Chia Min Liu

Ever since I was a kid, I had a deep love for drawing and anything beautiful. Those early moments of sketching and doodling made me realize the power of art to touch hearts and convey feelings without words. As I grew older, my passion for creating visual wonders only intensified. I knew then that I wanted to be a designer and artist, where I could share my unique perspective, tell stories, and inspire others through my artwork. The joy and purpose it brings to my life make this journey as a designer and artist incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.

At my current agency, I work as a web3 designer, creating digital art sold as NFTs on different platforms. Besides, I also handle branding and marketing tasks, crafting visual identities that resonate with audiences. Outside of my job, I'm a freelance designer and illustrator, sharing my art through an illustration brand on Instagram. This journey allows me to explore my creative passions, connecting with people through design and art in meaningful ways.

To me, design is life itself. It's like the air we breathe—it's everywhere and essential to our daily lives. It's not just about making things look nice; it's about crafting solutions that work well and feel right. Whether it's the way a website is laid out, the way a chair is shaped for comfort, or the way a painting evokes emotions, design influences how we interact with the world and brings beauty and functionality together. Design is at the core of what I do, and it's what makes everything we see and use special and meaningful.

My favorite kind of design is anything colorful and vibrant. Colors have a remarkable ability to evoke emotions and set the mood, and I find that vibrant designs fill me with energy and happiness. When I work with a palette of lively hues, it allows me to infuse positivity and excitement into my creations. The use of vivid colors brings a sense of joy and dynamism that I find truly inspiring. It's like painting the world with a brush of happiness, and that's why colorful designs hold a special place in my heart.

To me, a "good" design is one that is original and creative. It's about breaking free from the ordinary and presenting fresh, innovative ideas that stand out and captivate the audience. Also, a well-executed design should not only be visually pleasing but also effectively communicate messages. Most importantly, a great design evokes emotions and leaves a lasting impression, connecting with people in meaningful ways.

The idea for my award-winning design came from my own experiences as a heavy social media user. I noticed how people get absorbed in chasing numbers and attention on these platforms, often neglecting real-world interactions. My design depicted individuals engrossed in their phones, symbolizing this issue. It aimed to evoke emotions and prompt viewers to reflect on their social media habits. Winning the award validated the importance of the message, encouraging me to use my creativity to address such contemporary issues.

My main source of inspiration for this design was drawn from my daily life and observations on the internet. As a heavy social media user, I witnessed firsthand the effects of people becoming engrossed in the digital world, often at the expense of meaningful real-life connections. This personal experience motivated me to create a design that highlights the issue and prompts viewers to contemplate their own online behaviors. By combining my own experiences with broader observations of internet culture, I sought to create a design that resonates with a wide audience and sparks a conversation about the impact of social media on our lives.

Yes, my country's cultural heritage has a big impact on my design process. Design is an essential part of my life, and everything around me influences my work. The vibrant colors, traditional art, and ancient architecture in my country inspire my designs. I feel a responsibility to honor our heritage while bringing innovation to my work. Combining the past with the present adds depth and meaning to my creations, connecting with audiences in a profound way. It's an ongoing journey of exploration and celebration through design.

Winning the London Design Award is a huge honor for me. It validates my hard work and creativity in addressing important issues like social media addiction. Also, it motivates me to keep using design for positive change. I'm proud of this achievement and inspired to reach new creative heights in the future.

"Digital Desires" is a series of illustrations exploring how social media affects our identities and self-presentation. Each artwork portrays a character consumed by digital desires, seeking attention and chasing metrics. I entered this project in the London Design Awards because it highlights the impact of social media on our interactions with the world. Through these illustrations, I wanted to start conversations and raise awareness about the influence of social media on our lives and encourage a more mindful approach to its use.

The main challenge I faced during the design process was confronting my own issues with social media. Overcoming it involved self-reflection and understanding how social media affected me. By channeling these insights into the artwork, I created authentic and relatable illustrations that sparked meaningful conversations about its impact on our lives. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of design to address important issues and encouraged personal growth.

Winning this award will have a positive impact on my future as a designer. It will boost my confidence and motivation, inspiring me to continue pushing creative boundaries. The recognition will open doors to new opportunities and collaborations, allowing me to reach a wider audience with my designs. It validates the importance of addressing societal issues through art, and I'll strive to make more meaningful and impactful work in the future.

My top three favorite things about the design industry are its beauty, passion, and fun. The beauty of creating visually appealing and meaningful work, the passion that drives me to constantly innovate, and the sheer fun of expressing my creativity make the design industry a truly rewarding and enjoyable field to be a part of.

My design stands out from others in its category because I use bold and captivating colors, and I'm deeply passionate about illustration. The vibrant colors I use catch people's attention and leave a strong impression. My illustrations are heartfelt and genuine, connecting with viewers emotionally. This unique combination of bold colors and passion sets my designs apart, making them memorable and distinct in their category.

In the next 5-10 years, the design industry will evolve rapidly with advancements in technology like AI, AR, and VR. User experience and interactive designs will be a focus, and sustainability will be more prevalent.

However, designers with genuine passion and humanity will remain crucial. While AI streamlines tasks, the human touch brings emotion and creativity to design. Connecting with audiences on a personal level and evoking emotions is a unique strength that AI can't replicate.

In conclusion, technology will shape the industry, but designers' passion and human insight will always be essential for creating meaningful experiences.

For aspiring designers who aim to create award-winning designs, here's some advice:

1. Embrace Your Passion for Design: Let your passion inspire and drive your creativity. Genuine enthusiasm will elevate the quality and impact of your work.

2. Observe the World Around You Keenly: Be curious and receptive to the beauty and diversity of the world. Seek inspiration in everyday experiences and different cultures.

3. Be Bold in Your Designs, Stay True to Your Humanity: Don't be afraid to take risks and challenge conventions. Infuse your designs with empathy to create meaningful connections with your audience.

For someone looking to improve their skills in the design industry, I would recommend exploring the abundance of resources available. There are numerous online design courses, books, blogs, YouTube tutorials, design communities, and practice opportunities that can significantly enhance your abilities. Taking the initiative to seek out these resources and invest time in self-learning will be key to advancing your skills and expertise as a designer.

Well, here's a little secret I haven't shared with anyone else: I'm just a big fan of purple! I absolutely adore the color and find it so romantic. I must admit, I'm a typical girly person who loves everything that is cute. There's something about the charm and sweetness of cute things that always bring a smile to my face. So, now you know my love for purple and cuteness, it's a part of what makes me who I am.

The person who has inspired me the most is my mom. As a kid, I saw her handcrafted cushions and bags, and her love for drawing and design was evident. Her strong sense of aesthetics and colors has influenced me as a designer. She has been a great source of support and encouragement, driving me to pursue a career in design. Her creativity and guidance have shaped me both personally and professionally, instilling in me a deep appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship. I'm truly grateful for her inspiration, and it reflects in every design I create.

My key to success is to keep trying and never stop learning. I believe that with perseverance and a continuous hunger for knowledge, we can overcome challenges and achieve our goals. As a parting word of wisdom, I would say, "Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, stay determined, and success will follow."