| THE AWARD |
| CATEGORIES |
| REGISTRATION |
| SUBMIT YOUR WORK |
| ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS |
| TERMS & CONDITIONS |
| PUBLICATIONS |
| DATES & FEES |
| METHODOLOGY |
| CONTACT |
| WINNERS |
| PRESS ROOM |
| GET INVOLVED |
| DESIGN PRIZE |
| DESIGN STORE |
| THE AWARD | JURY | CATEGORIES | REGISTRATION | PRESS | WINNERS | PUBLICATIONS | ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS |
Interview with Zhiwen Tang |
Home > Designer Interviews > Zhiwen Tang |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Zhiwen Tang (ZT) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Zhiwen Tang by clicking here.
FS: 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?
ZT: Art has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Shenzhen, I was captivated by the vibrant colors and intricate details of the world around me. My earliest memories are filled with the joy of drawing with crayons, using them as a means to express my emotions and connect with the world. This passion for art stayed with me throughout my childhood and into my teenage years, ultimately leading me to pursue a degree in art at the School of Visual Art in New York City. This decision marked the beginning of my formal journey into illustration and design. During my college years, I immersed myself in various artistic disciplines, experimenting with different media and techniques. I found myself particularly drawn to narrative and informative illustrations—art that tells a story or conveys information in a visually engaging way. This interest was sparked by my curiosity about society and the world at large, and I began to create pieces that tackled complex topics like culture, gender, and politics. I wanted my art to do more than just look beautiful; I wanted it to make people think and feel. Being an illustrator has always been my dream. It's a journey of continuous learning and self-discovery, where I can use my art to connect with others, tell stories, and inspire meaningful conversations.
FS: What is "design" for you?
ZT: For me, design transcends mere aesthetics; it is a profound means of communication and connection. Design embodies individual spirit, ideas, and emotional significance. As an illustrator, my role extends beyond creating visually appealing images; it involves expressing thoughts, raising questions, inspiring my audience, and fostering meaningful dialogues. Good design should provoke thought, evoke emotions, tell a story, offer new perspectives, and spark conversations. For instance, in my series "Nature and Being," I explored the impact of natural disasters on urban landscapes, encouraging viewers to contemplate the harmony observed in nature and how it can inform our approach to urbanization. Design is about creating connections, using my art to reflect on societal issues, share personal experiences, and inspire others. It is a journey of continuous learning and discovery, where each piece contributes to a larger dialogue about our world.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
ZT: I love designing narrative and informative illustrations the most. These works allow me to tell stories and convey complex ideas in visually engaging ways. I'm particularly drawn to projects that tackle meaningful topics like culture, mental health, and societal issues. Whether it's creating illustrations for children's books, editorial pieces, or personal art, I enjoy the challenge of making each piece resonate deeply with the audience, and discover the connection among media, stories and audience.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
ZT: I believe an artist's inspiration comes from life's experiences, and our sensitive emotions always resonate with the events around us. Birds flying across the sky, the blue sea, and travelers passing by all make me feel the power of life and provide me with endless creative energy. Additionally, immersing myself in books, whether fiction, non-fiction, or illustrated works, opens up new worlds and perspectives. The stories and concepts I encounter often spark fresh ideas and inspire me to explore different themes in my illustrations. These moments make me feel truly connected to my work and inspired to create.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
ZT: As an illustrator, I focus on several key aspects during the design process to ensure my artwork is both visually compelling and narratively engaging. First and foremost, I emphasize storytelling. Every illustration must convey a story or a message, capturing the viewer's imagination and evoking emotions. To achieve this, I pay close attention to composition and layout, ensuring that each element is placed purposefully to guide the viewer’s eye and highlight the narrative. Color also plays a crucial role; I use it to set the mood, create depth, and draw attention to focal points. Additionally, texture is important to me as it adds a tactile quality that can make an illustration feel more dynamic and alive. I often blend traditional techniques with digital methods to achieve this effect. Finally, I strive for a balance between detail and simplicity. While intricate details can enrich a piece, it’s essential to maintain clarity and avoid overwhelming the viewer. These considerations help me create illustrations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply resonant.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
ZT: When I design, I feel a powerful blend of excitement, joy, and serenity. Each stroke and color choice fills me with a sense of purpose and calm, as I pour my heart into creating something meaningful. There’s a thrill in bringing a story to life visually, and a deep satisfaction in knowing my work can resonate with others. Confidence guides my process, allowing me to explore boldly and trust in the beauty of my artistic vision.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
ZT: When my designs are realized, I feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and emotion. It's incredibly moving to see my work come to life and be noticed, knowing that the hours of dedication and passion I poured into it have paid off. I feel proud that the values and ideas I wanted to express are being communicated and resonating with others. This recognition validates my efforts and reinforces my belief in the power of illustration to convey profound messages. There’s also a deep sense of connection and joy in knowing that my art can touch people, spark conversations, and perhaps even inspire them. This emotional journey, from the initial spark of an idea to the final realization and reception of the artwork, is immensely fulfilling and drives me to continue creating with confidence and enthusiasm.
