10 Questions with Yanming Chen

Her name is Yanming Chen. She grew up in Chengdu, the southwestern Chinese city representing culture, art, and diversity. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a Master’s degree in Communication Design and currently works as a designer in the field of Graphic Design and UI/UX Design with more than three years of professional experience.

She is curious and sensitive. Learning knowledge from related fields, such as illustration and animation, she explores cutting-edge arts and technologies and brings them into her unique work of art. She believes design does not only serve as a tool of communication for designers to output messages to the public but also as a carrier of abstract things such as emotions and as a bridge that bonds between human beings and meaningful objects. Her design is often the illustration of her effort in research and observation through vibrant colors in a minimalistic style.

yanmingc.com

ARTIST STATEMENT

She devotes herself to the path of design for its features in avant-garde concepts, visual presentation, and commercial performance. Her inspiration comes from all details she captures in everyday life. She translates what she observes and how she feels into illustrations in her special tone. The effort she made, and the joy she earned in this process are unprecedented. She believes design is an essential part of her life and career and hopes her works are inspiring and accessible to people who desire cutting-edge art.

Designers worry, Digital, 4880x6823 px, 2022 © Yanming Chen

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and how did you start experimenting with design?

I am a graphic designer and UI/UX designer. Originally from China, I am now based in New York, having graduated from the Pratt Institute with a degree in media design. My education has given me the capacity to apply various tools related to design and armed me with the information required to think like an efficient designer.
Overall, my personal design preferences are inclined towards minimalism. Hence, my designs reflect my grasp of life, function, and aesthetics in a simple way. Moreover, I embrace fresh design styles in order to explain my ideas from different aspects.

Why did you choose design as your career over other forms of art?

I never considered design as a professional choice when I was younger. However, as my studies advanced, I grew to enjoy exploring the various design aspects and genres that permeate daily life. These varied dimensions included traffic signs, neon signs for vendors, commercials, and blockbuster films. Unlike the effects of conventional art presented in exhibition halls and galleries, commercial design and entertainment pieces can give a great deal of interest to life. I believe that art is emotive. It reverberates with audiences via media such as painting, sculpture, and music. Art enables emotionally expressive individuals to express themselves, whereas design is typically more rational. Thus, it can communicate the emotions of the creator while serving business goals.

Scaling inc. branding, Digital, 2022 © Yanming Chen

What are your influences and source of inspiration?

The origins of quality design should be found in life. It should start with experience and gain inspiration from the ordinary. Although human life is a straight line with a definite path, it is also constantly evolving. Consequently, with the accumulation of age and experience, life itself becomes rich in variety and vitality. Throughout this process, there is an ongoing comparison and reference, as well as the recognition of both common ground and contrasts between my life manifestations and those of others. This procedure enables me to grow as a designer. In addition, it is the source of my creativity and design inspiration.

Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? How do you start and work on a new design project?

The research process is essential to the creative process. No matter the type of design being created, it is crucial to undertake the necessary research. When I create a piece of art, I examine what I wish to say and the message that it is intended to convey. It is not sufficient to have a beautiful image; the message you wish to express is crucial and cannot be neglected. It is not sufficient to just mimic popular forms that already exist. Rather, you must build your own unique position.

What are, in your opinion, the key aspects of a good design project?

From the perspective of a graphic designer, information transmission is one of the most critical parts of outstanding design. I want my work to resonate with its target audience and elicit positive feelings and emotions. I hope to express the significance of the work's meaning as efficiently as possible through the design and a small amount of verbal storytelling. I acknowledge, however, that not everyone can relate to my work. Those who do not get what I am attempting to say will perhaps find aesthetic enjoyment in my basic, harmonious, and elegant design style.

You work on different types of design, from packaging and products to visuals and apps. What is your favorite project as a designer so far?

The Scaling Inc. project is my favorite. This design was inspired by the computer science conversion of hexadecimal code to binary code, whereby every four binary codes may be converted into one hexadecimal code. The matrix wafer's distinctive shape and the device's industrial appearance connote efficiency, adaptability, quick development, and innovation. Despite the fact that my personal style is typically minimalistic, Scaling Inc's branding was not minimalist. The overall color scheme was wilder, and the design was more complex than it would have been for a minimalist project. It was a remarkable experience for me. This project is not only a collection of flat stationery but also a mobile phone wallpaper that connects different types of patterns.

Do you find that the shift to digital exhibitions and art fairs has helped you promote your work?

Today's society is more digital than ever before. This growing digital presence, which includes cell phones, computers, and even large screens in Times Square, has made individuals dependent on digital items. Digital exhibitions and art fairs have significantly increased audiences beyond traditional local exhibitions, making it possible to view artists' works regardless of their physical location. In a similar manner, I can now present my work online, which not only allows more people to view my work and expands my influence, but also encourages me to investigate which kinds of expression can improve the viewability of digital work.

What do you think about the art community and market?

The use of digital forms has also evolved the art community. Online platforms and groups enable artists from a variety of backgrounds to continuously view, share, and discuss art. These new opportunities have allowed me to explore a variety of styles and create relationships. Even though a headwind is currently challenging the global economy, I believe the art market will cool off and recover once we emerge from these difficult times.

Finally, any projects or exhibitions you are looking forward to this year?

In 2023, I would like to attend a number of exhibitions. Currently, I am preparing for the London Art Biennale, after which I will create an exhibition that blends current technologies and VR/ar art. I have numerous ideas, but the process of putting them into practice involves much research and an element of inspiration. I hope that each of my endeavors will offer audiences a refreshing experience.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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