Interview with Lin Longhai from China

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Lin Longhai

Lin Longhai is the Director-in-Chief and Chief Creative Officer of Sothink, as well as a Board Member of FGDA. He believes that, in the context of new consumer ideologies and multicultural environments, all businesses deserve to be redefined.

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.

I am Lin Longhai, Director-in-Chief and Chief Creative Officer of Sothink, as well as a Board Member of FGDA.

Over the past 20 years, I have worked across various fields, including brand identity, commercial spaces, and digital imagery. I believe that in the context of new consumer ideologies and multicultural environments, all businesses deserve to be redefined.

From the perspective of a commercial innovator, I continually empower brands through a series of innovations in values, visual aesthetics, consumer experiences, and communication methods.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
It comes from curiosity about new things, desire to explore the unknown, and a passion for creation.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.

Sothink, founded in 2020, is a full-service branding agency specializing in the fashion consumer goods sector. The company's services span brand identity, commercial spaces, digital short films, fashion events, and art curation.

Sothink has consistently adhered to the creative concept of "creativity drives business" and continues to provide clients with high-level brand strategy and creative design services, resulting in many influential business cases. Its clients include Jeep (China), Under Armour Outdoor, Xtep, Peacebird, Bolon, and others.

Its work has won numerous international awards and has been featured in several design yearbooks and mainstream magazines, such as the Netherlands' "FRAME," GTN9's "Brand Creative Presentation," "Packaging Presentation," and "Asia Pacific Design."

4What does “design” mean to you?
Design is a specific process based on aesthetics to solve specific business problems.
5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
I personally like designs that are very restrained, as they can effectively combine form and function.
6To you, what makes a “good” design?
By effectively addressing the client's needs, the work not only delivers a clear and valuable design output but also provides inspiration and guidance for the future of the industry.
7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
Our work features a diverse range of styles, reflecting the varied positioning of our clients. We tailor our designs to align with each brand's unique identity, ensuring that our approach is adapted to their specific positioning and needs.
8Tell us about your design process.
The design process begins with a rational analysis process, in which different possibilities of the project are inferred from aspects such as customer needs, design conditions, and project budget; and finally they are integrated with a thinking logic with a touch of emotion.
9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
There should be. I believe that designers from any country cannot create without drawing from their own cultural matrix, as this cultural influence is embedded in their subconscious mind. Whether they acknowledge it or not, it is always present.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
For us, it represents both recognition and encouragement from the industry. Participating in design awards is a way for our team to uphold high standards in every project and continuously strive for excellence.
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

The project we submitted this time involved an old building from the 1980s. We employed the ReDesign method to address the brand's needs while preserving the original structure of the building. We are quite satisfied with this solution. In China, over the past 40 years, extensive demolition has led to the loss of many valuable buildings, which is deeply regrettable.

The MUSE Design Awards are highly regarded in China, and the quality of the entries is exceptionally high.

12What was the biggest challenge with this project?
We aim to preserve the building's original state as much as possible while undertaking the design in a manner that emphasizes protective repair.
13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
I find that I am able to communicate and exchange ideas more effectively with my colleagues!
14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Project implementation, customer satisfaction and my works are exhibited.
15What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?
China's vibrant commercial market creates numerous opportunities for designers. The diversity of projects available not only fosters innovation but also contributes to the emergence of many exceptional designers in the country.
16Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
The professional division of labor is expected to become increasingly specialized, involving a wider range of fields. This will necessitate that designers enhance their learning and coordination skills to keep pace with these developments.
17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
Research and study many excellent works to interpret the designer's intentions and problem-solving methods, and learn from their dimensions and approaches to thinking. Additionally, visiting art galleries frequently to view high-quality exhibitions can help improve your own aesthetics and understanding.
18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
Nowadays, there are numerous channels for accessing information and learning resources. However, I believe it is more important to analyze each work in greater depth.
19Who has inspired you in your life and why?
Artists and film directors: I often gain new creative perspectives and inspiration from artists, while film directors show me how to bring together creators from various professions to collaborate on a project.
20What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
The habit of doing everything possible to get things done. As the saying goes, "If you have the conditions, you should act on them. If not, create the conditions and proceed." Take every project seriously—each one could become the "secret" to your future success, haha.

Winning Entry

1/2 COFFEE Kulangsu Academy of Fine Arts | 2024

1/2 COFFEE Kulangsu Academy of Fine Arts | SoThink Brand Management

Lin Longhai

Lin Longhai is the Director-in-Chief and Chief Creative Officer of Sothink, as well as a Board Member of FGDA. He believes that, in the context of new consumer ideologies and multicultural environments, all businesses deserve to be redefined.


Read more about this interview with Man Luo for Hold Me Tight | Comfort Jewelry, the Silver Winner of the 2024 MUSE Design Awards.

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