We were lucky to catch up with Jihwan Jeon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jihwan, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
For me, creativity thrives when I immerse myself in the world around me, especially through fashion, street culture, and subculture. These elements constantly evolve, and they inspire me to approach design with a fresh perspective every day. I keep my creativity alive by staying connected to these influences and exploring how they intersect with graphic design.
For me, creativity is closely tied to the cultural influences that shape my surroundings. I find inspiration in the way fashion, subculture, and design interact with everyday life. These evolving elements offer new perspectives and keep my design approach fresh and relevant. By staying curious and open to these cultural shifts, I’m able to draw new ideas that align with my design philosophy.
Ultimately, I believe creativity is something that grows through curiosity and an open mind, and I try to nurture that mindset in everything I do.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a graphic designer, my work centers on creating visuals that blend cultural relevance with impactful design. I have always been drawn to the intersection of fashion, typography, and cultural trends, which deeply influences my projects. My design process is fueled by a passion for telling stories through visual language, whether through print-based work, branding, or other creative mediums.
What excites me the most about what I do is the potential to influence how people perceive and interact with cultural elements. Each project allows me to explore new ideas and push boundaries while remaining authentic to my personal values. Through my work, I aim to reflect the nuances of fashion, culture, and visual art, while offering something fresh and engaging.
I’m also in the process of expanding my portfolio, continuously exploring new forms of creative expression that reflect the ever-evolving cultural landscape. It’s an exciting journey, and I look forward to contributing my unique perspective to future projects.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think three things have been the most impactful in my design journey: staying connected to cultural movements, a strong sense of visual storytelling, and constantly seeking to push boundaries in typography.
Staying connected to cultural trends, especially in fashion and subcultures, has been a huge source of inspiration for me. Whether it’s street culture or emerging trends, I believe that design should always reflect and interact with the current cultural moment.
A strong sense of visual storytelling is another key aspect. I’ve always been drawn to the idea that design isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about conveying a message, an emotion, or even a story. This is something I strive for in every project, especially when working with typography.
Lastly, being willing to push boundaries in my work, particularly in typography, has always been important. Typography for me is more than just letters—it’s an opportunity to express personality, tone, and creativity. I’ve found that stepping outside of the traditional rules of type design has opened up new ways for me to connect with audiences.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to stay curious about the world around you, don’t be afraid to experiment with your style, and always look for new ways to tell stories through your work.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Throughout my journey as a graphic designer, my professors and mentors have been incredibly helpful in shaping my skills and approach to design. One particular mentor from my time at ArtCenter College of Design had a profound impact on me. They encouraged me to push beyond the limits of traditional graphic design and explore how cultural influences could be integrated into branding and typography. Their guidance helped me realize that design is not just about aesthetics, but about creating work that connects deeply with people and reflects diverse cultural narratives.
Moreover, moving to the United States and immersing myself in a different cultural environment introduced me to new ways of thinking about design. The people I met, both inside and outside of school, broadened my perspective and encouraged me to challenge myself in ways I hadn’t before. This collective support system has taught me the importance of being open to feedback, learning from others, and staying true to my creative vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jihwan.design/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jxjhwn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jihwandesigns/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
