10 Questions with Weiyun Chen

Weiyun Chen, a graphic designer hailing from Brooklyn, New York, specializes in the dynamic realms of branding, exhibition, print, and editorial design. Currently serving as the creative director at Lucky Risograph, she has also co-founded Midnight Project Design Studio alongside Supatida Sutiratana, a talented Thai graphic designer based in New York City. Together, they channel their collective focus towards branding, packaging, print, and typography design at Midnight Project.

Midnight Project stands as a design studio at the forefront of brand identity, exhibition design, and print collections. Weiyun and Supatida infuse their work with a rich tapestry of cultural influences, fostering a design philosophy that embraces diverse perspectives and encourages inclusive experiences for a wide audience.

Weiyun Chen's artistic drive stems from a profound fascination with the nexus of design and human experiences, emotions, and everyday life. Armed with specialized expertise in exhibition, brand identity, and editorial design, Weiyun crafts visual expressions that forge meaningful connections with audiences on a profound level. Her current dedication involves a commitment to further expanding her creative expertise and delving into new and exciting design opportunities.

chenweiyun.com | @tunachen_

Review Retrospective | Project Description

Review Retrospective features artworks by the Abrons Arts Center Visual Artist AIRspace 2020-2021 cohort Shirley Bruno, Hyperlink Press, Sa'dia Rehman, and Carlos Rosales-Silva.
Included works in Review Retrospective examine the ideas of a self-selected history, the rewriting of personal narratives and historical movements, and the unearthing of a version of the truth through the framework of the retrospective.

Hyperlinks

Inspired by South Korean online LGBTQ communities in the 2000s, Hyperlink Press is an online publication and curatorial collective that creates intersectional platforms to showcase work by artists navigating the in-between spaces. Hyperlink Press' mission is to empower the underrepresented history, experience, and identity in the tech field and art gallery system. Founded by Taehee Whang, Jeong Yoon Lee, and Minsoo Thigpen in 2018, Hyperlink Press would like to share the time of utopic excitement that we felt back in our shared childhood of the 2000's, for an equal world, breaking free from the traditional forms of community building.

Hyperlink Press Reading Room

Through zine practice, Hyperlink Press seeks to distribute a love story of a marginalized community, LB City: Cyber Lesbian Utopia, and how we all can come together to support each other. The passing of love has nothing to do with blood or kin. It has everything to do with the community we nurture together to continue passing on these love stories. Hyperlink aims to archive, envision, and distribute these love stories to reimagine belonging.
Hyperlink Press sources its aesthetic inspiration from the software interfaces of the early 2000's in South Korea that followed its own distinctive path of development. For millennials, the 2000's stood as a time of excitement for a decentralized and equitable world, departing from traditional forms of community building. We are drawn to this era when anyone could be anything and accepted for the stories they shared. The internet represented a radical shift in how dialogue existed and propagated, providing a framework for understanding our collective marginalized histories beyond state-mandated narratives which often centered on patriarchal, heteronormative, anti-communist, and imperialist paradigms.
In the context of Review Retrospective for Hyperlinks, our aim is to seamlessly blend the audience's experience between digital and physical realms when exploring Hyperlinks artworks. We envision establishing a unique space that mirrors the essence of the early Windows 11 wallpapers within a physical gallery setting.

Review Retrospective - Exhibition view © Weiyun Chen

INTERVIEW

First of all, tell us a bit about yourself. What is your background, and how does it influence your work?

As a graphic designer born and raised in Taiwan for the first 25 years of my life, I embarked on a journey to the United States to pursue further education in graphic design. Fueled by a deep-seated desire to expand my knowledge in the design realm, I made the decision to move, driven by the absence of an opportunity to obtain a formal design degree in Taiwan. The allure of delving into the intricacies of Latin typography and melding my Chinese-inspired ideas with the daily experiences of life in Asia became the impetus for this transformative step.
The collision of these two distinct cultures has birthed a design style that is uniquely my own, a fusion of Latin and Chinese elements that permeate most of my creative works. I am passionate about infusing my designs with the rich cultural tapestry of my Chinese and Taiwanese heritage, endeavoring to both celebrate and introduce these cultural nuances to audiences in the United States.
I'm all about making design not just visually cool but downright enjoyable for the audience. It's not just a job; it's my personality shining through. I want people to have a good time interacting with my work. Whether it's through cool colors, interactive stuff, or a touch of culture, I'm on a mission to bring joy to the viewer. Think of it as my way of saying, "Hey, let's make this experience fun together!"

