ART
IN
MOTION
ART
IN
MOTION
Peter Yee
Peter Yee is a name that resonates with anyone who has an eye for design and a passion for innovation. He is an accomplished designer, having spent 25 years at Oakley, where he helped to create some of the most iconic sunglasses, watches, and products in the industry. With over 100 design and utility patents to his name, Yee’s impact on the world of design cannot be overstated.
One of the hallmarks of Yee’s work is his relentless pursuit of innovation.
From the earliest days of his career at Oakley, he was focused on pushing the boundaries of what was possible, using new materials and technologies to create products that were not only beautiful but also functional and durable.
This commitment to innovation has earned him a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking designers in the industry.
Yee’s work at Oakley has also been characterized by his unique style. His designs are clean and modern, with a focus on simplicity and functionality.
He has a keen eye for detail and an intuitive sense of what will resonate with consumers, and his products have become synonymous with quality and style.
Perhaps most impressive, however, is the impact that Yee’s work has had on the industry as a whole.
His designs have inspired countless imitators and have helped to shape the direction of the industry for decades.
From his early work on sunglasses to his later work on watches and other products, Yee has left an indelible mark on the world of design.
In short, Peter Yee is a true genius of design, whose impact on the industry cannot be overstated.
His commitment to innovation, his unique style, and his ability to create iconic products have made him one of the most respected and admired designers of his generation.
Whether you are a fan of Oakley products or simply appreciate great design, there is no denying the influence and legacy of Peter Yee.
- How did you become one of the world’s most famous designers?
1. I don’t know about being one of the world’s most famous designers, but my notoriety is based on the iconic designs I’ve done for the world renowned Oakley brand. I think my notoriety is also attributed to my designs are considered unique, beautiful and innovative, which is what I strive for, always. Many of my designs have been considered Iconic, which means they need to be unique and popular for a long period of time and ultimately tied to the brand. People are generally famous for something unique, whether it’s good or bad. I hope mine is for good.
- What are your sources of inspiration when creating a new design?
My inspirations are from all over that ties to tne things that are interesting and intriguing to the consumers I am addressing.
Generaliy use Inspiration that has nothing to do with the product I am designing. For example, the last thing I would look at for any Inspiration to design new eyewear Would be to look at eyewear.
- How did you develop your technique for creating innovative and functional
eyewear like those at Oakley?
My technique is from my formal design education at ArtCenter College of Design and my own creative thoughts of how to merging art and science into an innovative and meaningful design.
- How does it feel to know that your glasses have been worn by celebrities and athletes all over the world?
It is flattering and satisfying to know many people noteworthy or not appreciate the designs I have worked diligentiy to create for their benefit.
- What have been the most satisfying moments of your career so far?
The most satisfying moments are hearing from the fans of my work and listening to why they appreciate the particular designs or their origin stories of how the design touched them in some way.
This includes the Oakley logo, eyewear, watches and other random things l’ve had the privilege of working
on.
- How have you maintained your creativity and passion for design over all these years?
I approach every design project the same way by discovering the answers to these questions: What is the problem, what is the objective, who is this for, what will make this successful and how can the solution be ingenious and beautiful?
- What are your next challenges as a designer and inventor?
My next or current challenges are to continue to provide the best creative and highly functional designs for my clients so they can be as successful as possible.
- How would you describe yourself as a person and how do these qualities influence your work as a designer?
I like to think I am an intelligent, kind, strong, unique, driven, efficient, creative, a (functional) perfectionist, problem solver, and I am both patient and impatient. I believe these qualities translates directly into my work, style and designs.
- What advice would you give to young designers who want to pursue a career like yours?
Iteli young aspiring designers to strive for beautifully unique and ingenious solutions.
Strive for excellence. Uniques solutions that are beautiful and solve problems are not easy and more coveted and thus you wil be considered a more valuable designer. It is the law of supply and demand.
People that copy a solution are more in abundance than those that create new solutions.
- What is the most important thing you have learned in your career as a
designer and inventor?
Sometimes the solution is complicated and dynamic, but the genius is to creatively compose the answers into the most
clean and simple execution possible, but in a manner that is ultimately beautiful.
You can have the most amazing solution, but if it is ugly, no one will open their wallet to find out how great your answer is.