Di Lu, the principal of Zai Nong Design Studio, is a staunch advocate for the unwavering pursuit of artistic and design brilliance. With a profound commitment to making a lasting impact on the industry, she strives to use her designs as a medium to elevate and enrich the aesthetic essence of the world.
My name is Di Lu. I hold Master's degrees in art from both the San Francisco Art Institute and the University of Southern California which have given me a distinct and unique foundation in the design realm. In 2020, I had the privilege of joining the visual team in Beijing to which my work was honored, marking a significant milestone in my design journey.
The year 2021 witnessed another notable achievement as I assumed the role of the primary visual designer in Suzhou. The main visual poster I crafted not only garnered acclaim and this recognition underscored my remarkable talent and prowess in the field of design.
In 2022, driven by my unwavering passion and dedication to design, I founded the "Zai Nong Design Studio" and took on the role of its principal. Going beyond traditional design boundaries, I embarked on a collaboration with the Sanlitun Chunfeng Xixi Bookstore, where we launched a pop-up store. This innovative concept aimed to utilize books as a medium to foster meaningful connections among people.
Fast forward to 2023, I once again received an invitation to participate in a design festival in Beijing. Only this time, I assumed the lead in designing the entire visual system for the festival, reaffirming my exceptional skills in the field of design.
In essence, I am a dedicated advocate for the relentless pursuit of artistic and design excellence. I am committed to making meaningful contributions to the industry and using my designs to enhance the beauty of the world.
My journey into the realm of creativity has been ignited by an inherent passion for art and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of design. From a young age, I found myself spellbound by the capacity of design to mold experiences, evoke emotions and alter perspectives. The ability to visually weave stories and convey ideas held a profound fascination for me.
My educational pursuits at the San Francisco Art Institute and the University of Southern California only deepened my dedication to this craft. Each accolade I earned served as more than just a recognition of my skills; it was a reaffirmation of my decision to immerse myself in the world of design.
The ever-evolving landscape of design both challenges and inspires me on a daily basis, propelling me to seek artistic innovation relentlessly. Above all, I firmly believe that being a creative is not merely about personal expression; it's a commitment to utilizing one's talents to create a positive impact, bringing people together and enhancing the beauty of the world we inhabit.
In 2022, I embarked on the journey of establishing "InProcesssDesign Studio," a manifestation of my deep passion for design and my aspiration to craft meaningful visual stories. As the principal of the studio, I assume the responsibility of steering and shaping our creative direction, ensuring that our designs stay at the forefront of innovation, relevance, and impact.
Our portfolio spans a wide spectrum, ranging from crafting comprehensive visual systems for prominent design festivals to engaging in more intimate projects, such as collaborations with bookstores to cultivate connections within communities. My ultimate aim is to consistently push the boundaries of design, giving rise to creations that transcend mere aesthetics. These works are intended to resonate profoundly with audiences, instigating engagement and nurturing mutual understanding.
Creativity is the unreserved expression of one's innermost thoughts, emotions, and viewpoints, channeled through a medium that can be shared with the world. It represents the capacity to perceive beyond the surface, to uncover connections where none may seem evident, and to breathe life into concepts that elicit emotions, stimulate contemplation, and catalyze transformation.
Creativity transcends the act of merely producing something novel; it's about presenting a novel viewpoint, narrating an untold story, or illuminating a hitherto disregarded facet of the world.
In my opinion, a genuinely creative idea or design is one that seamlessly blends form and function, marrying beauty with purpose. It should have the ability to not only captivate the eye but also engage the heart and intellect.
A creative design communicates in a universal tongue, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries, striking a chord with a wide array of audiences. It is inherently innovative, pushing the limits of what has been previously achieved and it offers a new and refreshing perspective.
Most importantly, a creative idea or design possesses the capacity to stir emotions, provoke contemplation, and ignite dialogues, leaving an enduring impression on its viewers.
Our submission for the MUSE Creative Awards centered around the main visual for Suzhou Design Week in 2021. This intricate design exemplified the seamless merging of urban renewal principles with design aesthetics, drawing rich inspiration from Suzhou's architectural treasures and bustling streets.
The design embodied the essence of urban revitalization, vibrancy, and the ethos of innovation. We selected this project because it powerfully showcased our ability to narrate a compelling story through the medium of design.
Di Lu, the principal of Zai Nong Design Studio, is a staunch advocate for the unwavering pursuit of artistic and design brilliance. With a profound commitment to making a lasting impact on the industry, she strives to use her designs as a medium to elevate and enrich the aesthetic essence of the world.
Read more about this interview with Beth Cooper from the United States, the Gold Winner of the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards.