Xincheng Zhang

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?

During my time studying art in the university, I began to develop a fondness for exploring and contemplating the application of traditional culture in modern life. Jewelry became a means of expression that can be worn, fostering emotional resonance and connections with the wearer. My interest in art has led me to become an artist/designer.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

Our company/design studio specializes in the application of traditional materials, hand carving, and creation, combined with other mediums. We strive to push the boundaries of design by blending traditional and innovative elements.

What is "design" for you?

Design, for me, is about creating remarkable works that have a profound impact. It encompasses the skillful use of materials, as well as the application of form and functionality.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I enjoy designing works that allow for communication with people. For example, jewelry that can be worn and expresses the personality and qualities of the wearer. I also appreciate creations that foster close interaction, expressing individuality and quality.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

My favorite designs are those that nourish the soul, evoking warmth, and offering beautiful memories or hopes for the future. They reflect on reality, bringing a sense of peace and contentment to the heart.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

My favorite materials are those passed down and recognized by culture throughout history, such as jade representing the virtues of the Eastern gentleman, and gold symbolizing eternity.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel creative every day as creation is an integral part of my life. I am most creative when I have the desire to create, such as when I see outstanding works by others or encounter something beautiful that sparks my creative inspiration.

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

During designing, I focus more on the beauty of materials and how they can be brought to life through the skills of design and craftsmanship, showcasing their vitality.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

When designing, I feel excitement and anticipation. I become deeply engrossed in the exploration of ideas and concepts.

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

When my designs are realized, I feel a desire to continue their development and extension, to see how they can be further explored and appreciated.

What makes a design successful?

A design is successful when there is genuine interest and passion behind it.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

When judging a design as good or bad, I first consider whether it can inspire others.

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

From my point of view, the responsibilities of a designer for society and the environment are to address problems and fulfill people's needs.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

The design field is continuously evolving, driven by advancements in technology, changing societal needs, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. The future of design holds great potential for innovation, collaboration, and interdisciplinary approaches to address complex global challenges.

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

Last year, this year, and every year, I have participated in exhibitions. I am constantly seeking opportunities to showcase my work and connect with a wider audience.

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

The inspiration for my works comes from the rich heritage of materials, gemstones, and their natural forms and structures. These elements spark numerous associations and fuel my creativity.

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 would describe my design style as transformable and multi-wear, a piece of work can be divided and worn in different combinations, and each piece has its own unique qualities and characteristics that come together to form a cohesive whole. It’s like an excellent team composed of different outstanding individuals, each with their own personality and way of presenting themselves. When individuals come together, there is the power of a team.

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 China, where the cultural heritage greatly influences my designs. The advantage is the familiarity with the culture, however, the more familiar the harder it is to break through with new ideas. So I always remind myself to maintain a distance and keep a fresh perspective when it comes to creativity.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

Mutually understand and comprehend each other's requirements, going beyond mere design tasks. Understanding the future applications and impacts of the design influences the present design process. To choose passionate, patient designers who are willing to focus on the design field and are open to accepting feedback.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

I start with exploration, contemplating which mediums to use, whether it be gemstones, metals, or a connection to painting. It is a journey of discovery and the creation of new self-awareness.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

Devialet Phantom Premier amplifiers, Chinese purple clay teapot, Nespresso coffee machine, a lion incense burner made by a Japanese artist, and a Jacob Bengel necklace made in 1935.

Can you describe a day in your life?

A typical day in my life involves morning meetings with the team/clients, afternoon design plan implementation, and evenings dedicated to contemplation and exploring things of interest.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

Being a designer allows me to pursue what I love, but it also presents various challenges on a daily basis.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

My "golden rule" in design is to take action when an idea arises, to get hands-on and start creating.

What skills are most important for a designer?

The most important skills for a designer include mastering visual principles and understanding design fundamentals.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

I use a variety of tools and resources, such as diverse magazines from different fields, to inspire my work.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

To manage my time, I allocate approximately 50% to thinking and 50% to execution.

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

ranging from a few hours to several months, depending on the project.

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

The most frequently asked question I receive as a designer is "What do you design?"

What was your most important job experience?

My most important job experience has been collaborating with exceptional teams to create innovative designs.

Who are some of your clients?

My clients include private individuals and reputable corporate groups.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

I particularly enjoy designing wearable art jewelry because it allows for direct showcasing, immediate impact, deep understanding of the brand, and meaningful communication with clients.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

My future plans involve further exploring my current design style and embarking on more experimental endeavors.

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

I work both independently, developing designs on my own, and collaboratively by organizing teams to accomplish projects.

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

I am currently designing a series of works that utilize traditional precious materials such as gold and jade.

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

I believe we have covered all the essential aspects in these questions.