Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Chu.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all began in junior year of high school when my art teacher (Shout out to Mr. Akamichi!) recognized my potential in the creative industry. I really looked up to Mr. Akamichi and decided to put my trust in him.
Before I completed my studies at School of Visual Arts, I went back to my home country, Singapore, to finish my two years of mandatory national service. I trained as a fireman. During those two years, I was also assigned a myriad of design projects (from logo design to brochures and posters design) by my officers and that really helped provide me a better sense of what design really is.
After my service, I spent the next four years earning my bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at School of Visual Arts. Most of my work consists of 3D product designs and branding. My projects have a common theme which is focusing on problem-solving and creative thinking.
Following my graduation, I found a job as an art director at RPA! It is truly a humbling and wonderful experience as I get to work with extremely talented creatives.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Being a creative definitely has its ups and downs. I remember during my time at School of Visual Arts, I had a moment of doubt where I wasn’t sure if I was able to secure a job with my current passion. At the time, my passion was to be an exhibition designer/contributor.
With the help of my professor, we had planned many exhibitions spawning across New York City that would provide me a great amount of exposure. Unfortunately, COVID hit. Many exhibitions were pushed back and working remotely to create these physical products was not easy. While we managed to hold a couple of displays/exhibitions, it was too late to showcase my works as I was about to graduate. I knew I have to figure out a way to take my passion and pursue a different path.
After some soul searching, I discovered my passion has always been to solve problems. I ended up choosing a career path where I believe it can still satisfy my needs to solve problems even though it does not necessarily involve 3D product design. Being in the advertising industry, there are a lot of opportunities to solve unique problems that clients have. Each client has its own problem and being able to art direct and find insight to solve their problems has been so much fun.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an art director. Perhaps the best way to describe what I specialize is creating solutions that are thought-provoking and yet visually pleasing.
Before entering the field of advertising, the project I am most proud of is the “Peta chair.” It was one of my college projects which is to create a product that helps remind people to do something. I couldn’t help but notice that slouching is a common problem. By having a finger at the back of the chair, one is ‘reminded’ to sit up straight whenever they slouch. I am very proud of this design as it is always mentioned when talking with other creatives.
I believe my proudest project in the advertising field would be a social reel I did for Honda. At the time, it was football season and Honda wanted to join the party as well. We were tasked to utilize the big game and show off the awesome features of Honda Ridgeline at the same time. Me and my partner came up with an insight where tailgating would be the perfect medium to encompass both the big game along with the Honda Ridgeline. We ended up taking common tailgating foods and choreographed a fun reel where the “football” plays were drawn and the food would be moved as if they were executing the play all within the bed of the Ridgeline.
What made this project so great was the response it got. People enjoyed the food and the features shown on the Honda Ridgeline.
You can find it here! instagram.com/reel/CZ2H9FVp_X4/
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I would say one good advice in networking is not to be afraid to talk to others. Especially in our era, we have a many ways, other than meeting face to face, to reach out to people. I think most people stop themselves from connecting with others because they are afraid they will not get a response. To me, there’s nothing to lose when reaching out. If they don’t respond right away, you shouldn’t feel discouraged. They’ll eventually come back to you and if they don’t, you’ll probably forget you had reached out to begin with!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://benchudesigns.com/
