Meet Lingyi Kong | Creative Technologist, Designer, Digital Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lingyi Kong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lingyi, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
One key factor behind my success has been the resilience I developed in merging two seemingly unrelated fields—illustration and programming. With a diverse academic background, I’ve always been drawn to both the creative and technical aspects of design. However, integrating these disciplines was a challenge that required years of learning, practice, and perseverance.

For instance, mastering creative programming while continuing to refine my illustration skills meant constantly stepping out of my comfort zone. Balancing the deep technical knowledge needed for programming with the artistry of illustration demanded dedication and long-term commitment. But my belief in the potential of combining these worlds kept me going.

A tangible result of this journey is my self-publishing project Goodbye Icarus, where I successfully integrated both disciplines. This experience highlights how persistence and a vision for innovation can lead to truly unique and impactful design solutions.

This version refines the structure and flow while emphasizing the resilience and innovative outcomes that led to your success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a designer with a diverse background, and it is precisely these different identities that have given me a perspective distinct from that of a traditional designer. When I first entered the design field, “good design” seemed to follow a set of established paradigms. However, over time, these paradigms have gradually been deconstructed. Many works that once wouldn’t have been considered “design” are now making their way into the spotlight. This shift has instilled a renewed sense of confidence and creative energy in my design practice.

I’ve noticed that in more traditional circles, there is often an unconscious belief in what constitutes “good design,” and many designers adhere to these established practices. My background in China, however, shaped a different perspective. Growing up, design wasn’t a common term, and the concept of design was often placed on a pedestal. However, through my practice, I discovered that real-world design doesn’t always align with this view. I frequently draw inspiration from unconventional or messy environments; what might be seen as chaotic can still be a fertile ground for design. I enjoy deconstructing design philosophies from the ground up, which ultimately led to the creation of my project, The Ash.

The Ash was born during a time when I had limited access to materials but still wanted to push the boundaries of design. Living in a rural, self-built house, I relied on materials found in the basement—ready-made and semi-finished items became my only resources. The challenge was how to turn these found materials into a cohesive design. I was amazed to find that even under constrained conditions, it was possible to create engaging visual experiments with the right approach. This experience opened a new path of exploring how design can emerge from things unrelated to traditional concepts of “design.”

Since then, I’ve been experimenting with unconventional approaches: using audio editing software to create visualizations, expressing emotions through dynamic elements, and turning everyday materials into unexpected design solutions. For The Ash, for instance, I used black electrical tape to create the initial letterforms of a typeface. Through creative coding, I transformed these into dynamic, variable fonts. The tape represents the smallest unit of a pixel, which I later digitized and applied to my final work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the most exciting places to check out is Printed Matter, Inc., founded in 1976. It’s the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to artists’ books and related publications. Whether you’re an artist or simply a lover of unique, creative works, Printed Matter offers an incredible selection of innovative publications that push the boundaries of traditional print. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art and independent publishing. And I could show my work–Goodbye, Icarus, which sold in the Printed Matter book store.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my journey, there have been many individuals and influences that have shaped my path, but one figure stands out above all: Kazuki Takahashi, the creator of Yu-Gi-Oh!. While I no longer create manga or play the game, Takahashi’s work sparked my initial curiosity about the mysterious and external world. His storytelling and creativity inspired me to take my first steps as a creator, giving me the courage to publish my own work, which led to interviews, professional recognition, and eventually launching my brand, Mars Pharaoh.

In addition to Takahashi’s influence, I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of the many talented designers I’ve worked with throughout my career, who have always been someone I can talk to about anything, providing invaluable support and understanding. Without these connections and their encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: https://lingyikongart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lkong_illust/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lingyi-kong-ba534b23a/

Image Credits
Lingyi Kong