Meet Qiaosen Yang | Graphic Designer, Sculptor &creator

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

Hi Qiaosen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was never something I had always dreamed of, nor did the idea originally appeal to me. After completing my graduate degree, I began working as a graphic designer for a well-known Chinese media corporation. It was an ideal job in everyone’s eyes, especially in the highly competitive Chinese job market. Everything about the job seemed great—good pay, lovely coworkers, and a superb working environment. However, I found myself stuck in a cycle of repetition, as the nature of the work required me to produce designs that were merely “good enough” for the company. That was not what I wanted, nor was it the reason I had chosen a creative career in the first place.

I knew with certainty that I had to break free from my comfort zone in order to take on more challenging, exciting, and meaningful work. Between quitting my job at the media corporation and starting my own business, I took a one-year gap to live far from the urban environment. During that time, I learned the traditional Chinese craft of silver forging while also exploring business opportunities. It was a crucial period that allowed me to slow down, reflect, and truly develop the idea of building my own business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am both an artist and a designer. Although these two careers may seem similar to many people, they are actually quite different professionally.

As a designer, my role is to provide the most efficient visual design solutions for my clients. A critical aspect of this profession is ensuring that the product I create “works” within a strict timeframe and effectively serves its target audience. As a designer, I constantly think about how others think—I analyze how the general public perceives and interacts with visual communication.

As an artist, however, the most essential part of my creative process is being truthful to myself, which is not always easy. When I create art, I spend much of my time pausing and reflecting to ensure that my work genuinely expresses what I want, rather than simply becoming an exercise in “making.” As an artist working primarily with metal, I must also intentionally strengthen my body to support my creative process. The artist in me is someone who wants to pour everything into my creations, pushing both my physical and artistic limits.

Currently, my work revolves around folk arts and the cultural phenomena of the ethnic groups in Yunnan Province, where I was born. This province is a hidden gem of the world—a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural diversity. It is home to 26 ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and artistic expressions. Across Yunnan, thousands of unique folk art forms have been passed down through generations, from intricate silver forging and textile weaving to wood carving, lacquerware, and traditional music.

However, as the world moves forward rapidly, many of these ethnic communities and their cultural practices are struggling to find ways to survive and adapt. Modernization, urbanization, and economic shifts have led to the decline of traditional craftsmanship, as younger generations often move away from their ancestral practices in search of new opportunities. Many artisans face challenges in sustaining their work, whether due to a shrinking market, loss of traditional knowledge, or a lack of appreciation for their craft in contemporary society.

This is where I see my role—not just as a creator but as someone who can contribute to cultural preservation through art and design. By incorporating folk art traditions into my work, I aim to bridge the gap between the past and the present, helping to keep these crafts relevant in today’s world. At the same time, I find myself continuously inspired by this vibrant land. Yunnan’s rich artistic heritage fuels my creativity, pushing me to explore new ways to merge tradition with innovation. My goal is to honor these cultural legacies while creating meaningful work that resonates with both the communities I engage with and a wider audience beyond.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dali in Yunnan, China, is the place I would take my friends if they came to visit. Nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, Dali is a place where history, nature, and culture intertwine seamlessly. With its well-preserved ancient town, rich Bai ethnic heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, it offers a perfect balance of tranquility and vibrancy.

From wandering through the cobbled streets of Dali Ancient Town to exploring the traditional Bai architecture and local markets, there’s an undeniable charm in every corner.

Beyond the scenery, Dali is also a hub for artists, musicians, and creatives, making it an inspiring place to experience local craftsmanship, contemporary art, and unique coffee and tea culture. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of Yunnan’s famous Pu’er tea, trying the region’s distinctive cuisine, or simply soaking in the slower pace of life, Dali is a place that leaves a lasting impression.

Of course! Don’t forget to visit me at BY YARD（佰院）, the artist residency program I’m building in Heqing County, Dali. It’s a space dedicated to creativity, cultural exchange, and artistic exploration, set against the backdrop of Yunnan’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or simply someone who appreciates art and craftsmanship, you’ll find something different here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a shoutout to Mr. Matthew Zupnick, my sculpture course instructor and mentor. He was the one who truly guided me into the creative world and taught me the true meaning of “making.”

I also want to express my gratitude to Mr. Huazao Wang, my Shifu (师父). He introduced me to an entirely new world of craftsmanship and helped me reconnect with my heritage and homeland.

Website: https://qiaosenstudio.com/

Instagram: @qiaosenstudio

Image Credits
Image courtesy of Qiaosen Yang