Interview with Qiuyu Li from Japan

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Qiuyu Li

Qiuyu Li was born in Beijing and moved to Japan in 2013, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Information Science and later a PhD in Fine Arts. He joined TOMBO Inc., a design firm, in 2024. With an interest in 20th-century constructivism, Li aims to incorporate East Asian aesthetics and explore new possibilities.

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

Hi, my name is Qiuyu Li. I was born in Beijing, China in 1992 and moved to Japan in 2013. After obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Information Science, I pursued my research in design under the guidance of Prof Yoshimaru Takahashi, and in 2024, I obtained a PhD in Fine Arts. That same year, I joined TOMBO Inc., a design firm based in Osaka.

With a strong interest in the design principles of 20th-century constructivism, I aim to revitalize traditional constructivism by incorporating East Asian aesthetics and exploring new possibilities. My experimental results have won many national and international awards.

I am also a member of prestigious organizations such as the World Design Consortium (WDC), the International Association of Designers (IAD), the International Design Club (IDC), and the Alliance of International Business Associations (AIBA). I actively engage with these communities, contributing to their missions and initiatives.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a creative?

Like many others, I had a strong interest in art and painting from a very young age, and my family provided me with as much support as possible. However, while I held this interest, what led me to decide to pursue a career in this field was when I entered university and was influenced by constructivism, which made me aspire to become a designer.

3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.

The design company I work for is a nine-member studio in Osaka. Our work focuses primarily on graphic design, including advertising, packaging, and branding. For every project, regardless of its size, we strive to provide our clients with the best possible solutions.

4What does “creativity” mean to you?
Creativity is a highly abstract and complex concept. Different people, with their different experiences, will undoubtedly offer different answers. I think creativity should not be just superficial. I've seen many designs that prioritize novelty in form but lose sight of the essence.

In my opinion, novelty in form alone does not constitute true creativity. Creativity should be determined by functionality and should exist within our daily lives. Designs that convey information or provide convenience, among other similar functions, are those that truly exhibit creativity.

5To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or design?

I believe functionality determines creativity, and creativity exists in our daily lives.

6Tell us about your creative and/or design process.

Usually, before I start any project, whether it's a commercial case or a personal piece, I analyze and organize the information, functionality, or message I want to convey. At this stage, it's more like mathematical reasoning for me. I need to connect all the information and find a suitable form of expression. Only after roughly determining the form of expression will I begin the production process, and then make adjustments as needed.

7What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?

During the production process, I find two stages particularly exciting. The first is during the stage of information organization and analysis when I find a viable solution. This moment brings me excitement. The second stage is the joy of completion, which fills me with pride.

8Describe your creative style and its main characteristics.
My design style follows the principles of constructivism, or I should say constructivism has had a significant influence on me.
9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your creativity process?
Because of my upbringing, I'm not a traditionally conservative person. I have never been attached to the traditional culture of any country. The so-called traditional culture is simply a product of people's lifestyles at a certain period in history. I live in contemporary human society, and I am more concerned with things I have experienced and seen in the present than with distant traditional cultures I have not experienced. I focus on things and values that fall within my cognitive range and understanding.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
For both myself and my company, this is an excellent platform to showcase our creativity. It's also a great opportunity for publicity and personal recognition, which I feel incredibly honored to have.
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

One of my favorite works is what I feel is the most romantic piece I have ever done. It beautifully captures the love changes and also reflects my aspirations for love. It made me realize that I am someone who longs for romance.

12What was the biggest challenge with this project?

Because it's about expressing emotions, representing such intangible, abstract content through visuals is not an easy task. I need to carefully consider what emotions are and how they change. This process has made me think for a long time.

13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?

It's been a motivation for me, boosting my morale and igniting my creative desire. I hope next time I can produce even better work.

14Where do you see the evolution of creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?

The development and integration of new technologies may lead to greater diversity in forms, but the essence of design and cultural characteristics will remain unchanged.

15If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Creative Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
I've known about prestigious and well-known competitions for a long time. At the moment, I feel very good personally, and this is my first time participating. I don't have many constructive comments right now, but maybe participating more times in the future will provide insights.
16What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the creative industry?
Personally, I believe there are no shortcuts; only extensive production and bold experimentation will really make you progress. That was my experience. There was a long time when creating works almost became my whole life. Although it was challenging, it greatly improved my technical skills. After building a strong foundation, it is essential to seriously experience life because life can bring you a wealth of creativity and inspiration.
17Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
Many people think I'm a serious or rational person, but in reality, I'm also a romantic and gentle person.
18Who has inspired you in your life and why?
Every person I care about, every single one of them matters to me. Love for others can also be a fantastic opportunity to inspire creativity. A lot of my work has been inspired by this. Like a recent piece I created, it was inspired by a young lady I admire and care deeply about.
19What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
The key to success varies from person to person, but generally includes aspects such as perseverance, hard work, focus on goals, continuous learning, and growth. Wise words for parting may be: 'Thank you for the past experiences, cherish the present moments, and look forward to future opportunities.
20Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
The MUSE trophy is really beautiful!

Winning Entry

Variations of Heart Whispers | 2024

MCA-Qiuyu-Li-2

This series of posters portrays the gradual evolution of one person's admiration for another through the progressive transformation of Chinese characters' forms. Admiration is not something that …
(Read more at MUSE Creative Awards)


Qiuyu Li

Alex Design Lab

Qiuyu Li was born in Beijing and moved to Japan in 2013, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Information Science and later a PhD in Fine Arts. He joined TOMBO Inc., a design firm, in 2024. With an interest in 20th-century constructivism, Li aims to incorporate East Asian aesthetics and explore new possibilities.


Read more about this interview with Xingyue Deng from China, the Gold Winner of the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards.

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