Jihyun Kim

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jihyun Kim ("JK") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

JK : I graduated from Pratt Institute in 2016 for BFA Fashion design.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

JK : Masterpieces and all kinds of art; dance, music, and writing, motivate me to create new design and art. I just really love being an artist so I decided to become a fashion designer.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

JK : Absolutely I choose.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

JK : Minimal design but it represents my style itself.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

JK : Do everything and get real!

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

JK : Good designs only represent visual aspects and great designs imply their thought.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

JK : Good design can make people laugh.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

JK : Make them happy.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

JK : Pet apparel line.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

JK : Black and White color.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

JK : Phoebe Philo

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

JK : Old Celine. I do not know why.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

JK : Visual impact with meaning.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

JK : Control of negative space.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

JK : Part of life and sometimes itself.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

JK : My parents. Thank you and I love you!

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JK : Motivation from my family.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

JK : It depends on the designers' own thought.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

JK : New collections and new shoe line under S'MM.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

JK : Make heaven for minimalists.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

JK : Create traditional design with new idea.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JK : Some designs lead to good comunication person to person.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

JK : Build up new collection.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

JK : My first collection. Beacuse I got award with sponsorship so that makes me to build up my company. It was a start point of my journey.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

JK : Robots will replace designers.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

JK : Usually 2 weeks.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

JK : Research.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JK : Keep the balance between work and life.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

JK : Both are interactive. Not only design sets trends but also trends set the designs.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

JK : Sewing machine and Adobe programs.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

JK : Follow the feeling.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

JK : hmm.. nothing. I wish that people just enjoy my design.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

JK : Motivation.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

JK : Few of my best friends who are in art field.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

JK : Keep learning from my freelance projects and doing my business.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

JK : My family and best friends.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

JK : No. But awards gave me opportunuties to get attentions from industry people.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

JK : Black and White, My sweet home, Ice cream, Winter, My lovely Dog; Stella!

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

JK : Even getting fame but actually I lose money for my business.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

JK : Other brands' great collections.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

JK : Nobody expected me to be a designer because my drawing skill was really bad when I was a child.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

JK : Some great designers will run my brand, S'MM.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

JK : Keep love my work! Always thank you!