Interviews with Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang

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).

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.

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.

Excitement, expectation, joyfulness, and alive. It is a dynamic process.

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.

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.

Just believe in yourself and your works. Hard work never betrays you.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A rich tradition of Catholicism meets trend and luxury. Along with the trend that food and the act of eating have become fashionable, the inspiration for the project comes from 2018's Met Gala fashion theme of Catholicism. The name of the brand, Saintly Flavours, represents the rich tradition of high-quality food made by medieval monasteries. Also, the names of gourmet products from seven Abbeys of France represent the values of Catholicism, such as Meditation, Benediction, Generosity, Moderation, Patience, Reward, Happiness, Integrity.

I really focused on creating the meet the standards of both the long history of Art of Catholicism and also the trend of the luxurious market. So I tied to use a quite traditional looking illustration style with the careful usage of the font and composition of the label.

There's no further plan for this design for now.

It took about two weeks to develop the concept only. And about a month to develop the whole package design and finished the project. It was an intensive month to finish it.

It was quite interesting when I saw 2018's MET Gala theme: Catholicism. I've always loved the Arts of the era of Catholicism: Gothic, Renaissance, Mannerism, and Baroque. So when I saw those beautiful dresses inspired by Catholicism and Masters like Michelangelo, I instantly thought that I should design something with this theme. And I did.

This was a part of the college class project, which meant I designed it for myself. However, if anyone or company would love to buy the design or work with me, I'm fully open to it. I hope to see the actual product to be sold in the market someday.

I've studied painting in Fine Art and have loved Art history. And I also like to research the current trends in design and fashion. Based on those, I've volunteered and worked as a graphic designer for years. I think those background and experience have made me design this work.

My college instructors, Anne Ahmad, Daemon Baldwin, Darinka Aguirre, and Jennifer Deon, helped me and taught me a lot to become what I am now as a graphic designer. And personally, the design works of Marian Bentjes and Stranger & Stranger always inspire me.

It would be the consumer group that has a high-end lifestyle and those who can appreciate the Arts and all the products inspired by arts. And of course, those who love wine and cheese.

First of all, it can be a clear brand identity based on the theme of Catholicism. Second, it has to be the execution of the detailed illustrations.

The name of the brand, Saintly Flavours, represents the rich tradition of high-quality food made by medieval monasteries. Also, the names of gourmet products from seven Abbeys of France represent the values of Catholicism, such as Meditation, Benediction, Generosity, Moderation, Patience, Reward, Happiness, Integrity.

After researching and establishing the concept of the project, I moved on to the sketching process for the brand logo and each package. Then I made progress on the whole illustrations part and design details of each package.

Detailed illustrations and the usage of matching typefaces.

I had lots of discussions with the instructor of the class, Anne Ahmad. She guided me to develop and finish the project.

The technology of high-quality printing on thick and artistic paper is important for the project.

I researched the food gift designs, wine gift packages, gourmet food packages, luxury food packages and etc. Also, I visited high-end food shops, foreign food shops, and high-end deli section of the department store, in both online and offline.

The challenge of the project was to balance the beauty and fanciness of the ornamental elements from the rich tradition and the modern luxury appealing contemporary consumers. The usage of the chosen typeface and the mindful composition of graphic elements helped to win the balanced look of the outcome.

I think the quality of the outcome of the project was satisfying, and it would be nice to show the project to the others in the same field. And I want to give the project the chance to be judged fairly by others.

It was quite intensive month to work on this project, especially in the sense of time management part. I had been dealing with many other projects going on already when I was working on the project. So I learned how to cope with tight schedules with several projects at the same time.

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).

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.

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.

Branding, packaging, editorial design, advertisement, etc. And I tried to be versatile in style but keep the high standard in quality-wise.

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.

A unique and interesting visual approach based on strongly developed concept and all the details.

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.

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.

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.

I would hold my exhibitions, including my design works, paintings, and illustrations and also hold specific design-themed exhibitions.

Paula Scher, Stefan Sagmeister, Marian Bantjes, Jacqueline Casey, Michael Bierut

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.

Learn from the masters studying their works and philosophy. And keep fresh eyes learning up-to-date trends.

Painter, illustrator, artist... I can't help myself to be create something in the Art field.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Depends. From weeks to months.

I start with many conversations with my clients and researching.

Do your best to make it extraordinary. Be an artist who can positively affect people.

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.

Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Acrobat, Tablet and pen, sketchbooks and pencils.

They play important roles in design affecting the overall tone, first impression, and meanings along with the concept. So choose those elements wisely.

Pure admiration comes from my heart, and at the same time, I also get challenged by those works.

Those who are energetic and passionate have positive influences on my works whether they are designers or not.

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.

Yellow, Louvre Museum(I love Andrea Mantegna's painting), My mother's Korean braised short ribs, autumn, My macbook and Wacom tablet.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I designed a logo and created interior illustrations for a geriatric hospital in Korea.

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.

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.

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.

Excitement, expectation, joyfulness, and alive. It is a dynamic process.

Relief and pure joy.

It needs a clear & unique concept, then has to be developed and visualized with perfect & detailed execution.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keep high quality, and do not lose the details.

Strong concept-developing ability and perfect technics that can visualize the concept are important for a designer.

Photoshop, illustrator, time management app, many design books, Pinterest boards for researching, sketchbooks and sharp pencils are my tools.

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.

I think it's different from each project's complexity.

Where are your inspirations come from?

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.

MAEUM Concept store(Paris, France), Yonsei Elim Geriatric Hospital(Seoul, Korea), POIEO Centre(Vancouver, Canada)

Any work that needs high standards, creative direction, and perfect details. Because those are what I am good at.

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.

I've worked alone for many years, so I'm used to it. However, I'm very open to collaboration and teamwork.

No. Just some personal small projects.

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