Today we’d like to introduce you to Halim Lee.
Hi Halim, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a multidisciplinary graphic designer and educator. I grew up surrounded by towering stacks of books, as both of my parents were book designers. Much of my childhood was spent watching them create books by hand through analog processes. But my own career began in quite the opposite environment—I started as a GUI designer at Samsung Electronics, where I worked on cutting-edge digital devices, including flexible display smartphones.
Experiencing both the world of analog bookmaking and the high-tech digital environment sparked a deep curiosity in me about the space between these two modes of design. When I moved from South Korea to the United States to pursue my MFA at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), my work naturally began to blend these influences—combining the warmth of analog print media with the wonder of digital technology.
This intersection continues to shape both my creative practice and my teaching. I believe graphic design holds immense potential to expand its boundaries through multidisciplinary approaches, and I’m constantly exploring how that potential can lead to new ways of thinking, making, and connecting.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
During graduate school, I began using code as a way to embed stories into my work. At first, I had no background in coding and wasn’t sure if I could achieve the results I envisioned. But I took the leap during a series of studio projects where I had no choice but to figure things out. I still remember the late nights anxiously searching through countless websites, trying to fix bugs and troubleshoot when things didn’t work.
Although I didn’t fully understand programming languages at the time, my prior experience as a GUI designer helped me grasp the overall logic and structure. By continuously diving into these challenges with a “let’s just try” mindset, I gradually improved—sometimes without even realizing it.
Through that process, I learned that if someone truly loves something and refuses to give up, they’ll eventually find a way forward, even if they start from zero. As an educator, I carry that philosophy into the classroom. I encourage my students to pursue what excites them, challenge them with tasks that stretch their abilities, and support them through moments of doubt or frustration.
I genuinely believe that the greatest sense of accomplishment comes from overcoming difficult obstacles in a field you care about. Once students experience that kind of breakthrough, their confidence grows. That confidence often becomes the motivation to approach the next challenge with even more passion and persistence.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
By embracing a wide range of media, from print to digital, I aim to explore new possibilities within graphic design. What I try to avoid is the mere passive adoption of emerging technologies. While I previously worked in a high-tech environment surrounded by cutting-edge tools, something always felt missing. That sense of absence is what I continue to seek out and try to recover in my practice.
Growing up, I was deeply drawn to novels and often spent sleepless nights in the same spot, completely immersed in reading. I loved the magical moments of emotional surprise that great storytelling could deliver. As a graphic designer, I enjoy translating that narrative sensibility into my work. But I found that visual graphics alone weren’t enough to convey the full emotional impact I was aiming for. I see technology as a kind of magic—something that can evoke warmth and emotional resonance.
What sets my work apart, I think, is this ongoing desire to bridge emotional storytelling with digital technology. I’m most proud when a project resonates with someone not just technically, but emotionally—when the work feels both thoughtful and alive.
What matters most to you?
I believe that creativity thrives when we embrace risk instead of fearing it. While some attempts may not succeed, each one provides valuable lessons that build the foundation for better projects in the future. The greatest reward I find in this process is the pure joy of creation.
As an educator, I try to apply this philosophy to help my students grow. I encourage them to focus on subjects they’re passionate about, challenge them with tasks that push their limits, and support them through the obstacles they face, especially when they feel like giving up. I truly believe that the greatest sense of accomplishment comes from successfully overcoming difficult challenges in a field they love. Once students experience that success, their newfound confidence drives them to approach future challenges with even greater enthusiasm and determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leehalim.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alim.db
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/halim-lee-84741b239
Image Credits
Halim Lee
