Today we’d like to introduce you to Hyunjae Shin
Hi HyunJae, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Korean who grew up in Austria, Vienna ever since 4th grade until the end of my high school year. During my junior year, I didn’t know what to do for my career, and my parents were able to guide me through to a field that I have never thought of which was design. I was deep into basketball, especially basketball shoes were something on a different level for me. I always enjoyed drawing and sketching, something that was my hobby/habit.
I never thought that those two interest will combine to give me a passion for footwear designing. When I found out about it, I knew this was it, and I fell in love with it the more I dived into it. This passion drove me to finding ArtCenter and I was able to push myself to get accepted into it. Even though they were ups and downs, I was able to push through and engrave everything that I learned in ArtCenter. This allowed me to get internships into Adidas and Lalaland Production and Design.
I’m currently back in ArtCenter aiming to graduate. Throughout those internships, I realized that I have so much more to improve on which I can fully exploit during ArtCenter. As a creator and a person, I’m consistently willing to risk myself and grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest struggle for me was after my first year of ArtCenter. I realized that I was driven but innocent in design world. Especially, I wasn’t able to learn about footwear. This got me in a zone where I thought about giving up footwear design.
My plan after my first year of university was to go to the military service in Korea as a Korean citizen. This wasn’t done purposely but this allowed me to evaluate myself and get my passion back on track. Also, Covid allowed me to sketch and explore more than ever. Since the duties and daily drills got shut down.
I believe that being driven is important, but sometimes it’s good to look back at yourself and learn about yourself in depth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a footwear designer, it’s clear that I design footwear. My current experiences lean towards to lifestyle shoes at the moment compared to performance shoes. Since I was also a lifestyle footwear designer intern in Adidas HQ. Still, my interest, knowledge, and will to work on performance shoes are always there.
As an intern in Adidas in Germany, I was able to push my limit and prove that I can design with story and purpose. By consistently knocking on multiple projects. I was able to handle two footwear projects. As an intern, this is a rare opportunity and I fully exploit that. I was able to handle those project from the start to finish and they are marks that I left in Adidas which I couldn’t be more proud of.
As a designer, what sets me apart from others is that I’m a storyteller through footwear. How footwear visually speaks to consumer rather than being an object itself.
As a person, I believe that I’m a passionate energizer, my passion doesn’t only excite me, it energizes people around me. Creating a bonded team and building together is my priority whether I’m a intern or a leader.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Currently, I’m a student which means that I have limited time to work. Still, I believe that connections aren’t made for just that moment. There’s going to be opportunities coming later on and you can reach out to me. Hopefully I can be available for your support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shjndesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinhyunjae09/
