Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang ("B(K") 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.
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).
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.
B(K : I choose to become a designer. I've always wanted to be an artist, and I think I found the way to be an artist in the design field.
B(K : Branding, packaging, editorial design, advertisement, etc. And I tried to be versatile in style but keep the high standard in quality-wise.
B(K : 1. Be familiar with museums and galleries. 2. Study the history of art and design. 3. Research as much as you can. 4. Learn up-to-date trends and skills.
B(K : A unique and interesting visual approach based on strongly developed concept and all the details.
B(K : The relation 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.
B(K : It communicates with people, especially with its target audience effectively. And it affects their life somehow. So anyone wants to reach their target audience, then there must be a good design to make it happen.
B(K : 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. If I had the time, I would do more to help.
B(K : I would hold my exhibitions, including my design works, paintings, and illustrations and also hold specific design-themed exhibitions.
B(K : Paula Scher, Stefan Sagmeister, Marian Bantjes, Jacqueline Casey, Michael Bierut
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.
B(K : Learn from the masters studying their works and philosophy. And keep fresh eyes learning up-to-date trends.
B(K : Painter, illustrator, artist... I can't help myself to be create something in the Art field.
B(K : My family and my church community. I can't live without my family's love and trust. And my church pastors and members always encourages me.
B(K : The guidances and teachings from great teachers helped me to find a way to be a good designer. And my passion for art and design keeps me awake and going forward.
B(K : Even though I've volunteered a lot, I want to help non-profit organizations more. And I'd like to become an instructor who can lead the next generation's designers.
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.
B(K : Projects that touch social issue and deliver powerful messages always gives me full satisfaction and fulfilment. And also every branding and packaging that aims the high-quality works for me.
B(K : Depends. From weeks to months.
B(K : I start with many conversations with my clients and researching.
B(K : Do your best to make it extraordinary. Be an artist who can positively affect people.
B(K : Both ways are right, depend on situations. I think the pioneers of design sets the trends, yet trends itself affected by other social environments. So sometimes trends can be changed first, then designers react and reset the direction of the next trends.
B(K : Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Acrobat, Tablet and pen, sketchbooks and pencils.
B(K : They play important roles in design affecting the overall tone, first impression, and meanings along with the concept. So choose those elements wisely.
B(K : Pure admiration comes from my heart, and at the same time, I also get challenged by those works.
B(K : Those who are energetic and passionate have positive influences on my works whether they are designers or not.
B(K : Leonardo Da Vinci is my all-time favourite human being and artist besides Jesus. I would like to watch and observe his daily life, how he works, what he eats, literally just everything.
B(K : Yellow, Louvre Museum(I love Andrea Mantegna's painting), My mother's Korean braised short ribs, autumn, My macbook and Wacom tablet.
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