What about your studies? What was your path to becoming an artist like?

My undergraduate degree in printmaking, particularly within the realm of commercial printing, further deepened my fascination with tangible items such as posters, cards, and publications. This specialization heightened my appreciation for physical interaction with design. Contemplating how individuals engage with design and contemplating ways to guide their behavior became a focal point of my creative process. As I delved into this exploration, I found myself not only designing artifacts but also considering the stages and platforms where these creative expressions could be displayed and appreciated by a diverse audience.

You are primarily a designer. Why did you choose design as your preferred medium? What does it represent for you?

Absolutely, your perspective on design is spot on. Design is indeed a problem-solving tool, a means to achieve specific goals. Whether it's creating a brand identity to reach a wider audience or making subtle choices in elements like typefaces and color palettes, each decision in design holds the power to shape how people perceive and engage with a message.
The ability of graphic designers to craft an entire world and guide viewers in how they perceive information is a unique and impactful skill. Every visual element contributes to the narrative and influences the viewer's experience. It's a form of storytelling where designers play the role of storytellers, guiding the audience's gaze and interpretation.
The nuances in design, from the smallest details to the overall composition, become a language that communicates messages beyond words. It's this power of design that allows for the creation of compelling, immersive experiences and the shaping of perspectives. Designers indeed hold the capacity to shape how people see and interact with the world around them.

You are currently the creative director at Lucky Risograph and co-founder of the Midnight Project Design Studio. How do these two positions influence your work as an artist?

Collaborating with Lucky Risography, particularly in tandem with illustration projects, has provided invaluable insights into color dynamics. The unique qualities of Risograph color, with its transparent levels, offer a fascinating palette that allows for creative color mixing and the generation of nuanced third colors. Unlike digital platforms, the print medium involves a meticulous, hands-on process at Lucky Risography. This intricate workflow has heightened my attention to detail, influencing a meticulous approach to design. The experience gained at Lucky Risography has significantly influenced the Midnight Project, especially as we delved into self-publishing. The hands-on nature of Risograph printing has imparted a meticulous and detail-oriented mindset to our design process. Moreover, the experience has proven instrumental in project management at Midnight Project, equipping us with valuable insights into how to effectively communicate and sell ideas to clients. The fusion of these experiences ensures a nuanced and thoughtful approach to our creative endeavors.

Tell us more about your Midnight Project. What do you work on? And what is your goal?

Midnight Project is a design studio focusing on brand identity design, exhibition design, and print collection. Midnight Project was founded by Weiyun Chen (Winnie) & Supatida Sutiratana (Nut) based in New York City in 2022.
We bring our cultural background into our design principles, which allows us to have diverse interactions with design thinking. It allows us to design more inclusive experiences that reach broader audiences.
Currently, we're deep into crafting a brand identity for a design award. Simultaneously, we're on the lookout for a gallery to showcase our latest endeavor: the SUPERTRASH project. With global concerns escalating over waste management, the project tackles the urgent issue of the world's increasing waste production.
SUPERTRASH is our way of sparking awareness about the crucial role of recycling and transforming trash into something valuable. We're not just hosting an exhibition; we're inviting the audience to actively participate. Attendees can contribute by bringing their own bits of trash or using materials collected from various industries. Together, we'll turn these discarded items into unique characters, creating a playful and creative exploration of sustainability. It's more than just art; it's a hands-on journey towards a greener, more responsible world.

For this project, you collaborate with Supatida Sutiratana. How does your work change when working on your own instead of when working as a creative studio?

