Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Guo.
Hi Sean, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Many artists and designers have classic stories about falling in love with art in their childhood. That wasn’t my beginning. Raised in a family of teachers and engineers, my early years were more aligned with logic and structure than with brushes and canvases. Consequently, I pursued and achieved a bachelor’s degree in engineering, following the path seemingly laid out for me.
Despite my proficiency in engineering, it quickly became apparent that it didn’t fulfill me. Post-graduation, I found myself drifting through various roles – engineer, salesman, teacher, and even a position in Shenzhen dismantling used cell phones. It was a period of searching, marked by a lack of clear direction, yet an underlying desire for something more meaningful.
The turning point came unexpectedly. I discovered a profound connection with product design, sparked by a book from Naoto Fukasawa, a designer known for his work with MUJI. His approach to design, characterized by simplicity and thoughtful consideration, resonated deeply with me. It was a moment of realization: design could be my medium of expression, a way to blend logic with creativity in a tangible form.
This epiphany led me to Los Angeles to study product design, marking the start of my journey six years ago. It was here, in this new chapter, that I found my calling and began to carve out my own story in the world of design.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. One of the biggest hurdles was shifting my mindset from the structured, logical approach of engineering to embracing the fluidity and subjectivity of art and design. Initially, I struggled to connect with and appreciate the nuances of artistic expressions. It took time and patience to learn to ‘speak’ and understand the language of artists, to see the world through their eyes, and incorporate this new vocabulary into my own work. Despite the challenges, this learning process was incredibly rewarding.
Another significant aspect of my journey was navigating cultural differences. Coming from an Eastern background and spending an extended period in America for the first time brought about a profound change in perspective. The cultural shift influenced not only my personal outlook but also my creative expression. It was a process of adaptation, of learning to blend these diverse influences into something uniquely my own.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Unlike many artists who boast a rich, traditional art background, I don’t classify myself as a pure artist. Instead, I see myself as an interdisciplinary designer and digital artist, utilizing a variety of mediums, both physical and digital, to communicate through objects and experiences within the realm of product design.
Currently, my focus lies in fashion and footwear design, and there’s no better place for this than Los Angeles. Working with clients, my role as a designer often involves navigating a myriad of constraints—balancing client or customer needs with budgetary limits, manufacturing capabilities, technological advancements, and ethical considerations. Despite these challenges, my aim is to find the perfect balance, fulfilling client requirements while infusing my own youthful perspective into every design. This includes aspects like form language, Color, Material, and Finish (CMF), as well as the underlying concepts, philosophies, and stories that each design or product conveys. In this sense, the products I create are the vessels through which I express my artistry.
When it comes to my personal projects, the freedom is boundless. I can explore my creativity without the constraints typically imposed by client work. This liberty is precisely what I sought after, yet it comes with its own set of challenges, such as the need to actively promote my art and design to reach a wider audience.
What I’m most proud of is not just the unique blend of disciplines that defines my work but also the ability to translate complex concepts into tangible, meaningful designs that resonate with people. What sets me apart is this interdisciplinary approach, coupled with a relentless pursuit of expressing my personal vision within the diverse canvas of product design, especially in the dynamic fields of fashion and footwear.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What captivates me most about Los Angeles is undoubtedly its vibrant and dynamic artistic energy. The city thrives on creativity, offering endless inspiration and opportunities for artists and designers alike. It’s a place where innovation meets tradition, and the diversity of its artistic community fosters a unique cultural tapestry that’s hard to find anywhere else.
As for the aspects of the city, I like least, I prefer to focus on the positives and the endless possibilities LA presents. Every city has its challenges, but it’s the energy and the creativity of Los Angeles that truly make it special to me 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://seans.works/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2092_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanguo7/
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