Bonggu (Jeremy) Kang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

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.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

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).

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

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.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

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.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

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

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

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.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

B(K : A unique and interesting visual approach based on strongly developed concept and all the details.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

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.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

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.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

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.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

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

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

B(K : Paula Scher, Stefan Sagmeister, Marian Bantjes, Jacqueline Casey, Michael Bierut

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

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.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

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

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

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

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

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.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

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.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

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.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

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.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

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.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

B(K : Depends. From weeks to months.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

B(K : I start with many conversations with my clients and researching.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

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

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

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.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

B(K : Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Acrobat, Tablet and pen, sketchbooks and pencils.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

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.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

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

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

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

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

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.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

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