can communicate the information clearly.

Hold on tight and fight as hard as you can.

Design creates trends, trends determine design.

Technology makes my designs concrete.

Various software from Adobe. Computers and iPads are my best partners.

Human being are perceptive animals. Colors, materials, and environments create different five senses experiences and make people generate various emotions.

Why use these design elements? What do they represent?

Design has infinite possibilities, try to enrich my ability so that my work can also become a great design.

I like working with people from different design fields and I also believe in co-design. Co-design can find different aspects of the problem and can find more solutions.

My clients. To solve their needs, in order to design a good work.

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, by William McDonough and Michael Braungart. The concepts described in the book have become the goals I strive to achieve when designing products.

Continuous creation, learning more and more experiences from each design. Observe and learn more, pay attention to the trends and trends of the times.

Leonardo Da Vinci. Design is the combination of rationality and sensibility. Leonardo has achieved remarkable achievements in the field of science and art, and he will definitely be inspired by a conversation with him.

I am so happy that the work has been recognized. However, I will still be reviewed if there are perfect, and better results can be obtained.

There is no particular favorite thing, and different things have different feelings.

In 2014, I represented my former company to participate in Tokyo Design Week. The props in the exhibition venue were detained by Japanese customs because of their size. Two days before the opening of the exhibition, I was dealing with customs clearance at a Japanese hotel while making other exhibits. With the help of DHL Japan, the props were released one day earlier. I rushed to DHL's Tokyo warehouse to pick up the goods, and then arrived at the venue and complete the booth arrangement within the time limit. The opening would be successful the next day. Although I felt very distressed and anxious at the time, it was a very unforgettable experience in retrospect, and I am very grateful for the help at that time, especially the Japanese DHL.

As a designer, I discover many beautiful things every day. When I see a good design, I also expect that I can make the same or even better design.

When I was child, I never thought that I would become a designer, but when I went to junior high school, I gradually realized that I have a good aesthetic ability.

The development of science and technology has been changing the way of life, and many physical things are gradually digitized. But human beings are sensory creatures after all, and some physical objects will still be preserved, allowing people to enjoy the five senses experience brought by them.

I live in Taiwan. There are many beautiful traditional patterns in Taiwan, and I am also committed to applying these beautiful patterns to works of my brand. I hope everyone can notice the beauty of Taiwan.

In 2019, I founded maruko design studio, a one-person design studio. Design projects are not limited to graphic design, as long as it involves visual arts, I can design and produce.

I like to add some small interactive functions to the products I design. For example, one of washi tape I designed has a section that is not filled with color, only the pattern lines are retained, allowing users to paint their favorite colors.

I like designs that make people say "WOW" when they look at them.

The Teshima Art Museum, designed by Ryue Nishizawa, is located on the island of Teshima in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. The appearance of the museum is like a water drop falling on the ground. The building structure is a pillarless white cement wall, which is completely integrated with the surrounding terraced landscape. The patio opens with large and small openings, allowing natural light, wind and rain to flow freely. The springs on the island provide irrigation for the terraced fields. Artist Rei Naito used this concept to design installations on the floor of the museum, so that water droplets slowly pour out from the ground and then converge in one place. In this space, you can fully experience the change and tranquility of nature. I used to sit there quietly for over an hour and it was a great experience.

Day Code - Chinese Almanac. It is also award-winning work.

I love paper. It can be soft or stuff, and different papers have different touches.

When window shopping. Find many thoughtful or creative designs from the commercially available items.

Whether it can solve the user's problem or trouble.

Starting a new design must be confusing, what elements to place? What style do you want to present? How to attract people's attention and so on, Many items need to be determined. During the design process I would imagine the client's mood when they see the finished product and hope they are happy. When the finished product is the most exciting, it means that all the solutions have been implemented and can be used in real.

A sense of accomplishment. Prove that the original idea is not just a fantasy.

Constant testing and correction.

Can it resonate with the target audience?

Bring people a more convenient life without destroying the ecology of the earth.

