Hey, I’m Yiran Cong, a third-year industrial design student. I’m from Qufu, Shandong—a small town soaked in Confucian history for centuries. The old cobblestone streets and ancient vibe there might’ve shaped my calm, grounded side and given me a knack for noticing the stories and feelings behind everyday objects.
My life’s built around a few things I’m passionate about:
My cat buddy: I’ve got a cat who’s basically my shadow. He’s there while I’m sketching, usually napping on my tablet or swatting at my pen like he’s got design tips to share. Taking care of him and hanging out together brings a kind of quiet joy to my days.
Story junkie: I love being swept away by stories. Whether in books—classics or just random novels—or TV shows, from grand historical epics to warm slice-of-life fare, I’m addicted. These stories broaden my horizons, showing me people and life in a more richer way, which inspires the way I design.
Music to my vibe: Music is always playing in the background. I listen to instrumental music when I’m designing to focus, indie folk when I’m just walking around, letting my mind drift, or random playlists when I’m tidying up to make it all enjoyable. It’s like a never-ending mood-boost.
Inspiration and travel: I love traveling and soaking up the mood of new places. It’s less the view—it’s the smells of street food, the buzz of crowds of people, the way people move. I still remember the spicy chaos of the hot pot streets of Chongqing or the still rain on the tile roofs of Jiangnan. Those moments linger and fuel ideas into my writing.
Design is my passion because I want to make things that move people, become part of their lives, and get things done in a clever way. I love the process—starting with a white sheet of paper, tightening up shapes, trying out materials, and ending up with something real after all the experimenting and testing. Those moments of revelation and sense of fulfillment drive me.
This global workshop is an epic journey. I’m excited to see others all over the world, share ideas, and have no clue what will be the outcome of mixing other perspectives. I’ve arrived with an open mind to learn and collaborate and, honestly, I barely can wait to view what else emerges. That’s me—a native Qufu citizen who’s shaped by my cat, stories, music, and travels. Thanks for reading, and I’m happy to create something awesome with you!
