Today we’d like to introduce you to Wonhee Hwang.
Hi Wonhee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My name is Wonhee (John) Hwang, and I am a passionate transportation design student from South Korea, pursuing my dream in Los Angeles, California. My interest in cars goes back to when I was little.
I would enjoy sitting next to my mom or my dad driving and recognizing so many different car model names, years, or features.
Then I started to draw cars on the floor. Like literally on the floor lying down. I could spend countless hours drawing.
Most of the drawings were small details of a car, parts that I did not enjoy as a kiddo designer.
I’ve enjoyed changing designs and being proud of when the next year’s model change somehow reflected what I drew on my small notepad.
Then, I started my journey to become a car design student by asking my parents to support me in going to an academy in Seoul, which was about an hour away from where I lived.
Throughout my teenage years, I did not share my dream of becoming a car designer or my drawings with my friends or teachers.
From my perspective and the world, I was the only one with this much of an interest in cars and just wanted to blend in with others rather than stand out.
But once I joined the academy and started preparing for this journey under professional guidance, I finally felt that this dream was worth sharing, remembering every drawing I did, the time I spent in front of the car, simply appreciating as a kid, and more.
Now I am here at ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena as a student studying transportation design by learning from industry professionals.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Obviously, yes, I had struggles. Especially being an international student who almost had no experience studying abroad.
From finding housing to simply moving from A to B, there are so many restrictions and rules I must be aware of every time to maintain a visa, and more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently working on my personal portfolio, projects that closely relate to my field of study. I specialize in automotive interior design.
From basic ideation sketches to computer-generated data (3D) models.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During the Covid-19 crisis, I learned how blessed our life were without the virus and started to appreciate small things in life that easily were ignored before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.john1eh.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1ehwang/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/wonhee-hwang-b4292814a
