Interview with Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang

Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang ("B(K") interviewed on Tuesday, 5 May.

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

B(K : I've always loved art and design. There was a longing to learn art & design professionally even when I was very young. So I graduated from Seoul Arts High School in Korea. Then I went to Seoul National University to study painting in fine art. Even when I was studying painting, I created and designed logos, postcards, flyers, business cards and many works using design skills. Then I move into Vancouver and studied Graphic design at Lasalle College(previously Art Institute of Vancouver).

How did you become a designer?

B(K : I think "design' is a really powerful and effective tool to affect people's life. Everything we see, watch, touch, and feel in everyday life is a result of design. I fascinated by the fact of how design is influential and easy to connect with people in many ways. And also, the design process can embrace every possible material and knowledge, like my fine art education background, cultural heritage, personal experience, etc. I can use all of my resources and should be change and learn new skills and trends. I've always wanted to be an artist, and I think I found the way to be an artist in the design field.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

B(K : Developing a strong concept is the first mission when it comes to the design process. This includes numerous researches and sketches. Visualizing the concept in a unique way is the next step. Lastly, to focus on every detail makes the difference in the end.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

B(K : Excitement, expectation, joyfulness, and alive. It is a dynamic process.

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

B(K : I'm a lifelong art lover. I'm a painter, an illustrator, and a singer. The love of art history also helped me to become an artistic designer. And my perfectionist characteristic pushes me to keep learning new trends in various fields, including design and fashion. All those aspects have shaped me as a passionate graphic designer.

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

B(K : I've always been in the art field as a painter, illustrator, and graphic designer since I was very young. And I've worked and volunteered as a freelance graphic designer. My next step is to find a studio that I can work in a graphic design team. Someday I hope to found my own design studio.

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

B(K : Just believe in yourself and your works. Hard work never betrays you.

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

B(K : I think I have only one suggestion to my fellow designers: Stay out of your comfort zone and keep moving on. Sometimes we can satisfy what we've done already and stop moving on to the next level. That is the one thing that we should avoid as creative professionals.

What is your day to day look like?

B(K : Design work, tutor job(teaching drawing lessons to the students), researching for fresh inspirations, and some cooking time for myself, these are my daily routine.

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

B(K : I love researching other designers' portfolios and love visiting museums/galleries. And I've subscribed to design magazines.

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

B(K : The clear and powerful bonding between the interesting visual aspect and its strong concept is the key to good design. I think great design should be able to visualize its concept successfully in a way to captivate its target audiences. Of course, it should be based on proper research and concept developing process. But, even though someone had a great idea and awesome concept, it's not possible to catch the audiences' eyes if it fails to catch their eyes first. I'm saying the good design needs both strong concept and attractive visual.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

B(K : I just keep trying to criticize my work, considering it as another designer's work. And I don't hesitate to ask people to get their feedback. Then after numerous self-criticism and feedback, there's a moment that I can't find any flaws.

What is your biggest design work?

B(K : Saintly Flavours is one of my biggest design work recognized by A'Design Award. It a gourmet food gift set with detailed illustrations of 7 abbeys and ornamental frames. I put a lot of efforts into this project.

Who is your favourite designer?

B(K : The works of Marian Bantjes and Stranger & Stranger always inspires me. I love how Marian explores the extreme of ornamental and experimental typography with patterns. And I love all the works of Stranger & Stranger, because their designs are extremely detailed and creative to satisfy the purposes of each project in almost flawless quality.

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

B(K : I live in Vancouver, Canada now, but my cultural root is in Korea. I definitely feel that the cultural heritage of Korea affects my design. Contemporary Korean culture is very fast, clever, and flexible enough to accept the global trends and translate them in unique ways based on Korean's taste. And also we are very competitive and passionate about what we do. Those are the good qualities of my cultural heritage. On the contrary, Vancouver is very quite, peaceful and nature-friendly. I enjoy this calm environment and slow-phased culture, too. Through experiencing both totally different culture, I've learned to accept myself and the diversity of life. I'm a hard worker but love to enjoy peaceful moments of my daily life.

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

B(K : I always try to make every aspect of a project clear with my client before I dive into it. It really allows both parties can have a clear view of what direction we should go together to make the best results and to avoid unnecessary conflicts. And I'm very open to criticism and suggestion from clients and fellow designers. Because what I really care about is a great result for my clients and me.

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

B(K : As graphic designers, we can create strong visuals with powerful messages. If anyone wants to know the power of graphic design, then just think of all the propaganda posters made in World War I and II. Design can deliver both positive and negative messages. To choose what to deliver and how to is the job of designers. Designers should be ethical and responsible. And I've volunteered for a long time as a freelance graphic designer. I used to help non-profit organizations and Christian ministries in need of design solutions.I think we can do much better to help our society and community as a graphic designer.

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

B(K : It's an honour to be recognized by A'Design Award. It really encourages me a lot to start fresh again. It's really good to have this kind of award that appreciate fellow designers work together.

Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang Profile