Today we’d like to introduce you to Qi Gu.
Hi Qi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in NYC. I was born in Guangzhou, a beautiful city nestled along the Pearl River, China’s third-largest river. My artistic journey started very early in my childhood. Early on, my education was imbued with a rich tapestry of art and creativity, thanks to my parents, they gave me enough freedom to explore the world of art and express myself. When I was little, I didn’t understand the meaning of art, but I loved to doodle freely using different media. To be honest, that was probably the most creative period of my life. Those years of unregulated creativity remain an enduring influence, and I am still constantly trying to recapture the ability to draw like a child.
At the age of fourteen, a pivotal moment unfolded in my life as my family relocated to New York, opening the doors to an entirely novel world. The vibrancy of this city, adorned with museums, theaters, and a plethora of talented artists, beckoned me to explore its beauty. I applied for a design major in the School of Visual Arts. During my four years of studying graphic design, I developed a strong interest in branding and packaging design. I was fascinated by the feeling of delivering my ideas and bringing them to life. I remember the feeling of holding a package I designed the first time; it was a moment of dream come true. Now, I am currently taking freelance projects, most of them were packaging design and branding. I had clients from different fields, and I learned a lot from working for them. Being a freelancer is a path that requires continuous learning, but it also provides me the satisfaction of finishing a project on my own and seeing it becoming an actual product from just an idea.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It had never been a smooth road for me. I struggled for a few years when I first moved to the state; there were linguistic and cultural barriers, and I tried too hard to get used to a new environment and make new connections. When anxiety bothered me, drawing became a cure and a way to vent my emotions and let go of my range; it wasn’t about creating a masterpiece; it was about throwing my feelings on paper and letting go of all that built-up stress. Art was my therapy. Now things have gone better, but I am still thankful that I survived that period.
After completing my studies at SVA, I took a gap period and decided to revisit China—a place I hadn’t been to in years. It was a bold move right after graduating, and, well, I did miss out on some job opportunities, including a chance to intern at one of my favorite design studios. Despite that, I consider the experience worthwhile. Upon returning from China, I was fortunate to land some freelance projects. While freelancing wasn’t my initial career choice, I have no regrets about the path I’ve taken. It opened up a completely new world for me, and every day is a learning experience filled with meeting new people and gaining fresh insights.
I am currently navigating the challenge of striking a harmonious balance between my roles as a graphic designer and an illustrator. While my primary passion lies in branding and packaging, I am equally fervent about drawing and painting. I love throwing a dash of illustration into my design projects, but let’s be real, it’s not always a seamless fit. As for my career path? Well, that’s still a bit like navigating through fog. I’m at this crossroads, trying to figure out if I want to dive headfirst into the world of professional illustration or keep riding the graphic design wave. It’s a tough call.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I am designing a package, I put myself in the position of a customer, not a designer. I often ask myself this question: if I were strolling through a grocery store or any retail space, what packaging would grab my attention and make me want to buy the product? Beyond considering the brand’s overall identity and culture, I inject life into my designs with vibrant colors, organic shapes, and playful illustrations. It’s not just about making a product stand out for commercial gains; it’s about weaving an impact into customers’ daily lives. I’m on a mission to craft packaging that goes beyond the purchase – something customers might want to keep as a quirky collection.
In my design philosophy, it’s not merely about designing for an industry; it’s about designing for humans; it’s about curating an experience for the folks out there – the customers. Because, let’s face it, the best designs resonate not just in boardrooms but in the daily lives and experiences of the people who interact with them.
In my quest to design with people in mind, I’m always on the lookout for inspiration. While I draw insights from books and design archives, I find equal joy in navigating grocery stores and markets, immersing myself in the tangible world of products and packaging. I’m a keen observer of daily life, deriving inspiration from the ordinary. You might catch me sketching away in various corners of the city, capturing authentic moments. Sometimes, I stick to what I see, and other times, I let my creativity run wild, injecting my own imagination into the scenes.
One central theme in my art revolves around emotions—stemming from my early struggles. I channel my focus into expressing emotions and addressing mental health. This commitment led me to create ‘The Mind,’ a zine delving into prevalent mental health issues like depression, anxiety, insomnia, and bipolar disorder. Beyond artistic expression, the zine serves as an educational resource, aiming to raise awareness about mental health and extend a helping hand to those in need.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Stay curious. My curiosity is the trait I am most proud of; it is the source of my energy, my passion, and the infinite courage to allow me to experience new things. I wish everyone to have the curiosity of life, whether they are artists or not.
In addition, Another thing is to always keep going, although the current situation may seem so bad and even hopeless, each phase, regardless of its challenges, imparts valuable lessons. I learned this while I was drawing; sometimes the work can appear so bad that I want to tear it apart, but once I persevere and keep drawing, the result always surprises me, and I would never find out if I gave up at the first steps.
Contact Info:
- Website: qithedesigner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianaqi_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qigusayshi/
Image Credits
The Qi Lifestyle Inc.
