Today we’d like to introduce you to Jinming Gao.
Hi Jinming, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am an Asian visual designer who has just earned my Master of Fine Arts in Visual Communication from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I was raised in a family of professional art educators and was exposed to the world of art from a young age. My grandfather, who was a composition professor, gave me hands-on and formal piano training, and I thought that music would be my lifelong profession. However, art silently influenced me through my exposure to my father’s design drawings and bedtime reading with a sketchbook. It wasn’t until my teenage years that I realized my true passion was design.
One family gathering was the turning point in my decision to become a designer. My uncle, who I greatly admired, shared his journey of turning his design office into a world-renowned advertising consultancy. He explained the impact that good design can have on a brand and society, and I was inspired to use my design skills to convey my ideas to the world.
I pursued an academic career in design, studying at several art schools in China, Taiwan, and Italy, where I was exposed to different cultural perspectives and creative styles. My graduate studies in the United States allowed me to immerse myself in cutting-edge contemporary art trends and cultures from around the world. This broad exposure, combined with my Eastern upbringing, has shaped my unique design style that seeks to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western cultures.
My designs often contain philosophical ideas, and I strive to use Eastern elements to convey modern and cosmopolitan messages. I created a book exploring the psychological and behavioral motivations behind the Asian groupie subculture and won recognition for my work. I am also open to commercial design projects, such as the visual design of the Chinese fruit brand “Sao DiSeng.” My design, which combines Eastern and Western elements, won the 2023 Muse Creative Award.
I believe that the future will be a design-driven world, and I will continue to work hard and find inspiration in this industry. As an Asian designer, I am dedicated to combining Eastern and Western cultures to create world-class work. The world is my stage, and I am eager to make my mark.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I experience great distress when I consider the state of Chinese culture and its oriental elements. Despite their rich history and heritage, much of their use today is only superficial, with both the general public and creators focusing on their surface without delving deeper into their essence. Moreover, there is a strong stereotype surrounding the world’s perception of Chinese culture. Breaking free from this status quo and exploring its core is a long and challenging journey that few have successfully navigated. At times, I feel lost and powerless. On the other hand, the blending of different cultures inevitably leads to cultural shocks. I often feel frustrated when I encounter others’ doubts and confusion about these differences.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a visual designer, I am currently working both independently on my own projects and as a freelancer, assisting with the visual presentation of brand and artist projects. I am a passionate and skilled communicator and believe in maintaining connections with the outside world as a means of acquiring knowledge and expressing myself. I excel at summarizing complex issues and information during communication and understanding the underlying logic behind them. My expertise lies in analyzing the behavior patterns of different groups, exploring cultural developments, and translating these into visually compelling representations. My strong suit is conceptual output rather than technical skills. What sets me apart from other designers is my unique fusion of Eastern upbringing and Western vision. This combination is a valuable treasure that defines who I am and sets me apart in the field of design.
What matters most to you? Why?
Curiosity drives me forward, providing the fuel for my journey. Insight illuminates the path, helping me to find the answers I seek. Confidence empowers me, giving me the strength to tackle each challenge with skill.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jillgao.cargo.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jinerist/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillgao-designer/