We founded Midnight Project as a collaboration born from our shared Asian roots and upbringing, infusing our designs with a distinctive visual language. Our common thread lies in a shared desire to inject enjoyment into every design we create. Despite our shared goals, our individual perspectives on design bring diverse ideas to each project.
Being part of a design studio amplifies creativity by introducing a variety of viewpoints. Working solo can sometimes lead to sticking within my comfort zone, constrained by my personal style. Collaborating with someone else not only expands our creative horizons but also encourages us to venture beyond what we're used to.
While our ultimate goal aligns, the beauty lies in the synergy of our distinct visions. We help each other push boundaries and explore new territories, resulting in designs that are not only enjoyable but also rich in diversity. It's a dynamic partnership that allows Midnight Project to continually evolve and deliver fresh, unique perspectives to our projects.

Let's now focus on the Review Retrospective project. How did you come up with it? And what did you want to communicate?

Exploring the dynamic interplay between the digital and physical realms, I'm intrigued by the transformative potential in our increasingly digital lives during the past three years, shaped significantly by the COVID-19 era. Collaborating with Hyperlink, the primary studio in Review Retrospective, we draw inspiration from early 2000s South Korean software interfaces. This period symbolized a shift towards decentralized and equitable community building, capturing the excitement of a time when the internet allowed individuals to redefine themselves. Now, I'm eager to bring this digital vibrancy into a physical space, translating the boundary-defying spirit of the 2000s internet culture into a tangible exhibition that invites viewers to experience and engage with its transformative essence.

On a general level, what do you see as the strengths of your work? And how do you see it evolving over the next few years?

Integrating my cultural background with a deep understanding of the Latin typographic system has become a defining aspect of my design approach. I believe that my cultural roots will consistently infuse the designs I create, adding a unique and personal touch. Looking ahead, I'm enthusiastic about weaving more of these experiences and ideas into our future design projects, ensuring that each creation carries the richness of cultural diversity and a fusion of design philosophies.

As we are almost at the beginning of a new year, what do you hope to accomplish in 2024 regarding career goals and personal life?

Expanding Midnight Project's reach beyond the borders of the U.S. is a key aspiration for us at this early stage of our business. Building connections in the global design community is a priority, as we aim to secure more diverse projects for Midnight Project.
Currently in the early phases, we're focused on gaining valuable experience in collaborating and refining our workflow. The ultimate goal is to transform this freelance endeavor into our primary occupation. While freelancing offers flexibility, achieving a work-life balance can be challenging. There are instances where we find ourselves sacrificing personal time to meet project deadlines.
The journey involves not only growing our business but also navigating the freelance lifestyle intricacies. It's about finding that equilibrium where we can pursue our passion for design while ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling work-life harmony. As we continue to evolve, we're excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Midnight Project.
Empowering individuals to amplify their voices through design is a fundamental goal for Midnight Project. We believe in leveraging our design skills to provide a platform for people to express themselves and share their stories. By creating visually compelling narratives, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse discourse. Our commitment extends beyond aesthetics; it's about fostering a space where every voice is heard and where design becomes a powerful tool for communication and connection. As we evolve, this mission remains a driving force behind Midnight Project's creative endeavors.

Finally, what are you working on right now? Anything exciting you would like to tell our readers?

Midnight Project is currently engaged in an exciting collaboration with New York Chinatown for the upcoming Lunar New Year. Our focus is on crafting a captivating calendar for the ensuing year, featuring the artistic prowess of six distinct Asia-based illustrators rooted in the vibrant landscape of New York. The exhibition is set to unfold within the familiar confines of the Review Retrospective project's venue, yet with a distinctive twist—this time, the entire gallery space will be transformed to showcase our creative endeavor.
Simultaneously, we aim to leverage this opportunity to offer a cultural immersion by introducing Chinese traditions to the wider public. Nestled within the heart of New York City, Chinatown stands as the oldest Chinese community, providing a haven where individuals of Asian descent can embrace their heritage, communicate without the need for English, and foster a unique environment. Here, amid the bustling metropolis, people discover a home-away-from-home—a space where they can truly savor a slice of Asia within the vast expanse of the city.
For more information, you can follow @midnight.project_design, @luckyrisograph, and @wowprojectnyc.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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