Interviste con Favie Chiu

The main principle and inspiration behind my design revolve around the visual narrative of a woman contemplating her life. She is depicted as feeling hesitant and apprehensive about making a change, yet surrounded by a vibrant and sparkling atmosphere filled with colorful possibilities. The key idea is to convey the message of courage and empowerment—to encourage the woman to be brave and embrace the unknown future ahead. The imagery of the woman pondering and gazing into the distance reflects the uncertainty of the future and the introspective nature of the journey she is undertaking.

My main focus in designing this work has been on developing a cohesive visual design system and crafting a compelling key art story. I aimed to create a design that could be applied across various mediums, platforms, and materials while maintaining its integrity and effectiveness. Specifically for the film festival deliverables, I wanted to demonstrate the flexibility of the design system. Each product was designed to serve a meaningful purpose for the audience, with the intention that they would collect and appreciate them as mementos of the festival experience.

I am planning on showing at Women in Design SF.

Initially, it took me about 6 months to develop this particular concept. However, due to work and personal commitments, I set it aside for a while. In 2023, I revisited the project, reorganized and rearranged some of the designs, and completed the process in approximately 3 months.

This is a self initiated conceptual project. I was inspired by Miranda July and really want to show my admiration of her film stories.

No, It is a conceptual project. I am not planning on selling the project, but I would love to collaborate within this concept.

What inspired me to design this particular type of work was my love for creating visual identities and key artwork for campaigns or events. When I watched Miranda's film "Me and You and Everyone We Know," I was instantly captivated by the story. It sparked the idea that it would be amazing if more people could discover and engage with her films, perhaps through a festival where film lovers could come together to share and discuss the meanings of the stories.

Yes, April Greiman. I was particularly inspired by her bold use of color and collage-style designs. Her work gave me the idea of using bright colors and unknown shapes to convey the quirky and uncertain feelings expressed in Miranda July's film. Greiman's innovative approach to design encouraged me to experiment with unconventional visual elements to capture the essence of the story in my own work.

Women in particular, and people who are interested in knowing Miranda July’s films.

What distinguishes this film festival design from other similar concepts is its quirky and playful aesthetic, which effectively captures the essence of Miranda's unique style. Unlike designs that may directly depict the main characters or scenes from the films featured in the festival, this design focuses on a summarized idea inspired by Miranda's films. This approach adds a layer of abstraction and intrigue, setting it apart and making it more memorable for festival attendees.

The name for this design, "Forever, Never, and Ever," was inspired by the key art story itself. It reflects the theme of uncertainty and contemplation, as the woman depicted in the design ponders her next move and considers her future. These three words encapsulate the range of emotions associated with such moments of decision-making. While "Never" may suggest hesitation or fear of change, "Forever" and "Ever" offer a sense of possibility and courage to embrace the present moment and seize opportunities. Ultimately, the name conveys the idea that the choice to act is transformative—it can lead to a life lived fully, where "Now" becomes both "Forever" and "Ever."

Adobe CC, Figma, laser cut machine for prototyping, spray paint for some small elements and book binding for catalog.

The most unique aspect of my design is its ability to encapsulate the essence of Miranda's style in a quirky and visually captivating manner. Instead of directly depicting the main characters or scenes from the films featured in the festival, the design offers a summarized representation inspired by Miranda's storytelling. This abstract approach adds a layer of intrigue and originality, setting it apart from more literal interpretations commonly found in similar festival designs.

I collaborated with the laser cut shop staff to learn techniques for intricate designs. I also consulted friends with industrial design backgrounds for advice on prototyping and spray painting methods.

Technology is integral to this design, particularly in prototyping and production. Laser cutting technology enabled intricate designs, while digital design software facilitated conceptualization and refinement.

My design process was primarily driven by visual research and exploration rather than data or analytical research. I focused on gathering inspiration from various sources, including art, film, and literature, to inform the direction of the key art. This involved collecting mood boards, studying visual trends, and immersing myself in the aesthetic elements that resonated with the storytelling style of Miranda's films.

Finding a common thread in Miranda's different films and getting the right materials for the prototype were big challenges. I had to do a lot of digging on materials and get creative to figure it all out.

I decided to submit my design based on a suggestion of a friend. She encouraged me, mentioning that it would be great to let more people know about my work.

