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

Hi Mingfei, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

From middle school, I systematically pursued fine arts, positioning myself for a future as an artist. During college, I specialized in Environmental Art, particularly attracted to spatial design. Thus, I decided to deepen my expertise in this area. In my perspective, art forms the backbone of interior design. It inspires the concept drawings or images created during the research and development stages of my design projects. Interior designers, working with architectural structures or interior spaces, draw inspiration from a diverse range of art forms. While there are differences between art and design, they also intersect. In my creations, I often incorporate artistic elements, such as visual focus, rooted in a thorough understanding of a particular space.

From a young age, the atmosphere of art profoundly influenced me, sparking a lifelong dream to be a part of the art industry. Today, I’m establishing a business to make that dream a reality.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My design journey, though challenging at times, has been a source of immense joy and personal growth.

For over a decade, I’ve specialized in art. I studied professional painting in junior high school, majored in interior design in college, and eventually set up my own design studio after graduation. The journey was far from easy. To establish a reputable standing in the field, I remained committed to my initial goals. A positive attitude served as my greatest motivator during the most challenging times. My enduring passion for the craft was enough to keep me going. Overcoming difficulties required not just a resilient mindset but also tenacity.

What makes me most proud is that my prime focus isn’t commercial gain but the joy I derive from artistic creation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Given the choice, I would opt for a natural scenic spot. One of the most surprising aspects of a journey is unexpected discoveries, like the sudden unveiling of beautiful landscapes, nostalgic scenes, and natural environments. This is strikingly similar to the process of creating a design. In the initial stages of a project, brainstorming often leads to sudden sparks of inspiration, which can eventually become the highlights of the final design. Divergent thinking and free association facilitate these flashes of inspiration, much like an unexpected discovery during a journey.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Over the years, I’ve been involved in various design competitions and international exhibitions that have significantly shaped my perspective on art and design. Engaging with designers from diverse industries and cultural backgrounds, and appreciating their exceptional work, I’ve come to understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all standard for good design.

Leonardo Da Vinci is a master I greatly admire. His prolific works span an array of disciplines, including art, science, and military. Taking inspiration from Da Vinci’s scientific perspectives, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of how to fuse mathematics and aesthetics. Spatial design, to me, bestows beauty upon people through its inherent functionality and symbolic meaning.

Instagram: cynthia_6liu

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