Interview with Jinho Kang

Jinho Kang ("JK") interviewed on Monday, 25 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

JK : I worked in the Korean animation industry for more than 20 years. My work includes mostly Warner Brothers TV series such as Tiny Toon series and Much Lucha. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in the game industry.

How did you become a designer?

JK : Before I got into the animation field, I worked as a Sci-Fi illustrator for some time. A French cartoon artist, Moebius (Jean Giraud) was a huge inspiration for me. After that, I was fascinated by humorous animation styles of Warner Brothers, which made me want to borrow its styles and apply them to my work. That’s how my present arts were born.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

JK : First, I try to come up with ideas and sketch them, which helps me make a good layout. Second of all, I select most suitable characters. Third, I get to work using pictures and digital programs. I find digital programs very useful as they quickly visualize my ideas.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

JK : I feel elated when I manage to make or find perfect characters that match the sketched layout.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

JK : I spent lots of time on a variety of digital programs. Using those programs, I took things apart and put them back together. I tried to see things in different angles and viewpoints. I tried to expand my artistic perspectives appreciating various artists around the world.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

JK : I’d like to create more various and humorous cyber funk of my own styles, and go even further to express my work through figures and sculptures.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

JK : Most personal is most creative! It’s important to find something you can enjoy doing and make it better gradually and constantly.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

JK : Artistic talents and abilities are important. But what’s more important is good communication skills. Being able to communicate with people in the related field would be a key to a successful finish of your work

What is your day to day look like?

JK : My routine is pretty much the same as most other people. One thing that’s peculiar to me is that I spend a lot of time watching movies and various illustration arts of other artists to keep myself updated on what’s happening.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

JK : It’s easy to keep up with latest trends as the Internet makes the world smaller and smaller. For me, latest trends are not really important because I could lose my own identity if I’m not very careful with them.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

JK : Every works have their own symbols and meanings. It's gonna be nothing but drawing or works without that meanings. So the good design comes from something that well mixed together.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

JK : This is such a difficult task that I have made some rules. First, after I make a layout, I try to stick with it as far as the layout leads to. Second, if I come up with new ideas while doing my work, I make some changes and see how it looks.

What is your biggest design work?

JK : Recent works, the Crazy Head series is my biggest one. It has all kinds of obstinacy that all humans have through their lives. However, it does not necessarily see them as bad. Instead, it sees them in positive viewpoints, which make me feel more attached to it.

Who is your favourite designer?

JK : Moebius is my all time favorite artist.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

JK : I’m presently living in Korea. But ironically, Korean cultures hardly affects my work. I don’t think about particular countries or religion. I try to create something that’s common and applicable to any part of the world.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

JK : I’m a fun-loving person. And I like to work in a fun-loving atmosphere. I believe we can be more creative and productive if we laugh more.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

JK : I’m involved in different artistic societies in Korea. I go to regular meetings and seminars where I get a lot of chances to share my ideas and experience with some of younger animators about jobs we do.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

JK : I learned to love myself more and take more pride in myself. It’s always to know that my work gets acknowledged and appreciated by other people.

Jinho Kang Profile