During the designing of this work, I learned how to utilize various materials to create prototypes. Experimenting with different materials allowed me to effectively convey the mood and essence of the key art story. It was a journey of exploration to find the right physical materials and colors that complemented the digital designs. This experience not only improved my understanding of material properties but also enhanced my ability to translate digital concepts into tangible, tactile experiences.

I studied Advertising for my undergrad. During college, I thoroughly enjoyed the film production course. After graduation, I assisted my friends in working on some music video projects. It became clear to me that graphic design played a significant role in film; regardless of the quality of editing, typography on screen could seamlessly integrate with the video and enhance the overall quality of the work. This realization prompted me to pursue a Master's degree in Graphic Design.

I love going to museums and seeing art shows. Seeing art pieces truly inspires me to be creative.

The reason why I became a designer is just because I really enjoy the work I am doing, and I think design really helps people to have a better quality of life.

I choose to be a designer. When I was in college, I realized how important the design can improve the aesthetic of a video, and have a successful art piece.

I do visual design the most in my career, focusing on product design the most. I wish to do motion graphics more because I still very enjoy making films and videos.

Really just getting yourself involved in the design community, make more connections. I believe that designers can help each other grow and learn very fast.

A good designer works professionally and delivers high-quality final products. A great designer, however, develops a holistic design strategy and conducts thorough research centered around the core design concept.

It’s when the functionality and usability really meets the audiences needs. I would evaluate a design based on the objective and see if it really solves the problem with a thoughtful comprehensive design final piece.

The value of good design enhance the quality of people’s life. It can benefit people in many ways, for example, A good chair design may consider how the form that help people to reduce back pain, also give a steady support when the user sit on it.

I would like to design a shop that has a collective of design items which helps both the designer to promote their design and the consumers to engage with good design.

I am very interested in environmental issues, I’d like to consider raising the awareness of fast fashion, and promote sustainable brands which have good quality of the material that help people’s daily wear last longer.

Research, the more I know about the competitors of what I am designing for, the more I understand how to find the unique point of view to convey the concept of the design.

Raphael and George, who owned the Printed Goods Design Studio. I like how they put the art into people’s daily life.

My most recent favorite is KISMAS’s lamp design, the light design was very thoughtful with a different kind of glasses, which gives different vibes for the atmosphere.

There was a diary panel (12x12) I designed years ago, The story was about a sunny day at the flea market. It was a great experience because I had them printed on the farbirc I found in flea market.

Listen to others feedback, I think feedbacks are valuable, it usually gives me ideas on how to improve.

I don’t know, I might become a filmmaker.

For me, design is a process of thoughtful creation that transforms ideas into tangible realities. It’s about making life better by improving how things work and how they look, ensuring that they are both functional and delightful to use.

My design friend, Hamda, she encourage me to do a lot of creative ideas. My biggest suppoter are my family, my mom, my daughter who gives me energy to do better.

Listen to others, have a humble mind, and always learning.

Imposter Syndrome, Doubting my skills and feeling like I wasn't good enough; Finding the right path to solve the design problem, I have been always going side tracks when working on design project, focusing on the problem to solve wasn’t always easy for me.

I think designers should present their work with a clear navigation in mind, having clear hierachy and good asthetic would also support the presentation.

I am working on some environmental related issue that people are facing now. Especially in fast fashion.

Contribute to the design community. There are ups and downs in my career, and I always found some good designer friends who gave me advice on how to overcome these challenge. Now, I’d like to help others if they are facing challenges as well.

People expect an esteemed designer to bring a high level of expertise, creativity, and innovation while maintaining professionalism, attention to detail, and effective communication. They also anticipate leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.

Design helps create a better society by solving problems, improving functionality, and enhancing user experiences, leading to more efficient, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing environments and products.

I am excited about a design project for a collective shop of designer items with my designer friends, we select items that are inspiring and make people feel good in their daily life.

Hands on projects all makes me feel satisfied because I really enjoy making good crafts.

I would like to see increased emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices, greater inclusivity and diversity, and a stronger focus on user-centered design in the industry.

The design field is likely headed towards deeper integration with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and advanced materials.

It depends on the project, if its a branding project with a identity guildeline, it usually takes about 2-4 months.

I always begin with research, analyzing competitors or similar concepts, and defining the moodboard before designing. Once the draft design's look and feel are established, I consult with friends or potential users to gain insights and make adjustments based on their suggestions.

My life motto as a designer is that amidst the chaos of our world, the beauty of design deserves recognition and appreciation.

