Meet Youtian Duan | Co-Founder of Another.World, Aritst & Designer

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

Hi Youtian, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I believe that when someone truly loves something, turning it into their work is actually a great fortune. I find it difficult to achieve the traditional sense of work-life balance, as it seems I am always working and simultaneously living—because my work is my life. For example, even when I’m hiking, my mind is making connections, like imagining how a leaf and a rock placed together could resemble a charming chair. Everything blurs together without clear boundaries, and I thoroughly enjoy this state of being. It keeps every day exciting for me.

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.
My exploration of the subconscious through dreams influences my artistic philosophy. We often document our daily lives and emotions, but these reflections might not always be genuine, representing more of our aspirations or desired perceptions rather than our true selves. I find that my true self is unveiled in my dreams, where I experience relaxation, anxiety, or aimless wandering. These dreams, though chaotic and seemingly illogical, carry core themes like searching for an exit through random places, deeply influencing the unconventional forms of my work—ranging from clusters of mushrooms to tulips, or even a flock of sheep. Reaching where I am today has not been a straightforward journey. While finding inspiration often came easily, the greater challenge lay in navigating the financial struggles before achieving any significant success. This phase involved juggling the need to sustain my own livelihood while passionately striving to create and innovate. Overcoming these challenges demanded not just creativity but also practical resilience, meticulous budget management, and the ability to persist through periods of uncertainty. The design world is dynamic and demanding, requiring continuous adaptation to new methods and materials. Staying relevant means embracing these challenges, learning from each setback, and constantly evolving both as an artist and an entrepreneur.
I want the world to know that my brand, Another.World, is not just a design studio but a manifesto for creativity and personal expression. It stands for the courage to explore one’s inner world and bring those dreams into reality. Our work invites people not only to admire design but to feel and live it in their everyday environments. Each piece I create is open to interpretation, and I leave it to you, the viewer, to decide what it represents, hoping to provoke thought and evoke personal connections with my creations.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best friend were visiting, I’d take them to Venice Beach. People watching at Venice Beach is particularly fascinating due to the diverse mix of people it attracts, each with their own unique styles and backgrounds. This spot is a melting pot of artists, musicians, skaters, and surfers, alongside tourists from around the globe, making it a perfect place to observe a wide array of human behaviors and interactions.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could thank so many significant people for helping me reach where I am today! If I were to focus on my journey into the world of design and art, I would especially like to thank Monica Correia, my professor at the University of Iowa. She truly opened my eyes to the existence of the design world and has me believe that I have infinite possibilities.

Website: www.youtianduan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duan.youtian/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youtian-duan/

Image Credits
Youtian Duan

Photo Edits
Yingxi Ji