We caught up with the brilliant and insightful TC Chou a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi TC, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Talking about this question feels easier when thinking about two decades ago compared to now. The main thing here is to keep the conversation positive and chill. Back then, I kinda thought my personality was just handed to me, you know? Now, looking back, my optimism – a big part of who I am – has changed, influenced by practice being optimistic through live experience. It’s not just about traits you’re born with; life experiences shape you too. I feel like optimism isn’t something you can force; it comes from trying out different ways to live one’s life with peace. Even when things turn out the same, choosing optimism just makes life feel better. It’s a trait that requires practice; it’s how I live. I like that idea and want to highlight that my optimism is a result of choosing to approach life in a positive way. When asked where it comes from, I’d say it’s natural when I was young – and a product of life experiences now, and I’ve chosen to embrace those experiences as the reason I stay positive.
Could you share more about yourself, your journey, and your current professional focus, whether it be a business, not-for-profit, artistic career, or any other endeavor? We’re eager to learn about what you do, what you find most thrilling or unique about it, and any additional details you’d like our readers to know about your brand.
From my perspective, my passion lies in the intersection of design and art. These realms serve as my forte, allowing me to express myself creatively. Specifically, in the art side of Benji’s of Brooklyn, I find the freedom to articulate my feelings and desires through design. On the architectural and interior side with Design Determination, it’s a professional service where I assist others in expressing themselves through the creation of beautiful environments that evoke emotional responses.
Essentially, both aspects boil down to the fundamental concept of expression. One facet involves personal expression, while the other revolves around providing a professional design service for others to convey their feelings and desires through art and design. This passion extends to my involvement in greeting cards, and offering professional design services to help people express themselves.
In terms of common ground, technology plays a crucial role in both fields. While technology is relatively newer for Benji, it has always been intertwined with interior design. Whether it’s green materials, low emission pans, or adapting to societal changes, technology remains an essential aspect. For Benji, the business involves introducing technology to create a shorter but more impactful relationship with customers. In the realm of interior design, the integration of technology aligns with the ever-evolving requirements, trends, and needs of society.
Can you talk about the quality or skills and errors of knowledge that were the most impactful on your journey so far?
Reflecting on this aspect of my life, it kind of ties into paying attention to the process, using it as an example. For instance, in the design world, I focus on the environment people are in, but it’s not like creating fine art that ends up on a museum wall. It’s more about bringing art into everyday life, like in the stationery business I’m part of. The aim is to make art accessible to everyone, not just something hanging in a museum. Initially, I thought about fine art projects that might end up in a museum, but with time, I’ve realized it’s more rewarding to help everyday folks express themselves through art, rather than creating pieces for personal expression on a wall.
This shift means bringing art to the people, making it a part of daily life, as opposed to something to admire in a museum. Also, when it comes to modern art, I get that once a project is done, it might not look pristine, but it’s how it’s interpreted that matters. This ties back to the original focus on voice and uniqueness, where there’s no exact copy of an individual’s expression.
Moreover, there’s a push for accessibility by introducing a seasonal category, making it easier for people to find art that resonates with their preferences. This is a bit different from the earlier idea of being open to anything, showing an understanding of the value in providing options that personally connect individuals with their chosen art pieces.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Our recent greeting card project with the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) reflects our expertise in showcasing a blend of creativity and artistic finesse. Additionally, we’ve explored licensing avenues as well—with possible collaborations involving AR has caught our interest, aligning well with our dedication to staying updated with cutting-edge technologies.
Certainly, when the topic of our openness to collaborations arises, particularly in the dynamic marketing landscape, our response is a definite yes. While the immediate benefits might not be immediately clear, these collaborations serve as important moments for us, acting as catalysts for subsequent marketing and promotional projects.
I’d like to highlight our collaboration with MAD as a significant achievement from the past year. This collaboration not only showcased our capabilities but positioned us as a reliable partner for creative marketing professionals seeking innovation. We’re eager to share not just the tangible outcomes but also the collaborative processes, insights, and the meticulous approach we bring to each project. As part of our outreach strategy, we’re considering including a link to demonstrate a specific product or project, enhancing the visibility of our work.
As we navigate the creative marketing landscape, we extend an invitation to professionals in the field to reach out to us for potential collaborations—especially in the wedding stationery industry and the B2B creative services sector. Your insights and guidance on this matter are highly valued. I’m in the process of drafting the content, including the link, and would greatly appreciate your review to ensure we cover all necessary details. While examples can be detailed, we are committed to presenting a straightforward narrative for clarity, with the flexibility to modify as needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://designdetermination.com and https://www.benjisofbrooklyn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design_determination/ and https://www.instagram.com/benjisofbrooklyn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tc-ta-chiun-chou-leed-ap-b402875/
Image Credits
TC Chou headshot: Li Hsi Ho Photography Greeting card pictures: Our own, no need to credit 111W57 interiors photography: Colin Miller