Design and trends influence each other mutually; designers innovate to set trends, while trends reflect societal shifts and influence design.

Technology empowers designers to innovate, streamline processes, and integrate functionality and aesthetics effectively.

I use Adobe and Figma the most.

Color, materials, and ambient elements play crucial roles in design by influencing mood, perception, and functionality. They contribute to creating cohesive and engaging experiences that resonate with users and enhance the usability and aesthetic appeal of a design.

I wish people would ask about the thought process behind the design decisions, how the design improves their experience.

I am admire! And want to know more how they come up with this idea.

My ideal design partner would be someone experienced in motion design and coding. I strongly believe in co-design as it brings a more holistic perspective to a design project.

I have a lot of artist friends, I always like to listen their ideas behind, these really gives me a big picture of how to think of the approach when it comes to a design project.

The Art of Co-Design, I learned how to colloborate with others and become more efficient.

Learning, trying new methods, meeting new people.

April Greiman, I want to learn how she started with all these creative ideas of using technology when people just started to using computer.

I feel good, and feel grateful. I don’t think it is hard as long as you are able to finish the work.

Favorite color: beige, place: in the woods, food: salad with shrimp, season: winter, things: I like collecting little pieces that I think the design is good, brand:Acne Studio

I was discussing a project with my co-worker, and we both replied the same idea simultaneously. It was amazing how our minds connected.

Seeing some new updates of my favorite design brands. I motivate myself by starting design something with my mood or a feeling to encourage myself.

No, I don’t think it is obvious, I like to go with the flow.

I see the world could be a lot different than what we are used to now, everything become more efficient and convenient with the technology.

I’d like to collaborate with you if possible, and I want to know how you feel when you do design.

I studied Advertising for my undergrad. During college, I thoroughly enjoyed the film production course. After graduation, I assisted my friends in working on some music video projects. It became clear to me that graphic design played a significant role in film; regardless of the quality of editing, typography on screen could seamlessly integrate with the video and enhance the overall quality of the work. This realization prompted me to pursue a Master's degree in Graphic Design. By the time I completed my graduate studies, mobile app design had become immensely popular. I found the prospect of designing something practical for people's daily lives intriguing, as it could potentially simplify their lives. I've always had a passion for designing or creating things. In my youth, I even designed a T-shirt for my high school class.

I currently work as a visual designer on the Google Payments team, where I help people have delightful and seamless experiences making digital payments.

Design is a visualization tool that helps people strengthen the connection between verbal ideas and emotions.

Anything in digital and animation, especially the design can help people improve their quality of life, or give people a positive impression.

Back in 2019, I had a chance to work with Ethera Creative, making an immersive experience for Diversified Technology. They wanted to showcase how Sony CLED screen and Analog way projector can integrate together for displaying products and films on screen. It was such a joyful experience working with Ethera Creative, and learning how to produce video for large screen displays.

I designed some facial tissue boxes for a company called Jingdin in Tainan, Taiwan.

My favorites are films, animations, analog photography, and typography.

I am weird. When I feel sad, or under pressure. I have this instinct that tells me to solve the current situation. I obviously do not like to be in these situations. When I am sad, I like to write in my sketchbook, and draw. Mostly just expressing my feelings. It always starts with writing, like a diary, but after a while, it’ll become a story or an experimental typography piece with different shapes and curves.

Beauty, Expressiveness and User Experience

Like I said, it’ll start with some negative emotions, like anxious, nervous, sad and mad. But after a while, I really enjoy the different design possibilities and combinations. I become excited, and want to find the best solution for the design I am working on.

I am an introverted person, I normally feel shy and nervous when my designs are realized, but deep in my heart I also feel excited.

Having empathy for the users or viewers, and they can relate to the design piece.

The detail and the completeness. A good design pays attention to both macro and micro aspects, ensuring that every element is thoughtfully considered and executed.

Design is powerful; it can raise awareness of ideas and inspire action. Designers have a responsibility to consider the impact of their work on society and the environment, promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical practices. By creating solutions that are visually compelling and socially and environmentally responsible, designers can contribute to positive change in the world.

The design field has evolved from producing well-crafted productional-based work to more conceptually creative ideas, especially when AI can help to do the production work. As AI becomes increasingly capable of handling production tasks, designers are freed from repetitive tasks and empowered to focus on higher-level creative thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.

The future of design is one of boundless creativity, enabled by technology, and driven by a deep understanding of human needs and aspirations. Designers will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the world around us, creating experiences that enrich lives, foster connections, and drive positive change.

