Designer Interview
35 Froen
I am a self-taught designer with business background. My mom was a fashion designer, i watched her made dresses for me since i was a kid, that influenced me to be a fashion designer now.
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 am a self-taught designer with business background. My mom was a fashion designer, i watched her made dresses for me since i was a kid, that influenced me to be a fashion designer now.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
My company is based in Hong Kong, i started the brand in 2015. My brand is about fashion X art, putting original artwork element into fashion.
What is "design" for you?
Design is a concept that speak for oneself. I draw and i create things that represent me.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like to put colors and different materials together, and merged everything into one piece of design.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Peonies Pleat Top i submitted for A'Design Award. The enlarged floral print is an original Russian watercolour artwork translated into digital print, i enlarged the print and make it eye-catching, combined with the pleat details. Made it one of the most unique and definitely one of a kind apparel.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
My favourite is printed fabric, comfy chiffon material.
When do you feel the most creative?
in the middle of the night
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The overall result. How it looks from top to bottom, from inside out. How it looks on photograph.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Achieving. Especially when the sample is out and looking good.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Achieving. Especially when the sample is out and looking good.
What makes a design successful?
Every design is special and it has its own value. Successful design meaning that getting more audiences who appreciate your design like you do.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
The purpose/ story behind the design.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
It should be something that is eco-friendly or anti-cruelty. such as no chemical waste, no fur and so on.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
The future of design is affordable and it's no longer a dream. Thanks for technology such as 3D printing. As long as you have an idea, you can make it comes true.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Paris, as it is the city of art.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
The sources of inspiration came from dull surrounding. Too much negativity. That makes me created my colourful collection, to bring vibrant colors and positive attitudes.
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?
Contemporary and mysterious. I wanted to do something different from the others yet it is not too eccentric and can also be accepted by most people.
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 Hong Kong, a city with high appreciation of art. Pros, Hong Kong is an open-minded city in Asia, you can always find audiences for any kind of art. Cons, Art scene in Hong Kong is still not as mature as Europe.
How do you work with companies?
I work for myself, but when there has an opportunity working with other company. I always come with an open-mind. Listen, digest and finish the task efficiently.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I find inspiration from the surroundings, i sketch, i source materials, and i make samples.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
Sketch book, pencils, paint brush, needles, thread
Can you describe a day in your life?
I woke up at 9am, i have breakfast at home or in the restaurant, drink a cup of black coffee, and i start to work till 8pm, sometimes 10 pm.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
To follow your heart and listen to suggestion from the others (client). Lower your ego and be humble.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positive is that you can have the freedom to create anything you have in mind. Negative is that most of the time, design can't make a living. Or it takes a very very long time to build awareness of yourself.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Stick to your own instinct.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I go with the traditional way. Paper and pencil
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I set a deadline for the tasks i have to finish for each day.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
About 2 months.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
"Do you make money?"
What was your most important job experience?
Exhibition/ Fashion Show
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Fashion Design, because this is what I'm good at
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Continue to design more and submit my work to more competition and fashion show
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I have a team of seamstress and manufacturer to make samples and inventory.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I've just created a line of beautiful collection features Japanese lace and unique Organza fabric.
How can people contact you?
You may reach me at my email: zera@glancez.com
