We recently connected with Hanyue Song and have shared our conversation below.
Hanyue, 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 alive as a visual communication designer, I engage in a blend of continuous learning and maintaining a sense of childlike wonder. This approach helps me connect deeply with my audience, ensuring my designs are not only visually appealing but also meaningful and effective in communication.
Nature profoundly influences my work, offering a wellspring of inspiration. I incorporate natural elements and everyday objects into my designs, allowing me to explore and reflect on the world around us. This is evident in my “Still Life” series of illustrations, which communicates warmth and care, and has been recognized with the Merit Award of Communication Exhibition for Asia-Pacific Visual Arts. My performance installation, “Where is my fresh air?”, further showcases my commitment to environmental consciousness, reflecting on the fragility and value of our natural world. Similarly, my handmade polymer clay accessories often draw on natural themes and include materials like shells and wooden pieces, demonstrating how nature’s aesthetics can be seamlessly integrated into design.
My curiosity drives me to explore new concepts, as seen in my project, “Innate Music Festival.” This work harnesses complementary colors and creative imaging techniques to effectively communicate positive energy, earning accolades such as the gold IDA Design Award and the silver Muse Creative Award. These explorations keep my creative approach fresh and dynamic.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a visual communication designer, my work is centered around crafting designs that are visually arresting and effectively communicate their intended message. The most thrilling aspect of my profession is the harmonious blend of artistry and practicality. Each project is a new adventure, a puzzle where aesthetics and functionality intertwine. My approach is deeply enriched by my cultural heritage and a broad, multidisciplinary perspective, allowing me to imbue each piece with uniqueness and depth.
My passion extends beyond design and technology; I am deeply immersed in the world of art. I find joy and creative expression in doodling and illustrating, where my thoughts and visions take a tangible form. Handicrafts are another facet of my artistic journey. Working with polymer clay pieces provides me with a tactile and intimate creative experience, offering a contrast to my digital endeavors.
In a world often marred by conflict and unrest, I believe in the importance of showing support for those affected. My work, therefore, transcends mere aesthetic appeal, aiming to resonate on a deeper, more humane level. It’s about connecting with audiences, not just visually, but emotionally and intellectually, driving a message of awareness and empathy.
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?
In my career as a visual communication designer, three key qualities have been pivotal:
1. Curiosity and Continuous Learning: The design field is always evolving. Stay up-to-date and expand your skills constantly. For beginners, follow design trends, attend workshops, and experiment with new techniques.
2. Empathy and Audience Understanding: It’s crucial to connect with your audience. Develop empathy to create designs that truly resonate. New designers should engage with diverse groups and prioritize user feedback.
3. Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The ability to adapt and solve problems creatively is essential. View challenges as growth opportunities. Work on varied projects and embrace complex problems to build resilience.
My advice for those starting out is to focus on these three areas: be constantly learning, empathetic towards your audience, and adaptable in your problem-solving approach. These skills will set a solid foundation for a successful career in visual communication design.
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?
As a visual communication designer, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into my creative process presents a significant challenge. AI in design brings a host of new tools and capabilities, like automation and data-driven insights, revolutionizing traditional design methods. However, the key challenge is to balance these technical advancements with the human elements of design, such as creativity and emotional intelligence. Ensuring that the designs maintain authenticity and human touch amidst AI’s efficiency is my primary focus.
To tackle this, I am exploring a synergistic approach between AI and human creativity. This involves staying updated with AI advancements and experimenting with these tools, while also honing my intuitive design skills. The objective is to use AI to enhance, not replace, the creative process, ensuring that the final designs resonate deeply with human emotion and creativity, even as they benefit from AI’s powerful capabilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hysong.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanyue.song/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanyuesong/
Image Credits
Hanyue Song I’M NOT A BARISTA ™
