The results of the Hong Kong Youth Art Design Competition have been announced, and Li Yiyao, a Graphic Design student at the International College of Xiamen University, stood out with her original design work focusing on the intangible cultural heritage of Longshan Black Pottery, winning the third prize. Through her design, she has given new vitality to the millennia-old black pottery tradition. How did she draw inspiration from traditional culture, refine her work during the competition, and use the power of young designers to tell the story of intangible heritage? Let us step into her creative journey through this exclusive interview.

Student Profile
My name is Li Yiyao, and I am a Graphic Design student at the International College of Xiamen University. In my spare time, I often visit museums and art galleries to observe and learn. This helps me think more clearly and quickly during my studies, and allows me to develop more innovative perspectives.

1. What was your first reaction upon receiving the award notification, and what motivated you to enter this competition?
When I received the award notification, my first reaction was a mix of excitement and surprise. The preparation process was more time-constrained than I had anticipated, and I was uncertain about my design abilities. My initial motivation for participating was to introduce Longshan Black Pottery to a wider audience and gain greater recognition for this intangible cultural heritage. The core concept of my award-winning work was to use in-depth learning of layout and color matching to not only showcase the unique charm of Longshan Black Pottery but also help viewers gain a deeper understanding of this cultural heritage.

2. Could you briefly introduce your award-winning work, its core concept, and the source of your inspiration?
My interest in Longshan Black Pottery began during a museum visit, where I was exposed to the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship of this cultural heritage. Later, I discovered a museum dedicated specifically to Longshan Black Pottery, where I conducted in-depth research into its historical background and took numerous photographs as source material for my creation.

3. What was the biggest challenge you faced during the creative process, and how did you overcome it?
The greatest challenge I encountered was achieving harmonious and rich color combinations while preserving the original appearance and details of Longshan Black Pottery. To overcome this, I first established a primary color palette and adjusted image colors to create a more coordinated overall composition. Additionally, I sought feedback from my teachers and peers, using their suggestions to further refine my design.

4. As a student in the International College’s Art Programme, how did the College support your creation and participation in the competition?
I am grateful to the College for its cultivation and guidance, which have made me more professional and mature in my design practice and better equipped to prepare for the competition. This experience broadened my horizons, enriched my perspectives, and allowed me to appreciate other outstanding works, further enhancing my

 critical appreciation skills.

Thanks to the College’s “2+2” Sino-foreign joint training model, we have access to high-quality art education resources both at home and abroad. During my studies at Xiamen University, instructors use a bilingual approach (Chinese and English) to deliver lectures and provide guidance, gradually helping us adapt to different linguistic expressions and align with international creative thinking. When working on my projects, teachers fully respect my creative ideas and personal style, offering targeted suggestions for improvement—such as adjusting color intensity and proportional distribution, or using color contrasts to convey different tones (calm versus dynamic). They then allow me space for independent reflection and revision, enabling me to progressively refine my work.

5. What specific advice would you offer to fellow International College students studying art and design, especially those considering entering competitions?
My advice to students interested in participating in competitions is: take plenty of photos in daily life, visit museums and art exhibitions frequently to observe and accumulate creative inspiration; when preparing for a competition, study layout design in advance and make thorough content preparations; and it is also important to review previous award-winning works to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the field.

6. Apart from the award itself, what other gains did you derive from this competition?
Through this competition, I not only acquired more knowledge about design but also developed a deeper appreciation for the unique allure of cultural heritage. I hope to have more opportunities in the future to continue exploring and disseminating this precious cultural wealth.