Olivia Eunnara Ko

Specialized in Design.

Olivia Eunnara Ko

About Olivia Eunnara Ko

I'm Olivia Eunnara Ko, an illustrator and industrial designer. I had been in New York City for about 8 years all the way through my college years and a work period. I dedicated my whole 20s' passion to NYC so it is the most significant place in my life and it still gives me a lot of inspirations even thus far. It has a variety races, cultures, industries and natures. That coexistence scenery makes me so interested. So I want to do most of my works related to that city and deliver a positive and significant message to share all of my impressions with others, even who don't know that city.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with Olivia Eunnara Ko

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?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve been always a very inquisitive and curious so that I could love to explore all cross-disciplinary studies such as astronomy, medical science, art, literature and etc. As I’ve grown up, I thought art and design part could be one of the tops so I got interested in because I felt that it is like a sort of God’s realm, Creation. I decided to be a designer when I was 19.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Even though I majored Industrial Design in my college, I don’t want to be limited to any specific design field, I work for myself very freely as a freelancer in many areas from illustration work to furniture design.
What is "design" for you?
Design is a visual language for communication between people. There is always someone who needs me to visualize something he/she wants and I could do that for him/her. Sometimes I have my own idea and I could make it visually and physically to share what’s in my mind with other people.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I’ve loved furniture design most for quite a long time since wood-working was my favorite area.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Most Apple products. You may be sick of hearing this but I really love it most up to this time. I think it is a representative of simple, universal and good design.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
Through my career, I’ve designed some furniture pieces, decorating on a cabinet and a nightstand for a company.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I love wood and metal because it gives me a harmonic feeling like Nature and Industry/ Soft and Strong. With those materials, I also like to do handcraft as well as computer aid design.
When do you feel the most creative?
I feel the most creative when I am in a very strange place with a cup of coffee, a notebook and a pen (No Laptop).
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
During designing, I focus on its sustainability most because design should make a more refined practical product rather than just an artistic works.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I feel fully blessed. Creative ability is the most grateful gift from God I think.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I’m sure that every single designer would feel exactly same way when his or her designs come out to the world. We are so much happy to see our own creation like our own baby.
What makes a design successful?
Designer’s power of attention and affection. Like a prenatal education, only those make a design successful.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Universal aspect and its ease. If someone feels uncomfortable when he/she uses something, it is a fail design.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Designers have responsibilities to make more people live comfortable equally in this planet and try to coexist with nature.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
As computer technology advances, design field could do more expanded. Especially Virtual Reality, Robots and Artificial intelligence could combine with design field close then we might be able to design something very surrealistic or invisible for the virtual reality.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
In 2016, my first solo exhibition was held in Seoul, S.Korea. Now I have a plan to hold the second one in this year.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I got the design inspirations from nature. When I walk in the rain, when I look up to the mountain covered with snow, when I smell a scent of early morning air, I’m filled up with a new creativity.
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?
My design style is not standardized. Sometimes my works are very exquisite and sometimes are carelessly. I feel that I’m too young to have only one style yet. I need more time to explore.
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’ve lived in Seoul, S.Korea for 20 years and I had lived in New York City, U.S for about 10 years. This is a fact that these two countries gave me a lot of inspirations even thus far. Both are quite big cities like concrete jungles where citizens can hardly enjoy nature. That was a negative aspect to me but even the token part of nature like the Central Park of NYC and the Han River Park of Seoul was the oasis.
How do you work with companies?
For design works, usually I received requests from acquaintances of friends of friends… Sometimes big corporations contact me via my website, email, IG, FB and etc. I mostly accepted their requests and discuss how it will go right away. That’s how it works.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
First of all, if companies want to get a good designer, they should really think that designers are really valuable. Sometimes people regard design work as a very easy job and a pool of cheap labor. If someone has that kind of awareness, he/she will never have a good designer.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
It’s general. Get inspiration passing like a lightning, Brainstorming, Drawing or Writing, Using computer programs and Making something in real.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
Bluetooth speaker (Marshall), Macbook Pro, iPhone, Risom Chair, the Side table I designed.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Wake up in the morning around 8am, Work and work, Back home around 6pm, Do artistic works for upcoming solo exhibition, Sleep at 1am.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Do not try to be a perfectionist. Sometimes you can find unexpected precious ideas from your mistakes. If you failed then have a good look what’s in there.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positives: I can be always a creative leader in the society. I can be a person who can make something looking good. Negatives: To satisfy clients’ tastes, there could be always conflicts. Designers have to know how to resolve it wisely.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Do think people who see, touch and use the final works. Imagining and considering users are very strong rule.
What skills are most important for a designer?
I think drawing skill is the most important skill 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.?
I have a lot but mainly use Rhino CAD, Photoshop and Illustrator.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I usually use nighttime to work. It’s dark and quiet. I can use higher concentration so that I could speed up the work.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It’s different by case basis. From 1-day work to over 6-month work.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
“In designer’s view, what do you think of (objects)?” People are curious how different something will look through designers’ experienced eye.
What was your most important job experience?
My first designer job of a furniture company in NYC. Even though I was a beginner, my boss allowed me to do many things. The experiences from there made who I am.
Who are some of your clients?
LG Hosehold & Health Care Ltd. Cosmetic Brand ‘Belif’, Glowfoods of NYC and many individual clients I have.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy Furniture and living products design most because I’m interested in products we use everyday in our daily life especially at home.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I’m planning my second exhibition in this year. My exhibition is filled up with many illustrations and works done by various mediums.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I’m designing a tablet PC stands now. It would be fully illustrating my styles. I’d use wood and metal with some good meanings.
How can people contact you?
Via cell number, email, website and all through SNS things (IG, FB, Archinect and Linkedin)

