We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lingyi Kong. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lingyi below.

Lingyi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I am a designer with a diverse background, and it is precisely these different identities that have given me a perspective distinct from that of a traditional designer. When I first entered the design field, “good design” seemed to follow a set of established paradigms. However, over time, these paradigms have gradually been deconstructed. Many works that once wouldn’t have been considered “design” are now making their way into the spotlight. This shift has instilled a renewed sense of confidence and creative energy in my design practice.

I’ve noticed that in more traditional circles, there is often an unconscious belief in what constitutes “good design,” and many designers adhere to these established practices. My background in China, however, shaped a different perspective. Growing up, design wasn’t a common term, and the concept of design was often placed on a pedestal. But through my practice, I discovered that real-world design doesn’t always align with this view. I frequently draw inspiration from unconventional or messy environments; what might be seen as chaotic can still be a fertile ground for design. I enjoy deconstructing design philosophies from the ground up, which ultimately led to the creation of my project, The Ash.

The Ash was born during a time when I had limited access to materials but still wanted to push the boundaries of design. Living in a rural, self-built house, I relied on materials found in the basement—ready-made and semi-finished items became my only resources. The challenge was how to turn these found materials into a cohesive design. I was amazed to find that even under constrained conditions, it was possible to create engaging visual experiments with the right approach. This experience opened a new path of exploring how design can emerge from things unrelated to traditional concepts of “design.”

Since then, I’ve been experimenting with unconventional approaches: using audio editing software to create visualizations, expressing emotions through dynamic elements, and turning everyday materials into unexpected design solutions. For The Ash, for instance, I used black electrical tape to create the initial letterforms of a typeface. Through creative coding, I transformed these into dynamic, variable fonts. The tape represents the smallest unit of a pixel, which I later digitized and applied to my final work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello! My name is Lingyi, and I’m a multidisciplinary designer, creative technologist, and educator. I hold an MFA in experimental design and creative technology from the Rhode Island School of Design. My work bridges the gap between traditional illustration and emerging technologies such as VR, game development, and creative programming. I run Mars Pharaoh, a design studio focused on creating innovative visual experiences by seamlessly integrating design and technology. Additionally, I teach at RISD, guiding students in exploring the intersection of art and technology through creative practices.

My work has been featured in prominent spaces like renowned bookstores, Times Square, and international art festivals. What sets me apart is my ability to deconstruct conventional design paradigms and creatively solve problems using unconventional methods and materials. One of my most significant projects, The Ash, was conceived during the pandemic, using only materials found at home. This, along with my other work, reflects my belief that great design can emerge from even the most unexpected circumstances.

I aim to inspire through a unique blend of storytelling, creativity, and technology, always striving to push the boundaries of design with each project.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Becoming an artist undoubtedly offers a broader life experience. Currently, I wear multiple hats as a founder, creative technologist, and lecturer at RISD. My work is sold in renowned art bookstores（Like Printed Matter Inc.）, has been featured on Times Square, and I’ve participated in various well-known art festivals and exhibitions—Basel Art Exhibition, OpenM Art Book Festival, etc, all of these experiences bring a sense of novelty and excitement. Seeing my work recognized by so many institutions gives me a strong sense of motivation to continue creating.

The most interesting part, however, is the artistic community itself. It’s a fascinating group where you can glimpse into so many different lives. Life presents countless possibilities based on the choices we make. I’ve connected with numerous artists and designers through LinkedIn coffee chats, and building these connections has shown me just how vast the world is and how many people are doing truly amazing work. In turn, the work I do is also unique. Designers don’t just influence the world through their creations; they offer others limitless possibilities and fresh perspectives. As a designer, I often turn everyday, seemingly mundane things into beautiful creations. I inject creativity into technology, which may seem dull at first, but it becomes visually engaging and interesting.

I aspire to be an artist who develops from multiple perspectives—not just someone with a designer’s careful and precise thinking, but also with the emotional sensitivity of an artist and the practical craftsmanship of an engineer. I hope that one day my work will reach larger platforms and represent the perspectives of even more people.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that illustrates my resilience is the journey I took to merge two seemingly unrelated fields—illustration and programming. As someone with a diverse academic background, I’ve always been fascinated by both the creative and technical aspects of design. However, combining these two disciplines was not an easy task. It required a significant amount of learning, practice, and perseverance over the years.

For example, mastering creative programming while maintaining my illustration practice meant constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I had to dedicate time and energy to developing both skills in parallel, often diving deep into complex technical knowledge while ensuring I didn’t lose the artistry in my work. This process demanded long-term commitment, as well as a strong belief in the potential of blending these two worlds. The result has been rewarding, with projects like my self-publishing work”Goodbye, Icarus”, which successfully integrates both disciplines, showcasing how persistence can lead to truly unique and innovative design solutions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lingyikongart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lkong_illust/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lingyi-kong-ba534b23a/

Image Credits

Lingyi Kong