FS: What makes a design successful?
ZT: A successful design, to me, seamlessly combines aesthetics and purpose. It tells a compelling story, evoking emotions and sparking thought. Clarity in conveying the intended message is crucial, as is the ability to engage and resonate with the audience.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
ZT: When evaluating a design, I first look at how well it communicates its intended message. I consider the emotional impact and whether it effectively engages the audience. Composition and balance are crucial, ensuring the elements guide the viewer’s eye naturally. I also focus on the use of color and texture, which should enhance the overall design. Originality and creativity are the most essential, reflecting the unique vision and artistic expression that make a design truly stand out.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
ZT: My design inspiration comes from a variety of sources, deeply rooted in my personal experiences and observations. Nature has always been a significant influence for me. Growing up surrounded by plants, birds, and wildlife, I found myself fascinated by the natural world's rhythm. This fascination is evident in my piece "Joy of Birth," where I depict a gathering of different animal species celebrating new life, symbolizing harmony and equality. Additionally, the bustling urban life of New York City provides endless inspiration. The dynamic architecture, cultural diversity, and vibrant street life all shape my creative vision. For instance, my artwork "City Chaos" reflects the tumultuous and anxious lives of New Yorkers during the pandemic. Books are another vital source of inspiration. Reading stimulates my imagination and introduces me to new worlds and perspectives. Jimmy Liao's children's books, with their rich colors and imaginative settings, have profoundly influenced my storytelling approach. Furthermore, engaging with other artists and immersing myself in various art forms, whether through exhibitions or collaborations, helps keep my creativity vibrant. Traveling also opens up new perspectives and ideas, as seen in my work "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World," where I combine my fascination with space and childhood wonder. By constantly observing, learning, and exploring, I ensure my designs resonate with authenticity and depth.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
ZT: Embrace experimentation and don't be afraid to make mistakes; it's through these experiences that you'll discover your unique style. Continuously observe the world around you, draw inspiration from everyday life, and let your personal experiences shape your work. Build a strong foundation by mastering both traditional and digital techniques. Lastly, stay true to your vision and passion, and remember that persistence and resilience are key to growth and success in the creative field.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
ZT: It can vary greatly depending on the complexity and scope. For simpler designs, such as a single illustration or a straightforward editorial piece, it might take a few days to a week. However, more intricate projects, like a series of illustrations for a children’s book or a detailed cityscape, can take several weeks to months. Each project is unique and presents different challenges, requiring varying amounts of research, brainstorming, sketching, and refining. Additionally, collaboration and feedback stages can also influence the overall timeline.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
ZT: I will say, continuing to explore children's book illustration and creating a therapeutic picture book focused on mental health. I'm excited to collaborate with psychologists to develop this project and aim to use my art to inspire and heal, addressing complex issues with creativity and compassion.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
Press Members: Register and login to request a custom interview with Zhiwen Tang.
| SOCIAL |
| + Add to Likes / Favorites | Send to My Email | Comment | Testimonials |
