Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang

Specialized in Packaging Design.

Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang

About Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang

Jeremy Bonggu Kang is a multidisciplinary graphic designer, painter, illustrator skilled in developing concepts and visualizing creative ideas in exquisitely detailed design. He graduated from Seoul Art High School and got his bachelor’s degree in painting at Seoul National University in Korea. After moving to Vancouver, he studied Graphic Design at LaSalle College, known as the Art Institute of Vancouver in the past. He won one of the 2019 RGD student awards for packaging design. He has worked and volunteered as a freelance graphic designer since 2009.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Packaging Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Packaging
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Saintly Flavours Gourmet Food Gift Set

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Interview with Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I graduated from Seoul Arts High School in Korea, and I first learn about photoshop and illustrator program. 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 a lot of works using design skills. Then I move into Vancouver and studied Graphic design at Lasalle College(previously Art Institute of Vancouver). I've always wanted to be an artist, and I think I found the way to be an artist in the design field.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I work as a freelancer for now. I'm very obsessed with the quality of my work and the client's satisfaction. Both of them are my key value. To achieve that purpose, I just put my every effort and resource to each project. I'm specialized in branding, packaging, illustration, and poster campaign.
What is "design" for you?
It's an attitude, tool, and a way of life. Everything relates to "design." I struggle every day to design my life. Then it will come out naturally in my "work" of design. I think "design' is a really powerful and effective tool to affect people's life. So I think designers should be ethical and responsible for what they design.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like the works that have rooms for the designer's creativity so that I can push myself to break the limits. I don't mind if that's a branding project, an illustration, an advertisement, or anything needs a fresh pair of keen eyes and critical thinking.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
In my previous works, I'd like to choose "Fantasy Trillogy" book cover design for Michael Ende's great books. I enjoyed every moment of doing that project. I would love to introduce the project to the world someday, too. And 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.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
I designed a logo and created interior illustrations for a geriatric hospital in Korea.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I'm trying not to limit myself always. However, I love digital painting and all the printing related works. Those are what I'm used to, but I'm really interested in motion graphics and 3D printing technology.
When do you feel the most creative?
It's when I'm alone with the problems that I have to solve. I've always one of the students that like homework and project given by instructors. And I like researching and developing concepts.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Developing a clear & unique concept based on proper research is the first one. Then perfect execution of visualizing the concept in maximal quality is important to me.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Excitement, expectation, joyfulness, and alive. It is a dynamic process.
What makes a design successful?
It needs a clear & unique concept, then has to be developed and visualized with perfect & detailed execution.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
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.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I think "design' is a really powerful and effective tool to affect people's life. So I think designers should be ethical and responsible for what they design. Simply, just think of all the propaganda posters during World war I and II. And all the advertisement "war" about the climate change issue. I think we, designers, have to remember that we are members of society and small parts of great nature.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
It is getting bigger and becomes more important. Every little part of our lives relates to the results of the "design field." So, at the same time, it is getting more competitive than ever before.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
My inspirations are from various sources, such as my experience, what I read and watched, the works of other designers, social issues, everyday life, conversations I had with people, etc.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
I think my design style is all about the details. And also the detailed illustration is a big part of my design. My painting background and the love of all sorts of Art affect my design style a lot, I think.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in 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. I'm only worried about myself being too competitive and anxious about the result sometimes. So I try to be relaxed and have a moment of rest during the pile of hard works.
How do you work with companies?
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.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
I think the very first step is to find a designer who knows what he/she does exactly based on what they've done: portfolio. Please don't even try to test them, asking the sketches of the project: it's spec work, and that's a bad and awful thing to do to designers. And once you asked a designer to do your design jobs, then trust the designer with an open mind.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
First is having enough conversation with my client and a fair amount of research. Then develop a clear and unique concept different from the competitors. The next is to visualize the concept with many sketches and tools. And finalize the result based on the discussion with the client.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
1. Wacom tablet and pen, 2. postcards and books I bought from museums and galleries, 3. two sets of dining table and chairs that I reformed, 4. a pair of Dr. Martens boots with Hieronymus Bosch's painting: The Garden of Earthly Delights, 5. an embroidered cushion cover that I bought in Paris.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Design work, tutor job(teaching drawing lessons to the students), researching for fresh inspiration, and some cooking time for myself, these are my daily routine.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
I think one tip that I can give to young designers is this: please keep your design eyes sharp and trendy with tons of research, including studying art history, design history. You can learn from both the old and contemporary masters.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
One of the positive and negative aspects of being a designer at the same time is being in an extremely creative industry. It is fun and exciting, yet challenging all the time under the pressure of being creative and innovative.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Strong concept-developing ability and perfect technics that can visualize the concept are important for a designer.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Photoshop, illustrator, time management app, many design books, Pinterest boards for researching, sketchbooks and sharp pencils are my tools.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I try to make many small deadlines for each process works and give myself proper break times during the works, which helps me to be freshened up for the next tasks.
What was your most important job experience?
I've worked and volunteered as a freelancer a lot. All the works that I did were memorable and important to me. Recently, I designed a logo and an annual report for POIEO Centre, Christian Arts Ministry. It was an exciting experience to work with them.
Who are some of your clients?
MAEUM Concept store(Paris, France), Yonsei Elim Geriatric Hospital(Seoul, Korea), POIEO Centre(Vancouver, Canada)
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Any work that needs high standards, creative direction, and perfect details. Because those are what I am good at.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I'm still trying to find my place in a creative design studio as a graphic designer. And someday I hope I can found my own design studio.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I've worked alone for many years, so I'm used to it. However, I'm very open to collaboration and teamwork.
How can people contact you?
I have a website, jbkang.com, that shows my portfolio and has a contact form. And anyone can contact me through my email: jeremybkang@jbkang.com

Designer of the Day Interview with Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
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?
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?
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?
Excitement, expectation, joyfulness, and alive. It is a dynamic process.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.

Extended Interview with Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
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?
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?
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.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Branding, packaging, editorial design, advertisement, etc. And I tried to be versatile in style but keep the high standard in quality-wise.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
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.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A unique and interesting visual approach based on strongly developed concept and all the details.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
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.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
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.
What is your day to day look like?
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.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I would hold my exhibitions, including my design works, paintings, and illustrations and also hold specific design-themed exhibitions.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Paula Scher, Stefan Sagmeister, Marian Bantjes, Jacqueline Casey, Michael Bierut
What is your biggest design work?
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?
Learn from the masters studying their works and philosophy. And keep fresh eyes learning up-to-date trends.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
Painter, illustrator, artist... I can't help myself to be create something in the Art field.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
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.

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