Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jinming Gao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jinming, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?
As a creative practitioner, I am deeply committed to innovation in everything I do, regardless of its scale. One noticeable aspect of my work is my adherence to my own “guidelines” in terms of defining my role as a designer and establishing my distinctive style.
In addition to focusing on aesthetics, I actively participate in decision-making processes and integrate various elements into my designs. I firmly believe that the role of a designer extends beyond mere aesthetics and has the power to make decisions and bring different aspects together.
Stylistically, I consciously incorporate elements of oriental culture within a reasonable framework. It serves as the foundation of my design approach and reflects my personal style. Even in commercial design projects where I may need to step away from my own preferences, I strive to organically retain my design philosophy and strike a relative balance between self-expression and meeting the client’s objectives
Jinming, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Jinming Gao, a visual designer of Asian heritage who has earned my MFA in Visual Communication at the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My educational journey has taken me through various art schools in China, Taiwan, Italy, and the United States over the past six years. This diverse exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and creative styles has greatly enriched my artistic growth, allowing me to stay on top of cutting-edge art trends and discover cultural treasures from around the world. Currently, I work as an independent designer, specializing in visualizing and developing brand concepts for various brands and artist projects. My design sensibilities have been shaped by my upbringing in the East, and further refined by my exposure to contemporary Western art. This has inspired me to seek a unique synthesis that bridges Eastern and Western influences in my work. I aim to use Eastern elements as a foundational base to express ideas through a modern, global perspective. By doing so, I strive to create designs that resonate with a wide audience, serving as effective communication tools.
My design practice revolves around harmoniously blending Eastern and Western influences within the commercial world, while also pushing boundaries to create work that resonates on a global scale. I aspire for viewers to experience the chemistry that emerges from the collision of these two influences in my creations.
I am a visual designer who operates independently, working on my own projects and freelancing for brands and artists. Additionally, I am a co-partner at Forfunballs studio, a graphic design studio. What sets me apart in the design field is my distinctive fusion of Eastern upbringing and Western vision. This unique combination defines my identity and gives me a competitive edge.
In my designs, I often incorporate philosophical concepts, utilizing Eastern elements to convey a contemporary and cosmopolitan message. One notable project I have undertaken is a book that delves into the psychological and behavioral motivations behind Asian herd subcultures. This work has garnered recognition and acclaim. Furthermore, I have also ventured into commercial design, including the visual design for the Chinese fruit brand “Sao diseng”. Combining Eastern and Western influences, my design for this brand has received prestigious accolades such as the 2023 Muse Creative Award and DNA Paris Design Awards etc.
I firmly believe that the future will be driven by design, and I am dedicated to finding inspiration in this ever-evolving industry. As an Asian designer, I am committed to blending Eastern and Western cultures to create exceptional work on a global scale. The world is my canvas, and I am determined to make a lasting impact.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
In my perspective, practitioners in the creative industry thrive on a strong sense of curiosity. This curiosity acts as the fuel that propels artists forward, continuously supplying them with the desire to explore and discover new aspects of life. Furthermore, having insight is crucial for artists to navigate through the rapid pace of life and find their own unique path. This insight allows them to shine a light on their creative journey and find stability in a world that is constantly evolving.
Lastly, confidence plays a vital role as the underlying current for artists. It empowers them and equips them with the ability to skillfully tackle any challenges that come their way. Confidence provides the necessary foundation for artists to express themselves authentically and boldly in their work.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I often find myself grappling with the current state of Chinese culture and its oriental elements. While they possess a rich history and heritage, their utilization today often remains superficial. The focus tends to be on the aesthetic surface without delving into the deeper essence, and there is a notable lack of exploration into Eastern philosophical inquiry. Additionally, Chinese culture is burdened with stereotypes in the global perception. Breaking free from this status quo and delving into the core of Chinese culture is a lengthy and arduous journey that few have successfully embarked upon. However, I aspire to be part of this developmental process and contribute to driving it forward. I firmly believe that the future will be shaped by design, and I am committed to tirelessly seeking inspiration in this industry. As an Asian designer, I see the world as my stage, and I am enthusiastic about making a lasting impact and leaving my mark.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jillgao.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jinerist/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillgao-designer/
Image Credits
p1-p4: Branding Design For Sao DiSeng. p5-p6:Album Design For Takahiro Izumikawa p7-p8:Book Editorial Design <Fan’s Bible>