It was a group exhibition at the Chocolate and Art Show at SOMARTs. I am planning to show my work via Women in Design SF for the SF design week 2024.

My design inspiration primarily stems from my observations of life experiences. I constantly seek inspiration from the world around me, drawing from everyday encounters, interactions, and observations. Whether it's noticing a problem in my daily life or discovering a moment of beauty in the mundane, I am always on the lookout for opportunities to apply design thinking to improve situations or evoke emotions.

My design style can be described as playful and colorful, often incorporating elements of whimsy and double meaning with words. I am drawn to the challenge of finding the balance between sophistication and playfulness, as I believe it adds depth and intrigue to my work. I explore this style because I find joy and satisfaction in creating designs that spark curiosity and delight. I enjoy pushing the boundaries of traditional design conventions and injecting a sense of fun and levity into my work.

I was born and raised in Taiwan, and currently live in San Francisco. Taiwan's got this cool mix of cultures, like a blend of Japanese vibes, and that's definitely rubbed off on my design style. Taiwanese designers are super creative, but the downside is that companies there don't always give design the props it deserves, which can affect how much we earn.

I start by understanding their needs, then I propose a plan with a price. They can adjust it as needed before we finalize the details.

I’d say, to work with a designer, find someone whose style you like and trust their skills. Look for a designer with a clear process and a portfolio that matches your brand. And, giving them freedom to make good designs.

I always begin with research, analyzing competitors or similar concepts, and defining the moodboard before designing. Once the draft design's look and feel are established, I consult with friends or potential users to gain insights and make adjustments based on their suggestions.

IKEA Kallax shelf, Silver feet vase, LED Corner Floor Lamp, NUNA Stroller, AWAY luggage.

As a new mom, my day is all about my kiddo. I spend most of my day taking care of my daughter, and I have some free time after she goes to sleep at night. This is the time when I am doing some work and looking for some improvement for my home.

Explore more possibilities, be kind, and make more connections. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Because these mistakes can help you learn and grow.

From where I stand, being a designer has its ups and downs. On the bright side, it's super satisfying creatively; you get to leave your mark, and there's always something new to learn. But sometimes, it's tough to let go of your designs, dealing with the gap between what you dream up and what's actually doable, and handling the stress of deadlines. Still, it's satisfying to nail a design and showcase your unique style.

Define the clear strategy that fits the objective.

The most important skills for a designer include actively listening to your audience, client, and users. Understanding their needs, preferences, and feedback is crucial for creating designs that effectively communicate messages and solve problems.

I use Figma the most these days, and also Adobe CC. Some AI apps can be powerful when making design pixel-perfect. I have the book Symbol* by Steven Bateman which is always my favorite to look at when seeking for design inspiration.

I manage my time effectively by setting the goal of completing the design 1-2 days before the deadline. This allows me to have a holistic view of the piece before diving into the details. By giving myself this buffer, I can refine and perfect the design without feeling rushed, ensuring a high-quality end result.

The time it takes to design an object from beginning to end varies depending on the scope of the design task and whether the brand is pre-existing. Typically, for smaller projects like a book, catalog design, or a website with all the contents and brand elements readily available, it can take between 2 weeks to 1 month to complete. However, larger and more complex projects may require more time for thorough research, conceptualization, and execution.

What is it like to work at a large tech company?

Working at Ethera Creative, the design studio. I learned a lot and knew what I would like to be as a designer.

I had some small local businesses as client before.

Motion Graphics. I love to fine-tune the pacing and transform shapes into the next frame. Super fun and addictive. I enjoy motion graphics the most.

My next goal is to work on projects focused on mitigating roadkill incidents involving animals. I'm passionate about finding solutions to prevent these accidents and improve safety for wildlife. It's an area where design can make a tangible impact on the environment and animal welfare, and I'm eager to contribute my skills to such meaningful initiatives.

It depends, but I like to work as a team more than making designs myself.

I am working on a social channel which has a wide range of selections, including collective toys, home deco, and handmade art pieces with my design friends who also love to share what they love to elevate the quality of daily life called “+mood”. It was a joyful experience working on the visual identity for our channel. We shared our creative design ideas and found the suitable name, icon for it. We started with finding the common traits between 3 of us, and deep dived into these traits, meanwhile, we also discussed what we loved to share with the audience, to have a better sense of what the channel identity should be to represent these selections and us.

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