We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Zhiwen Tang about their original and creative Self Promotion design work. Zhiwen Tang is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original self promotion works.
Zhiwen Tang ("ZT") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World Self Promotion. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
ZT : The main principle behind "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World" is to explore the boundless possibilities of imagination and creativity. The idea was to create a whimsical universe where dinosaurs inhabit the moon, blending elements of fantasy and science fiction. This project was inspired by my childhood fascination with both dinosaurs and space, two themes that naturally evoke a sense of wonder and adventure. By placing these ancient creatures in an unexpected, otherworldly setting, I aimed to spark joy and curiosity in viewers of all ages. The vibrant colors and playful compositions are designed to evoke a sense of fun and exploration, inviting people to imagine a world where the impossible becomes possible. This project also reflects my broader artistic goal of using illustration to tell engaging stories that connect with people on an emotional level. I wanted "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World" to be more than just a series of beautiful images; I wanted it to transport viewers to a fantastical realm where they could let their imaginations run wild.
ZT : In designing "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World," my main focus was to create a whimsical and engaging narrative that would captivate the imagination. I aimed to achieve a sense of wonder and adventure by blending the fantastical elements of dinosaurs with the mysterious allure of the moon. By transporting viewers to a playful, otherworldly setting, I hoped they could explore and enjoy the unexpected combination of these themes. My goal was to inspire joy, curiosity, and a sense of boundless creativity through my illustrations, inviting people to envision a world where anything is possible.
ZT : I’m planning to expand it into a full illustrated book, where I can dive deeper into the story and characters. I also plan to explore merchandise options, like prints and toys, to bring this whimsical world to a wider audience and keep the adventure alive.
ZT : Designing "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World" was a delightful journey that took me about three months from concept to completion. The process involved extensive brainstorming and sketching to bring the whimsical idea to life. I dedicated a significant amount of time to researching dinosaurs and lunar landscapes, ensuring that each element felt both imaginative and cohesive. I also sought input from an artist friend who specializes in paleontology illustrations, which greatly helped refine the dinosaur designs. The actual creation phase involved blending traditional drawing techniques with digital enhancements, allowing me to add intricate details and vibrant colors. Overall, the project was a labor of love, and I'm thrilled with how it turned out, capturing the playful spirit I envisioned.
ZT : I designed "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World" out of a personal desire to pursue an inspiration rather than a commissioned project. The idea stemmed from my childhood fascination with dinosaurs and space and was particularly inspired by a question my younger brother once asked me: "Are there any people on the moon?" Instead of giving him the plain fact, I chose to spark his imagination by creating illustrations of dinosaurs living on the moon. These two diptychs were my way of blending fantasy with curiosity, encouraging kids to dream about the universe and dinosaurs before being grounded by scientific knowledge. Creating this series was incredibly rewarding as it allowed me to push my creativity and inspire others with a playful, imaginative world. The project embodies my goal of using art to tell engaging stories that connect with people on an emotional level and foster a sense of wonder.
ZT : "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World" sets itself apart from other common design projects through its unique fusion of whimsical fantasy and educational storytelling. Unlike typical designs, this project was inspired by a question from my younger brother about the moon, which led me to create a world where dinosaurs inhabit lunar landscapes. This blend of the ancient and futuristic sparks curiosity and creativity in children, encouraging them to dream beyond conventional boundaries. For adults, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder, reminding them of the limitless possibilities of imagination. The detailed, vibrant illustrations engage viewers of all ages, making it a visually captivating and emotionally resonant experience.
ZT : The name "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World" came naturally as it perfectly encapsulates the essence of the project. "Lunar" refers to the moon setting, while "Dinosaur" highlights the ancient creatures that inhabit this fantastical realm. "Fantasy World" captures the imaginative and whimsical nature of the concept.
ZT : Adobe Photoshop.
ZT : The most unique aspect of "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World" is its imaginative blend of dinosaurs, the moon, and Earth elements. By placing dinosaurs in a futuristic lunar setting, the project creates a whimsical and unexpected narrative that captivates both children and adults. This fusion of ancient creatures and space exploration sparks curiosity and wonder, encouraging viewers to dream beyond conventional boundaries. The illustrations also incorporate elements from Earth, creating a seamless connection between the familiar and the fantastical. This combination makes the concept stand out, offering a visually captivating and emotionally engaging experience.
ZT : One of the significant challenges I faced during the design and realization of "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World" was blending the fantastical elements of dinosaurs and the moon in a cohesive and believable way. It was crucial to create a seamless fusion that would captivate the imagination without appearing too disjointed. Achieving this balance required extensive brainstorming and numerous sketches to find the right composition and visual harmony. Additionally, ensuring the illustrations were both engaging for children and appealing to adults was a challenge. This meant incorporating vibrant colors and playful elements while maintaining a level of sophistication and detail that would resonate with a broader audience. Managing feedback and incorporating constructive criticism, especially from my artist friends, was essential to refining the concept. Their insights helped me overcome creative blocks and enhance the overall quality of the project. Despite these challenges, the process was incredibly rewarding, resulting in a unique and captivating final product.
ZT : I decided to submit "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World" to an international design competition because I wanted to share my unique vision with a broader audience. The blend of dinosaurs and lunar landscapes was something I felt had universal appeal, sparking curiosity and imagination. Participating in such competitions also provides valuable feedback and exposure, helping me grow as an artist. I believed in the strength of this project and wanted to see how it resonated on an international platform.
ZT : During the designing of "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World," I learned a great deal about balancing whimsy with coherence. I improved my ability to blend fantastical elements with a believable narrative, ensuring the project was both imaginative and cohesive. This required refining my skills in both traditional and digital illustration techniques, as well as experimenting with different tools and software. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in incorporating feedback from peers, which helped me overcome creative blocks and enhance the overall quality of the work. Overall, the project pushed me to expand my creative boundaries and grow as an artist.
