Xinyi Yao

Specialized in Design.

Xinyi Yao

About Xinyi Yao

The award-winning graphic designer is known for sharp fashion instincts, creative solutions to complex problems, and cosmopolitan style influenced by experiences in multiple continents. Has worked with elite brands including Vera Wang, L'Oréal, and Miss USA Pageant.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with Xinyi Yao

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 was studying digital animation before I came to the U.S. After I got in Pratt Institute I fall in love with graphic design. The 2nd semester in Pratt, I switched my major to communication design MS program. I believe when you have fun you did the right thing.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I am working for a plus size fashion company in-house design department.
What is "design" for you?
To find a problem, and use design to solve it. Meanwhile, make it pretty if it possible.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I don't have a favorite design, but if mentioned for 2016. I really like 2016 Dior yearbook cover design.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Designers couldn't be selfish, we need to make our design work. We design thing not only because we like it, also because we need to make it work.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
It was 2016 New York Design week. Maybe next one will be A' design award's exhibition.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I would like to try different thing and to get the different experience from life. My life inspired me a lot.
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?
Most my work is about fashion branding and graphic design. I like the elegant and high-end style. I am good at typography and colors. You see my work here: https://xinyiyao.myportfolio.com/
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 living in New York City about 5 years. I like it. This is a great place for a designer. It always comes with pros, didn't see any cons.
How do you work with companies?
We have weekly meeting with markrting people and make a sale plan.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
The good design help to solve the problem, but to enhance sell also need to have a good business plan.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
research, brainstorm, sketch, design, refine, refine, refine.........
Can you describe a day in your life?
Coffee in the morning read some design books and websites, go to work. Thinking, drawing, designing.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Try to do not think it as work, have a fun, you will find your own place in this industry.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positive: Fun and I really can do something that I like for a living. Negative: there are a lot of talented designers out there, you need to always to learn new things to update yourself as the designer.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Thinking it in the subway when I am on my way home, do it when you have the most time.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It really depends on the deadline, fast can be a month or couple of weeks. Slow can be years.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
The most freedom I can have. They allowed me to do something different.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I develop my personal project by myself. But at work, I working with a team.

Extended Interview with Xinyi Yao

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
My undergrad degree was digital animation in China. And then I went to Pratt Insitute for my master degree in Communication Design
How did you become a designer?
I am a visual communication designer, who focuses on prints and digital. I believe when you have fun you did the right thing. I found graphic design is the really fun thing to do.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A good designer makes the pretty design, Great design make things work.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design can help people or company to solve the problem. Bad design can't.
What is your day to day look like?
I design for in-house design department to enhance sell. But if I have time I will design something for myself.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
My secret is that I followed the golden rule: when you have fun, you did the right thing. After I done a project I always ask myself: Did I have fun? If not, I just strat over again still the good design born.
Who is your favourite designer?
My greatest design is the perfume book that I designed. It is the first time I put my passion into the design, and I win graphic design USA.

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