Jul 18, 20224 min read

Yan Yang: OUT OF CONTROL

Tell us about the development process that culminated in the artist you are today.

It starts with my childhood growing up. I was born and raised in mainland China. I was the only child in my family and had no siblings to play with, so when I was four or five years old, my father started to develop my interest in drawing. Continuous drawing training gave me solid basic skills as a teenager. Then I studied fashion design at Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology and School of the Art Institute of Chicago in China and USA. I took courses in design research, pattern making, draping and sewing techniques. The solid basic skills accumulated during several years of study have helped me to create my art and design. After graduating from school, I participated in many international design competitions and won awards, and also participated in fashion shows of different brands as a designer. During the years of working and exhibiting, I have accumulated a lot of experience.

You have an incredible career – what have been your highlights?

I think three points are important.

Creative thinking, the ability to translate design ideas well through the design medium into fashion and artistic creation.

Details make a difference. The details show the uniqueness of the uniqueness of the designer and artist. I always pay attention to the details of the work, and it is also a part of me that spends a long time, I will consider which process to use, how to present the best effect, etc.

Strong physical fitness. The whole design and art creative process is pretty long, there are many things to do, and it is common to stay up all night, so it is difficult to carry on without a strong physical fitness.

How would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it?

My work is very warm, healing and empowering. My work focuses on four topics: the healing of trauma through art, the influence of unisex fashion on contemporary lifestyle, the heritage of traditional intangible culture and innovative design, and sustainable design issues. These four topics are closely related to the destiny of human life. I expresses my concern for these creative issues through my design works and shows them to people in the form of fashion and art.

I believe that art is powerful, I hope my designs can draw more attention and support social issues in the world and I hope my artistic creation can bring strength and courage to more people.

What's the most important thing you want your potential clients to know about you?

My philosophy of creating art and design, the feeling I want to bring to the audience through my works.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten and do you follow it?

Always work hard. Have the courage to overcome your fears. Yes, I have always followed it.

If you could say one thing to someone younger who looks up to you, what would you say?

Believe in yourself and be the best you can be, and strive to unleash the unlimited potential within you.

Tell us one thing about yourself people might find surprising

I can not sleep for 72 hours in a row, design 100 models of printed fabric patterns. (This kind of work is not healthy, not advocated)

8. What does life look like for you now and where do you see yourself in the future?

I have a great life now, I live in an apartment in downtown Chicago that I have converted into a studio. Outside my window is Lake Michigan and the buildings of Chicago, and I can see the most beautiful Chicago after work every day.

For the future, I hope I can keep my passion for creation and perseverance in the path of art and design to make more and better works, and I hope my works can bring more hope and encouragement to people.

How is working in fashion different today than from when you started out?

There is a big difference, it's getting faster and faster, fast fashion is getting more and more. In the past, people would buy a dress and wear it for years and take good care of it. Now people buy a lot of fast fashion clothes, and many of them are thrown away without even being worn once. This phenomenon has caused a lot of waste.

What are your future plans/goals for the next couple of years?

I will continue to focus on the path of art and design. I will participate in more exhibition and fashion shows. And I wouldn’t mind going to other cities such as New York if I have the opportunities in the future. Experiencing more of the culture of different cities is very helpful for my art and design development.

Where can our readers keep up with your work and get connected with you?

My Instagram is @yuring·yan and readers can email me through yanyangfashionart@gmail.com too. I would love to talk and exchange art and design ideas with you all.