Charlie Yang is known for his minimalist approach to both photography and design, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and authenticity. While he may not be as well-known for specific “design quotes” as some other designers, his philosophy can be distilled into several key ideas often shared in his works and interviews:
- “Design is about clarity, not complication.”
This reflects Yang’s focus on straightforward, honest design that serves a purpose without unnecessary embellishments. - “Your design should make people feel something before they understand it.”
Yang highlights the emotional impact of design, encouraging creators to evoke feelings before conveying intellectual meaning. - “Design is everywhere, you just have to learn how to see it.”
Yang draws from his street photography experience, believing that the best designs come from observing the world closely. - “The best designs don’t scream; they whisper.”
This statement aligns with Yang’s minimalist philosophy, where less is more, and subtlety in design often carries more weight.
These ideas blend his design thinking with his photographic approach, showing how aesthetics, purpose, and emotion intersect in both fields.