Today we’d like to introduce you to Yoony Chang.
Hi Yoony, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My path to where I am today started in South Korea. From an early age, I had a unique passion for flipping through fashion and design magazines instead of diving into fiction books. This preference led me to enroll in an Arts high school, where I hoped to explore the world of art more deeply.
While in high school, I fell in love with Oriental painting, where I worked with ink and water. The process of grinding inksticks to create art was incredibly fascinating. However, as time went on, I found myself increasingly drawn to the world of graphic design, where visual messages were expressed through digital graphics rather than traditional brush strokes.
This pivotal moment led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at ArtCenter College of Design. During my time there, I was eager to gain real-world experience. So, I cast a wide net, sending out over 200 internship applications. My persistence paid off, and I secured terrific opportunities to intern at companies like RingCentral, Herman Miller, and Apple. These experiences were instrumental in shaping who I am today.
After completing my education, I returned to Herman Miller, where I currently work as a Junior Graphic Designer. Here, I get to create branding and social media content that I’m passionate about. My journey has been a series of exciting twists and turns, and I’m excited to see where it will lead me next as I continue to create and inspire through the world of graphic design.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not always been smooth. Looking back, it becomes clear that it was more of a winding path than it seemed at the time. I faced challenges along the way, such as when I was preparing for the Arts high school entrance exam at a young age, when I first moved to the United States after spending 20 years in Korea, during my preparations to enter ArtCenter, and when I received rejections from almost every internship I applied for.
In retrospect, I realize that I didn’t fully acknowledge the struggles while I was experiencing them. It was because I didn’t dwell on the potential outcomes; I simply focused on doing the best I could in the present and kept working towards my goals without being overly concerned about the results.
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 branding, and beyond that, I’m passionate about creating memorable brand experiences. My goal is to craft immersive experiences that people can truly be a part of. This passion is evident in many of my projects, and I invite you to explore them on my website: yoonychang.com.
My unique background in oriental painting, which I studied before pursuing graphic design, has instilled in me a love for creating things by hand using analog techniques. I even prefer writing my diary by hand rather than typing it on my phone, as I believe it allows me to capture my emotions and feelings more authentically, creating a deeper connection with myself.
This preference for handcrafted work also influences my design process. I always start with hand-drawn sketches and meticulously outline the design steps before diving into any project. This method not only makes me a more organized and routine-oriented individual but also enhances the quality of my work. I believe this approach sets me apart from others in my field.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Here’s a somewhat unconventional piece of advice: consider starting a daily diary. It doesn’t have to be extensive; you can jot down what you did during the day or how you felt. I began keeping a daily diary in 2018 without missing a single day, and it has taught me something invaluable. It’s remarkable to see that even situations that once made me feel exhausted or upset seem minor when I reflect on them later. Keeping a record of the past has become a crucial ingredient for shaping my future, as it’s made me less fearful of challenges, knowing that they’ll likely seem insignificant in hindsight. This practice can greatly contribute to improving your mental fortitude and help you become a more organized and thoughtful designer.
Contact Info:
- Website: yoonychang.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoony-chang-792b55192/
