Soo Jin Lee

What do you wish you’d known now when you started your design course?

More software programs besides design related ones. Personally, I think knowing more programs results in having a wider design perspective. Being professional in various programs helps you to more effectively express your imagination in both the digital and physical worlds.

What originally lead you in to design, and how has that changed - what do you want to do/are doing now?

By seeing commercials and generic signs from mundane life, I have always wanted to regenerate them in a new way. This interest made me work on a graphic design project called Replica; a reinterpretation of symbols, banners and labels in a subversive and anti-capitalistic way. I would like to keep working on the project by experimenting with typography and vector shapes/illustration, breaking design rules and incorporating touches of humor through mischievous alterations.

Any hot tips for getting ahead at uni?

It will be a good idea to set a specific goal before entering school. Knowing what you want to achieve at the end of school can be a motivation for what kind of designer you want to be.

What do you love about the design scene in your city and what companies are on your dream list to work or collaborate with?

I like the fact that there is always a bilingual design scene in Seoul because of mix Hangeul (the Korean alphabet) and English. Being in such an environment provides more opportunity for creativity and expression, whilst remaining linguistically challenging in producing understandable and digestible designs.

I would like to work with companies that are internationally based or location independent. It would expose me to many different ideas and techniques and allow me to maintain artistic control over my own work.