1. Could you tell us about your recent works of creation?
How is people's feedback to the work?
I've been working on the new version of db-db.com for more than a year. People's reactions vary but the majority is positive especially when the system is getting more complete recently.
2. When did you start creating any design work?
Could you tell us about your first work? How come you started creating pixel-graphics, which has become one of your signature creations?
My very first design work that I feel like I was expressing something inside me is an animation called Mr. Nose. It was a class project when I was doing my computer science major. I created a character that only had an enormous nose on his face. He was a loner who lived on a dead planet. After that class, I had never opened Maya again, but I found a way to express myself by creating something.
I would say the video game nostalgia most likely accounts for the pixel style. Lately I'm obsessed with the beauty of the reduced forms which keeps me producing arts using limited number of squares.
3. Interactive tools and graphics of yours are pop and entertaining with cool humor.
What is the source of your creation? Could you tell us anything you got inspired lately, if any?
Things I see, people I meet, news I hear, emotions I feel. I get my inspirations from everything happens around me. Sometimes it's like a click in my mind that goes to me so unexpectedly. There was a local news headline caught my attention lately. A University's student newspaper was officially accused of publishing sex-related contents by the high authority. We all know sex is a natural and major part of our everyday life, but talking about it in public still panic our society! I really want to do a piece with my Nudemessenger in real life. I've got something in mind, but I don't want to say too much before it's finished…
4. Please let me ask about your website "db-db.com". The website has been redesigned recently, and provides platform for creative-conscious people. What does “db-db” originally mean? How come did you start this project? How's the reaction from the people visiting the website since its launch?
Yes I'm working day and night on it. The new version db-db loves you is not only a platform but also a tool to create a platform. Many web publishing and social networking systems have been surging on the web, they are very useful but only a handful looks good. My ambition is to create an (alterative) online web-creating tool primarily targeted to designers would like to pay attention to details. I want it to allow users to create beautiful web spaces and blogs by which they can develop into their own platform and establish social connections with their own groups.
db-db = two noses. It started off as my personal online playground in 2001. Throughout these years I keep updating it as part of my daily routine. Visitors came to db-db were mostly creative-conscious people, some liked the humor and some liked the pixels I pushed, but my hope for the new site is to reach a wider range of audience. I really hope you can come over, take a look and say a few words.
5. You have mentioned your strong interest in social aspects of digital media. When did you start thinking about it? (Is there any special lead to the theme?)
For now, what kind of things are you interested in to make good use of digital media in the society?
I think many people would agree that it is the age of the Internet. Not only has it brought us information and convenience, but it has also changed the way we communicate and exist. I started the research in the social aspects of digital media when I was in the Sociable Media Group of the Media Lab. There, I designed interfaces to visualize online discussions and created new chat systems based on theories in sociology and psychology.
When you look at the most popular social networking web sites, you'll find that it's not about how useful their systems are or how pretty their interfaces are, but how “sociable” they can turn their users to be. So as for your second question, I think I'm interested in looking at a social software from a designer's perspective and finding a balance among the aesthetics, usefulness and sociability.
6. What is the basic thought (or theme) you would you like to share with your audience throughout your works?
I can't think of a basic theme to describe all my works, but when I'm working on my stuff, I always have the thought in mind: to create when you still can.
7. Who is your favorite artist (in any genre)?
Le Corbusier. I burst into tears when I was in his Chapel at Ronchamp. Everybody should visit there at least once in their life time!
8. Could you choose one from your work especially you like or very impressive to you? Please tell us reason, too.
It must be db-db since I've spent so many years on it! : ) As I said it's already part of my daily routine and even part of me throughout these years.
9. What do you think of creative scene in Hong Kong now, compared with other countries?
How do you want to be involved in Hong Kong creative scene?
Hong Kong is not the most favorable place to do art and design-related works, but there are still many people striving to do their own creations. I believe that sometimes working under adverse environments could produce more impressive works. I've been teaching in design schools since I returned from the States, I could feel the passion from my students and I would like to be more involved in the design education of Hong Kong.
10. What kind of works would you like to create in the future?
Is there any plan for next creation?
I don't have any plan yet but I really want to do something in the real space. Thank you.
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| db-db.com |
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| Anthropomorphic Typography |
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| Nudemessenger |
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| Cheiro |
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| Artwork for the book "Tattoo Icons �_ Victionary 3" |
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