Yuri Lee

Interview with Yuri Lee

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 studied Illustration and Animation as a major at Kingston University and graduated in 2014. Since childhood, I always have wanted to be a designer or an artist. Thinking in a different way among others makes me feel excited.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

I work by myself as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. Mainly, I make children’s picture book and design things such as a newspaper, a brochure and a poster for clients.

What is "design" for you?

Design is an efficient tool for the public to use products in a better way.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

Moulin Rouge UI design. Because it is the first project to be awarded abroad. And even my family uses my design on their mobile phone.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

First, every design should be made for its users. And it needs to be attractive enough for the public to try it.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

I am proud of products I designed and feel a sense of accomplishment.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

It should be considered that it is designed for users and it is attractive enough for consumers to try it.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

More and more people use mobile devices on their daily lives such as an iphone, ipad, galaxy tab and so on. So, I think that in the future all the design related to mobile experience would have an important role around the world.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

My last exhibition was opened at the COEX convention center in July, 2017. And I don’t have a plan for the next exhibition yet because of social circumstances.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

A lot of children’s picture books, graphic novels and sometimes comic books.

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 like to design things in a simple way. Simplification has its strength for the public to show main concept of the design in a clear vision.

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 Seoul, South Korea. Some of my work was affected by cultural circumstances of my country. But mostly, my design is about universal issues.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

To research main subjects, to keep drawing characters and backgrounds, and to have feedback from others.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

I think practice is vital. Attitude to keep trying and not to be afraid of failure is also an important part.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

I think every artwork needs to be designed for users and clients.

What skills are most important for a designer?

To be open-minded and the attitude to learn from the mistakes of the past.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

To make daily schedule every day and to try to keep it punctually.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

It depends on the project. Some project takes around a week and another takes over 6 months.

Who are some of your clients?

Acreative, Notefolio, Greece Wine Center, Samsung Electronics, Pharmacy Newspaper, Artsoombi etc

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

I started to research for the next project which is the children’s picture book about a kid wearing tuxedo. I’m trying to draw and sketch a lot of kid characters.

Extended Interview with Yuri Lee

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I studied illustration and animation as a major at Kingston University and graduated in 2014. Since graduation I started to work as an illustrator and graphic designer mainly for national clients.

How did you become a designer?

When I was a kid, I always wanted to draw, paint and to work in a creative way. Illustration and graphic design is one of the most effective way for me to show the way I’d like to work.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I like to design something, which is related with an interesting story and a character such as children’s picture book and graphic novel.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I think I’m not a legend yet. I’m still on the way and need to try more in a better way. What I want to say to young designers is to be open-minded in every subject and to have diverse experience.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

I think a great designer doesn’t afraid of new challenges and is willing to collaborate on a work with people in different field.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

One of the most important point is perhaps whether it is designed for users and consumers. And whether it has something unique among other designs.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

Good design is not just selling more products but also contributing to a better life for people.

What is your day to day look like?

If I have enough time I would like to make a graphic novel about an interesting story and a unique character for the young generation.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

As I said before, I hope to spend more time to make a graphic novel about the subject everyone can be in sympathy with.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

I don’t have the secret recipe of success in design. But I think passion and attitude to be ready to learn in every field is one of the most significant part of success in design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

I admire Lisk Feng. She is already one of the most famous illustrator and graphic designer around the world. I can feel all the passion and the hard working background in her work. There is style but also a lot of skills.

What is your biggest design work?

I love almost all the work of Lisk Feng. Her unique illustration style and design talent overwhelmingly inspires me.

Who is your favourite designer?

My favorite work is Moulin Rouge UI design. I learned a lot about UI design and new technics and feel like I grew as a better graphic designer.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I think people should be open-minded in all aspects and need to learn from the mistakes and successes of others.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

Design is a useful tool to express someone’s ideas, philosophies, and values.