We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sean Guo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sean, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
To keep my creativity flowing, I always look for ways to see the ordinary in extraordinary ways. Every day, whether I’m in a design studio or a fabrication lab, I challenge myself to view simple objects as opportunities for art and innovation. I ask myself, ‘How can this be different? How can it tell a story?’ By turning these thoughts into a sort of art, I find new angles and inspirations that keep my designs fresh and exciting. It’s this constant questioning and exploration that helps me provoke emotion, inspire interaction, and transform ordinary objects into artifacts of beauty. This process of reimagining and recontextualizing everyday items ensures my creative process is continuously evolving, keeping the flame of creativity vibrant and dynamic. It’s how I merge design, technology, and fashion in unexpected ways and keep myself engaged with my projects.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Sean Guo, an industrial designer and multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. My work embodies the convergence of design, technology, and fashion, shaped by extensive experiences across leading product design studios, avant-garde interior design firms, and cutting-edge fabrication labs. These diverse environments have not only honed my expertise in design and 3D creation but have also expanded my perspective, enabling me to create designs that are bold, imaginative, and seamlessly integrate form, function, and beauty.
My design philosophy is deeply rooted in transforming everyday objects into artifacts of beauty and innovation. This belief drives every aspect of my work, pushing me to challenge the conventional and turn the mundane into the remarkable. I am particularly excited about my upcoming exhibition at the Sasse Museum of Art in LA, titled ‘Un-defined Sensibilities.’ This showcase will present some of my latest thoughts on daily objects, which is part of my design collection “Archetype_”, exploring how they can transcend their utilitarian purposes to evoke emotions and provoke thought.
In my creative process, I blend historical elements with contemporary themes, balancing utility with aesthetics. This approach allows me to forge new connections and uncover layers of meaning, recontextualizing everyday objects as not merely tools but as integral parts of our lives, rich with stories and possibilities.
As the design landscape continues to evolve, my focus remains on the potential of ordinary objects to enrich our lives through both their function and their form. The upcoming exhibition is a testament to this journey, presenting a narrative that challenges viewers to rethink their relationships with everyday objects and appreciate their hidden depths.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey as a designer and artist, three core qualities have been instrumental in shaping my career: continuous learning, bravery, and the ability to forge meaningful connections.
Continuous Learning: The field of design is ever-evolving, with new technologies, materials, and philosophies emerging regularly. Maintaining a posture of continuous learning has allowed me to stay relevant and innovative. For those starting their careers, I encourage a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Dive deep into your interests, stay curious about emerging trends, and always be willing to learn from both successes and failures.
Bravery: The creative path is often strewn with uncertainty and challenges. Being brave doesn’t just mean taking risks; it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and daring to present new ideas to the world, even when you might face criticism. This bravery has enabled me to push the boundaries of traditional design and venture into uncharted territories with confidence. My advice for emerging designers and artists is simple: don’t be afraid to fail. It’s through these failures that the most significant growth often occurs.
Connection: Building strong relationships within the industry has opened numerous doors and provided an invaluable support network. Networking isn’t just about professional gain; it’s about learning from peers, mentors, and even competitors. These connections can inspire, challenge, and motivate you to elevate your work. I urge new creatives to actively seek out and nurture these relationships, be it through collaborations, attending industry events, or engaging in community projects.
To those early in their creative journeys, embody these attributes. Be open to learning, be brave in your creative expression, and invest in the connections that will guide and support you. These foundational elements can profoundly impact your career, just as they have mine.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
One of the main challenges I’m facing right now is managing the sheer volume of projects I have underway. The scale and diversity of these projects require a shift in my approach from solely being a designer to also thinking like a project manager. This involves not just creative design but also planning, funding, and executing multiple initiatives simultaneously.
To address this, I’m learning more about project management techniques and tools that can help streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Additionally, securing funding has become a critical focus area to ensure that each project not only starts off strong but also has the necessary resources to succeed.
Another important step I’m considering is building a dedicated team. This team would not only share the workload but also bring diverse skills and perspectives to the table, enriching the projects and fostering a collaborative creative environment.
For anyone facing similar challenges, I recommend focusing on developing strong organizational skills and understanding the basics of financial management and team leadership. These competencies are crucial as you scale your work and can greatly influence your ability to manage multiple projects successfully.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://seans.works/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2092_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanguo7/
