DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
: 2019 is the Year of the Pig in China and I wanted to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a set of vibrant and vigorous images of pigs using simple geometric shapes and bold blazing colors. There would be six pig illustrations and each one would be unique with respect to shape, facial expression, color and gesture. My inspiration was from the stunning scenes of Nordic nature and I wanted to merge those visions with traditional Chinese elements and motifs.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
: The main focus was to create the 6 illustrations of pig with geometric shape and colours.
It was very challenging to create 6 unique pig illustrations with the geometric shapes and colours and to associate them with Chinese idioms about pigs. But after more than a month of creating numerous illustrations, changing their shapes, expressions on the face, colours, gestures and observing people's reactions to the design, the illustrations were finalised. Likewise it was also a very complicated and long process to select and test the paper and printing techniques in order to achieve the best result.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
: It's on the market for selling already.
And it has been exhibited in the art and design galleries and museums already.
I am planning to make some cultural and creative products out from the designs. I hope there will be more opportunities to promote the design and let more people to know about it.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
: About half an year, from the concept development to the final printing and distribution of the project.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
: It was my personal project initially. It was not a commissioned job, that's why I think I can make this project more freely, as what I was intended to create.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
: Yes, it was used by Juneyao airline- a Chinese airline. And it was also sold in book stores, art and design galleries and other online designer shops.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
: Simply become I love the Chinese tradition of Zodiac, and I also have deep feelings for the stunning scenes of Nordic nature.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
: I have started this Chinese zodiac design project 3 years ago, but this year I made it into a product.
I think I am influenced by Nordic design styles and Chinese culture and tradition. In China, it is a good tradition to give red envelopes to friends, family and colleagues on the Chinese New Year.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
: Chinese customers and people who respect and follow the Chinese traditions
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
: The geometric design style with bold blazing colours sets the design apart from others.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
: I just used the name that Chinese calls the red pockets
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
: The illustrations - 6 unique pigs :)
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
: Print house, copy writer, and photographer. They are all professional.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
: It was very challenging to create 6 unique pig illustrations with the geometric shapes and colours and to associate them with Chinese idioms about pigs. But after more than a month of creating numerous illustrations, changing their shapes, expressions on the face, colours, gestures and observing people's reactions to the design, the illustrations were finalised. Likewise it was also a very complicated and long process to select and test the paper and printing techniques in order to achieve the best result.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
: I want to win :D
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
: Many things. How to use colours and combine geometric shapes for the pig illustrations. The printing techniques, the development of packaging design for the work, etc.