We were lucky to catch up with Youtian Duan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Youtian, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism stems from a deep-seated belief in perseverance and effort. I’ve learned that if I genuinely desire something and dedicate myself fully to achieving it, I will eventually succeed. If I don’t reach my goal, I view it as an indication that I need to try harder or adjust my approach. This mindset keeps me motivated and hopeful, knowing that effort and determination are key to achieving my aspirations.
Furthermore, I have a strong self-awareness that guides my choices. With a clear understanding of my strengths and capabilities, I tend to focus on areas where I have a natural aptitude or where I am confident I can develop the necessary skills. This self-knowledge allows me to direct my efforts effectively and reinforces my optimism, as I pursue goals that align with my abilities and passions. This approach always works for me, and it helps me excel to the extent that I have achieved so far.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and designer, and I am the co-founder of Another.World. Our mission is to create a world where vulnerability is celebrated and self-acceptance is the ultimate goal. In this unique realm, I craft furniture, objects, graphics, and plenty of fun! Through our innovative and humorous projects, we encourage people to confront their inner demons with laughter and resilience.
Another.World is an inclusive space where individuals can embrace their true selves, emerging stronger, more resilient, and authentically themselves. Our designs are more than just functional; they are expressive and playful, inviting people to explore their inner worlds in a safe and joyful manner.
We are excited to announce our participation in the 2024 ICFF WANTED DESIGN, where we won the Best of the Lighting Design award, and the 5th Head Hi Lamp Show as part of New York Design Week. These events mark significant milestones for Another.World as we present our latest collections and interact with a broader audience. We invite everyone to join us and experience the magic of Another.World, where creativity and authenticity shine!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The first quality is passion and constant curiosity. Finding what you love might take time and lead you to some dead ends, but it’s important not to give up. Stay curious and let your passion drive you forward.
The second important quality is self-learning. Often, I need to acquire new skills and knowledge on my own. I always joke with my friends that I have a degree from the University of YouTube cause I learned a lot from this platform. Embrace the challenge of teaching yourself, but also remember that seeking help when needed is crucial. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors, peers, or resources that can aid your learning process.
The third impactful area of knowledge is keeping up with trendy technology. It’s not necessary to master every new tool, but being aware of what’s out there can be very beneficial. Understanding the latest advancements and technologies can help you identify useful tools and opportunities to enhance your work and stay competitive.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Oh, that would be too many! We are always open to new partnerships and collaborations. Specifically, we are looking for:
– Manufacturing partnerships that can help bring our designs to their full potential on a larger scale.
– Gallery showcases that can amplify our voice and present our work to diverse audiences.
– Collaborators who can join us in storytelling and contribute to our creative projects.
– Feedback from anyone who can help us stand firmly in the design world and continuously improve.
We are ready to take on the world, infusing it with our vision, humor, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity. This journey will be shared with every individual who sees our work. Together, we can push boundaries and explore new possibilities.
If you’re interested in collaborating with us, please reach out through our website www.anotherworld.click or connect with me on social media @hello.another.world. Let’s create something amazing together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.youtianduan.com www.anotherworld.click
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duan.youtian/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youtian-duan/
Image Credits
Youtian Duan
2nd – 7th photo edited by Yingxi Ji
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
