Meet Tianyun Jiang | Ggraphic Designer&Illustrator

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

Hi Tianyun, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Hailing from China, my graphic designer and illustrator journey has been shaped by a fusion of diverse cultural influences. With many different design skills sets from 2 dimensional to 3 dimensional, I am now firmly rooted in the vibrant creative landscape of New York City; I carry with me the essence of my upbringing.

My design philosophy is cultivated in a deep-seated fascination with the intricacies of everyday human experiences in this modern era. I find inspiration in the minutiae, believing that even the most seemingly mundane encounters hold innovative potential. Whether it’s a touch, a sound, or an emotion, each interaction serves as a wellspring of creativity.
Understanding the subtleties of human interaction is the cornerstone of my approach. I believe that truly impactful designs emerge from a profound connection to how individuals engage with their surroundings. This immersion process allows me to craft solutions that resonate on a deeply human level.

These design philosophy and principles have helped me gain a lot of international recognition from awards like Graphis Award, Muse Creative/Design Awards, American Packaging design award, etc., and have played a pivotal role in ensuring my solid career path in the award-winning design agency of ForceMajeure Design.

My skill set spans graphic design, illustration, 3D visualization, and motion, empowering me to approach projects holistically. This enables me to conceptualize visually compelling designs and engineer solutions that seamlessly integrate form and function.

A cross-cultural background enriches my design sensibilities, allowing me to weave elements from different cultural tapestries into my work. The result is designs that transcend boundaries, resonating with a diverse audience.
In my current pursuit, I’m driven to channel this fervor for creativity and human-centric design into projects that captivate, inspire, and leave an indelible mark on the design world. I firmly believe that through the convergence of artistry, functionality, and an acute understanding of human behavior, we have the power to shape a more compelling and harmonious future.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I lean towards categorizing my work as design, though I find it intriguing that some of my design projects possess an artistic quality. This distinction sets me apart from others. I often initiate ideas with a creative touch, akin to an artist, and then refine the project’s value propositions with the mindset of a designer or entrepreneur. In this modern era of overlapping disciplines and collaborations, the boundaries between various design forms have become less defined. For instance, when undertaking a branding project, one must consider elements like graphics, narratives, products, and campaigns.

I take great pride in being both a graphic designer and an illustrator. This dual role enables me to seamlessly bring my ideas to life through hand-drawn illustrations, infusing my designs with vibrant expressions. Many in the graphic design community don’t place emphasis on drawing skills, so my illustration abilities have often surprised those around me.
Throughout my career, I’ve demonstrated a natural ability to transform concepts into visually captivating realities. This, combined with an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design innovation, positions me as a potent force in the design sphere. It felt almost second nature to me, given the opportunities to engage with the real world and connect with professionals. I have prepared myself for this, so transitioning into a professional role was seamless.

The most significant lesson I’ve gleaned is to view design as a powerful tool for achieving something greater. It’s crucial not to confine our focus solely to design itself but also to consider its broader impact. When contemplating the work of design luminaries like Milton Glaser and Paul Rand, one can grasp the underlying value of graphic design. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about a deep-seated passion and commitment to the well-being of society and our responsibility as humans.

As a graphic designer, one of the most essential qualities I want the world to know about is my open-mindedness. This trait allows me to approach each project with a fresh perspective, unencumbered by preconceived notions or rigid design conventions. It enables me to explore a diverse range of styles, techniques, and creative solutions, ensuring that my designs are not only visually compelling but also innovative and tailored to each client’s unique needs. And it extends beyond just design aesthetics. I actively seek out new ideas, trends, and technologies in the design world, constantly expanding my knowledge and skill set.

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.
I highly recommend visiting Alaska regardless of the season. It was Michio Hoshino’s book, “長い旅の途上,” that first introduced me to this extraordinary region. The book has a beautiful sentence:” As we wearily boarded the subway, whales leap out of the water in Alaska.” I’ve had the privilege of experiencing Alaska twice, each time in a different season, and it never failed to amaze me. If I were to plan an itinerary for you, I would suggest going during Christmas. Immerse yourself in the enchanting snowy landscapes, take leisurely strolls along the quiet lanes, and at night, be captivated by the mesmerizing dance of the aurora overhead.

Make sure to try the delectable crabs at a local restaurant chosen at random, and don’t miss out on indulging in the best pizza I’ve ever had in this country at Moose’s Tooth. I recently learned that an ice cave I visited in 2021 has now vanished, largely due to the impact of climate change, which is so sad. Therefore, I urge you to go as soon as possible if you are interested, for we cannot predict what tomorrow may bring.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the book “Speculative Everything” by Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby. This insightful work has greatly influenced my approach to design, encouraging me to explore the realm of speculative design and think beyond conventional boundaries. It has been a source of inspiration and a catalyst for pushing the limits of creativity in my design practice. It has been more than just a book for me; it’s been a paradigm-shifting experience. Through its pages, I delved into the intriguing world of speculative design, a domain that challenges the very essence of conventional thinking in the design field. One of the most captivating aspects of this exploration was redefining commonplace objects. Take a chair, for instance. Is it merely a platform with a back and four legs, or can it be something more? This line of thinking compelled me to perceive a chair not just as a piece of furniture but as a support system for comfort and rest. This shift in perspective ignited a cascade of creative ideas and fundamentally altered how I approached design challenges. Moreover, “Speculative Everything” served as a catalyst for breaking free from the constraints of tradition and established norms. It fostered an environment of unfettered imagination, where the boundaries of creativity were constantly stretched and redefined. This newfound freedom led to projects that were aesthetically striking and functionally groundbreaking.

Additionally, I owe a significant portion of my growth in the field of graphic design to the invaluable mentorship of professionals from Steven Heller and Stefan Sagmeister. Their guidance, expertise, and willingness to share their knowledge have played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey.
I would also like to thank my dear colleague and ally, Mingxing Cheng. During challenging moments, she has provided unwavering collaboration and encouragement, which has been instrumental in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in various projects.

Website: https://www.gjzone.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airolg.19/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-jiang-85a11a251/