Designer of the Day Interview with Olivia Eunnara Ko

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
12' BFA Product Design, Parsons School of Design, NY, U.SVMD Internship, ABC Home, NY, U.S, 2011Product/Graphic designer at Ercole Home, NY, U.S, 2012-2014Product Designer, Larissa, Seoul, Korea, 2015Freelanced Designer, LG cosmetic 'belif', Seoul, Korea, 2016Solo Exhibition, Min Gallery, 2016Product Designer, DeoroKrush, Seoul, Korea, 2017Chief Design Officer, TheTruthCoin, Seoul, Korea, 2018
How did you become a designer?
I've always loved drawing, painting and making something since I was a little girl. My parents supported me to study abroad in the one of the best design school, Parsons School of Design:) Talented students and passionate professors are very strong motivations so that those environment really could help me to be a designer.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
My mom got talent in interior design and all other hand-craft arts. She has been the biggest influence on my design work by now.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
My first solo exhibition's title was "Impression of NYC". I'd like to travel all around the world to get impressions of all different cities as inspirations for my upcoming exhibition. As my previous works, I would keep trying to merge 2D illustration to 3D things.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Just do make, draw and design whatever you want when you are young. After graduate school, when you become a professional designer, there is no chance that you can explore and try so many styles of design crazily.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Please keep showing me your great works, I would get inspired from you and my works would inspire you either.
What is your day to day look like?
Woke up, have a cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal, Work, personal design project work after work, go to sleep happily. Simple as yours.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I stick with my own personal design style, quite a straightforward and easy. I get my inspirations from my own memories, feelings and impressions about the whole world.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Good design is supposed to be easy in use for everyone and look neat and made with eco-friendly materials.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
I'm not satisfied with my work easily. I believe that there will be always a way to improve them. There can not be perfection. So I can hardly decide if my design is ready. Only due makes my work ready.
What is your biggest design work?
Matter of course, Coexistence of NYC, silver A'Design Award 2017 is my biggest design work and I especially proud of.
Who is your favourite designer?
Philippe Starck. I love the way he demonstrates his ideas to industrial designs. Humorous and chic. Simple and very well understandable. I admire him most.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
As my works keep saying, NYC is my only inspiring city. I'm in Seoul now but I think all of my work and inspirations are still based in NY.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I prefer working alone but communicating with parters is good. Positive mind and passionate attitude are the most things I do look for in person I would be hiring or working together.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I'm going to use Social Media Channel to provide videos about how to design for free to public in this year.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
It gives me so many opportunities to be participated in a lot of exhibitions globally. so much great experiences.

Extended Interview with Olivia Eunnara Ko

How did you become a designer?
I always want to be a person who can be supportive so that I could help out other people’s needs. Therefore, my dreams have changed from scientist, doctor to designer. I love art and literature so I decided to become a designer having a job related to more aesthetical aspects and beautiful works.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
Yes. I choose to become a designer by myself in spite of parents’ teeth first.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
05. What should young designers do to become a design legend like you? I think I’m still a young designer and not a design legend yet though I’d like to say that young designers should do their own design a lot in all ways. You can learn valuable experiences from all failures.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
Love is the distinguishable thing between a good designer and a great designer. I think a great designer is not making something only looking good. If he/she considers the potential users with a great affection, that love makes him/her a great designer.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
First of all, when we see something and feel that it looks cool, then it could be simply a good design. However, if we are so much moved when we use it, wear it and grab it, then we could say it is a really good design. I evaluate good design in the details and convenient parts.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Since good design makes our lives better in many ways if the society got more good design, the citizens could get better quality of living equally. For example, there could be streets with a trail for the Blind, safe bikes for seniors and etc.
What is your day to day look like?
I’d design everything. I don’t want to make any limitation on my design field. I love to design furniture, lighting, kitchenware, jewelry, fashion and stationery if I had the time.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I’d like to publish a book with my products and illustrations. The book needs to be beyond a 2D printed things. It should be more idealized and I need enough time to realize it.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Taking a enough rest is my secret recipe of success in design. If I feel exhausted and tired, I can’ t do anything good.
What is your biggest design work?
I love all design chair. Chair is one of the standardized pieces but design chairs are showing the designers’ agony and result of pains. Those are very touching.
Who is your favourite designer?
Saladay, one of my thesis works for my college is my greatest design I think. That was a kind of dishware to assist obese children to have healthy foods with more fun. The motivation to help someone makes the design great.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Have an affection to other people in their mind first. I’m always trying so.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I would have been a doctor if I hadn’t become a designer because that was always my plan B. If I don’t help people with beautiful things, I would like to save their lives in physically.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is a visual language for communication between people. There is always someone who needs me to visualize something he/she wants and I could do that for him/her. Sometimes I have my own idea and I could make it visually and physically to share what’s in my mind with other people.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
Of course my parents. They bequeathed their artistic talents to me and supported me to study abroad in NYC for about 10 years.

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