The design field is getting wider and wider, and user experience is as important as visual aesthetics. Anything that changes requires design, and everyone can design, but professional designers need to pay attention more to details and improve design quality.

The last time I participated was at Tokyo Design Week in Tokyo, Japan in 2015. Participating in overseas exhibitions and exhibiting with a group of great designers was a great experience. It is expected to participate in DESIGN FESTA in Tokyo, Japan in 2023.

See more cases in various design fields. Continuous design, even if no commissioned, will design the design I want to do.

Simple, understated, and subdued. The simpler the composition, the more the subject can be highlighted. I will draw all the elements I want to express on the paper then select them one by one, simplify the lines, and then use the computer graphics software to complete the work.

I live in Taiwan. There are many beautiful traditional patterns in Taiwan, and I am also committed to applying these beautiful patterns to works of my brand. Taiwan is paying more and more attention to design, but designers have not received professional trust.

I will first understand why the company created this project? What are the needs for the project? What style do they want? After determining the needs, start designing several layouts, ask the customer to confirm the design style. And continue to fine-tune and correct until the finished product is completed.

Choose a designer who understands your company, not a well-known designer.

After deciding which elements to put in the design, draw the each possibilities on paper. Then select several designs that can be continued and enter the computer to complete the prototype design.

1. Sakura pencils from Sun-Star Stationery, Japan. The shape of the pencil is in the shape of cherry blossoms. Carefully sharpen the pencil with a blade, you can cut out the wood chips in the shape of cherry blossom petals.
2. Floral Post-it notes designed by Natsuko Kurosawa. The post-it notes are shaped into petals, which are like a flower before use. Stick post-it notes on book pages, documents, as if petals are scattered all over the place.
3. Fortune toothpicks designed by Hiroyasu Tsuchiya. Print the words “lucky” and “lucky very much” on the end of the toothpick. After eating the food on the fork, you can see how your fortune is today.
4. Rainbow acrylic drinking glasses sold by MoMA. Drinking water is a small action in daily life, because the rainbow is swaying on the water, and the water feels delicious.
5. Finally, of course, the Day Code - Chinese Almanac designed by me.

I arrive at the studio at about 7:30 every day. On the commute to the studio, I will browse some SNS, look at the current fashion trends and design information, and learn how everyone manages their own SNS. After a hearty breakfast, I make a cup of coffee, and then star to work. The first thing to do is to send and receive emails and some trivial matters, such as: accounting, and then enter the long-term design work. Every 2 or 3 hours of work, I will take a small break and watch a 15-minute video on OTT to change my mood. In the evening, I sometimes continue to design work, and sometimes I browse Pinterest to see design works from all over the world.

See more, learn more, think more.

When designers encounter problems, they will try their best to solve them. But it is easy to give up when no one approves of the design work.

Consistency, neat layout, clear information, and practicality.

Communication skills. Designers need to be able to understand the needs of their clients and also be able to communicate their ideas clearly.

Paper, pen, Adobe, Pinterest.

I will divide the day into four sections, the first section is 30 minutes, dealing with trivial matters. The rest are about 4 hours each in the morning, noon and evening. I would try to do the same type of work at the same time interval.

Depending on the scale of the project. There are 1 to 7 months.

What the situation will this design be used.

The job for the last of design company that I worked. During the 6 years of working there, in addition to graphic design, I also began to contact other design fields, such as interior design, exhibition design, event design and so on.

Orange Fab Asia, HSBC (Taiwan), IBM (Taiwan), Prudential Life Insurance (Taiwan), AstraZeneca (Taiwan), Novartis (Taiwan)

There is no specific design area. As long as it is way by design, shape the ideas, I like them at all.

Commercialize the works of Taiwanese painters and let more people know Taiwanese painters.

Develop my designs myself.

Currently, I am designing a group portrait of 60 Tai Sui Taiwanese gods, which will first be published in the form of a calendar.
Ps. The 60 Tai sui: in the Chinese zodiac, these 60 heavenly Soldiers, assist the Jade Emperor in taking charge of the well-being of the Mortal World.

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