Today we’d like to introduce you to Selina Cho.
Hi Selina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
During COVID-19, I found myself struggling to find meaning and direction in both life and my studies. I was back in Korea with my family, attending college classes online. At the time, I was pursuing engineering, but it didn’t feel like the right path for me. Almost on a whim, I began taking Visual Arts courses – something I had always been quietly curious about but never had the chance to explore.
Before the pandemic, I had visited New York with my sister and was completely captivated by museums like MoMA and the Whitney. That experience stayed with me. Seeing the work of other artists and stepping into their creative worlds made me realize where my true passion might lie.
So, I made a big decision to spend a year building my portfolio and applied to Pratt’s MFA program in Communications Design. To my surprise and excitement, I got in. I moved to New York, fully committed to pursuing this new path. I graduated last year, and since then, I’ve been gaining experience through various design internships, continuing to grow as a multidisciplinary designer.
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?
On the surface, it may have seemed like a smooth road – most things went according to plan – but there were challenges along the way. Since I didn’t study graphic design during my undergraduate years, I often lacked confidence in my skills. I had a lot of doubts about whether I was ready to pursue an MFA without a formal background in design.
Initially, I was easily swayed by others’ opinions and often relied heavily on feedback to guide my decisions. As a result, some of the work I created didn’t feel entirely my own – it lacked that personal connection or authenticity. Learning to trust my instincts and develop my creative voice has been one of the biggest (and most rewarding) challenges of this journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in graphic design, with a particular interest in book design, motion graphics, and typographic posters. My approach is often described as traditional – I focus on the fundamentals and have a deep appreciation for handmade work. There’s something grounding and honest about creating with your hands, and I find joy in the imperfections that come with it.
While AI is rapidly transforming the design world, I believe it’s also making space for handmade, human-centered work to stand out even more. People are beginning to crave authenticity – work that feels personal, tactile, and emotionally resonant. That’s what I strive to create: designs that tell a story through simple, intentional choices and foster a genuine connection with the viewer.
One project I’m currently proud of is a book titled Short Stories about Cats – a playful, intimate piece that reflects my love for storytelling and small details. The structure features a continuous red paper strip folding over each signature, paired with an additional strip that serves as a page number identifier. I chose MASA paper for its dual texture – smooth on one side and rough on the other – making it an ideal material for this binding method. The process required precision and patience, but the result was a book that feels as thoughtful as it is tactile.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Your opinion matters the most. Follow what your heart desires. Take your professors’ and mentors’ feedback with a grain of salt. At the end of the day, it’s your journey – and while people may come and go, what stays is the relationship you have with your work. Be confident in your voice and trust your gut.
As someone who’s still finding my footing, I’ve had my share of doubts and regrets. I’ve taken unpaid internships and spent a lot of energy on design tests that led nowhere. Looking back, some of those choices were frustrating, but they also taught me what I didn’t want, which is just as valuable. So my advice is: don’t be afraid to try things, even if they don’t work out. Every experience has something to teach you.
Most importantly, enjoy your life outside of work. Let your joy and lived experiences guide your creativity. Create things that genuinely matter to you—and that authenticity will always shine through.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://selinacho.cargo.site
- Instagram: @tinylight.c
