Ng Ping Fun Alex

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 not good at studying, I am not good at reading and writing as well as languages. The things I am good at are drawing and daydreaming. That's why I took the course of Industrial Design in the collage, The University of New South Wales. Certainly design is not simply drawing and daydreaming, it involves all sort of knowledges, researches and learning, problem-solving and other relative skills. Throughout my career and individual work experience, I am aiming to improve myself to be a good designer.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I like to design characters, if people can tell about the personality of the characters from appearance, the design is very successful.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I do not have any favorite material, platform or technology. But I do like mix and match of various materials into a single design if possible. I think the outcome is amazing.

When do you feel the most creative?

When I come out with an idea and thought the research found nothing existing in the market yet, I call that the moment I feel most creative. I will feel "I am the one" or "Yeah, this belongs to me".

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

The reason I studied in Industrial Design because the aspect that I focus more during designing is the feasibility of production. If it is not able to be produced visibly, it's just an idea, not a design.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

I do feel pressure and stressful, but I keep telling myself I have to overcome this.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

Successful, I created something in the world everthough it just a tiny object.

What makes a design successful?

Somehow the design is functional on the target group I call this is successful.

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

For society, designer should avoid any circumstances of hazards that would harm to anyone, even the worker in the factory. For environment, always tend to utilize environment friendly materials and eco-friendly design, if possible.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

My design "Upside 3D Puzzle- Pony Alex" was exhibited in Hong Kong Baby Products Fair in January 2014 and won Best of the Fair at Hong Kong Toys and Baby Products Award 2014 – Baby Toys & Activity.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

My inspiration come from my daily life, I like to observe everything especially human behaviour; what , how and why people react on something. I also like to listen, a story, a sentence and a news can give lot of imagination. By then daydreaming in " what if this happen in that way" or " extend the story on my own thinking.

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 believe I have not find my own design style yet because I am still fresh in design industry. I like to give my design a personality, imagine the object is alive. From the creation of the personality, I give them an outfit. This is my design approach.

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 am living and working in Hong Kong now. The rushing culture of Hong Kong do improve designer's working efficiency, however the limit of time lesser the creativity mind and work in details.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

iphone 5S, ipad 2, Rimowa suitcase, adidas shose and Burton snowboard glove.

Can you describe a day in your life?

I wake up at 8:30am in the morning, get change, feed and kiss my cat then go to work. It take about 30 minutes from to office by Bus if no traffic. I will buy a sandwich on the way to office. Then I work all the way from 9 to about 7:30 pm, 1 hour lunch break in noon. If I need to do design task on the day, I like to work with a tall Starbucks coffee. After office hour, I take another 30 minutes back home, buy a dinner on the way home. During dinner time, I sit in front of the computer and work on my personal design project until 12am, then go to shower and bed.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Drawing skill, the fastest and efficient way to convey the idea and concept.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

Pony Alex as an example, my first personal product design project took about a year to realize.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

This is urgent, can you get it done and send to "me" by next minute ?

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

I am a easy going person as well as a team player, sometime I like to work quietly, so both working styles are fine for me.