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In Style: how Bing Bing Deng is shaping the contemporary art scene in Shanghai

It takes energy, passion and patience for creative professionals to thrive in the industry. In addition, they need to hunger for inspiration and new ideas. Bing Bing Deng inherited his passion for design from his artistic family. After living and working in Melbourne for more than a decade, he returned to China in 1999 to establish his own brand – Bing Design.

Since 2001, Bing Bing has been pushing boundaries through cross-cultural art, incorporating contemporary design with Chinese culture elements to help his diverse clientele to position their brands on the global stage through his creative company, Bing Design. Bing Bing is also the founder of internationally renowned homeware brand Pilingpalang, known for their signature cloisonné Chinese lantern, named the Best Tableware Design by Elle Decoration International Design Awards China.

Advance talked with Bing Bing about his passion for art and experience living between two creative homes.

Interview by Tammy Lee, Marketing & Communications & Digital Manager, Advance.

What does one of your typical works look like?

As an artist by background, my work uses both hand-drawn and computer-generated visuals that combine strong use of color, shape and patterns inspired by both Eastern and Western traditions. Most of my time is spent creating Visual Identities that add value to my customers who are primarily in the hotel and restaurant businesses. These logos and symbols enable my customers to more effectively communicate their core messages to their stakeholders.

What made you go to Australia to work? How was the experience?

Australia was my chosen destination. I decided to go to Australia in 1989 because that was the easiest way for me to experience western culture and ideas. The concept of going overseas was very popular among my fellow students in China in the late ’80s.

It was an amazing experience to work and study in Australia at that time! A new world of ideas and cultures opened up for me. Although the initial exposure to a different language and culture in Australia made me feel a little anxious, I was excited about the endless possibilities.

What do you think is the hardest thing about being a creative professional?

Being creative is not difficult. The hardest part is closing the gap between the clients’ expectations and what is really achievable within the timeframe.

What has been the most challenging project that you’ve worked on?

The M on the Bund Diary without a doubt! This annual project is an immense test of the skills of my team in the areas of creativity, communication, time management and organisation.

How has your Australian work experience helped to advance your career?

It has given me the confidence to speak about high-level design concepts and aesthetics across cultures as well as to understand how to build effective bridges between, especially, Australian and Chinese cultures.

What’s next for Bing Design?

An even better, brighter and brilliant BING…

What advice would you give your younger self?

Be very honest with yourself, faithful to others and do everything from inside to outside with all your heart!