Fei Meng

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Fei Meng ("FM") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

FM : My background is rooted in fine arts, and over the years I have worked across illustration, advertising, and now product design. I lived in Oxford for ten years, where my colored pencil portraits were selected for the Rising Stars exhibition held by the Royal Society of British Artists in London — an experience that deepened my confidence in bridging traditional and digital mediums. After relocating to New York in 2024, I found new opportunities to expand my design language, and the Four Seasons scarf for Shen Yun Collections became the most complete expression of that journey so far: a single narrative painting, rooted in fine arts sensibility, translated into something people can wear and carry with them every day.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

FM : After many years as an illustrator, an opportunity arrived to paint for a product — and that changed everything. The skills I had developed through illustration: narrative composition, color, storytelling within a single image, translated into product design in a way that felt completely natural. The transition was not a decision so much as a recognition — I followed an opportunity with genuine curiosity, gave it everything I had, and found myself somewhere new.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

FM : After many years as an illustrator, an opportunity arrived to paint for a product — and that changed everything. The skills I had developed through illustration: narrative composition, color, storytelling within a single image, translated into product design in a way that felt completely natural. The transition was not a decision so much as a recognition — I followed an opportunity with genuine curiosity, gave it everything I had, and found myself somewhere new.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

FM : Scarves at the moment.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

FM : Look more. Absorb more. And develop a traditional aesthetic sensibility — one that allows you to genuinely distinguish between what is beautiful and what is not. Study the classics. Spend time with traditional art forms, whether from your own culture or others. Learn what has stood the test of time and ask yourself why. That foundation will serve you long after every current trend has been forgotten. And always be kind. To your clients, to your collaborators, to the people who will one day use what you make. Kindness is not separate from good design — it is part of it. The most enduring work comes from a genuine care for others, a real desire to make their lives a little more beautiful. That intention shapes everything, from the first sketch to the finished piece.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

FM : A good designer focuses on aesthetics, usability, and solving the immediate problem at hand. They create products or visuals that are functional, beautiful, and pleasant to use. A great designer looks beyond the object itself to understand human behavior, emotion, and culture. They don't just solve problems—they anticipate needs, challenge the status quo, and create meaningful experiences that reshape how people live, work, and connect.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

FM : Good design effectively communicates information and sparks emotional resonance, making complex messages intuitive and effortless to understand. Evaluating it comes down to whether it perfectly solves the user's core problem while seamlessly balancing aesthetics and functionality.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

FM : Beautiful design rooted in traditional values deeply connects us to our cultural identity, providing a profound sense of meaning and continuity. By uplifting the human spirit, this kind of thoughtful aesthetics reduces stress and inspires joy, ultimately honoring the user's daily experience. Because it is both deeply meaningful and well-crafted, people cherish and preserve it, creating sustainable, long-term value that far outlasts disposable trends.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

FM : would create my own art book, a story series that truly belongs to me.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

FM : My own art book.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

FM : Rooted in beauty and tradition。 This is a timeless foundation that ensures design has depth, soul, and a lasting presence.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

FM : Fine art artist

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

FM : Design is the work of bringing beauty to human life. Through beautiful design, people can enjoy life more deeply and find nourishment for their souls.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

FM : My husband and my son.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

FM : Focus, and continuously drawing nourishment from life