We caught up with the brilliant and insightful DoHyeon Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
DoHyeon, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Firstly, this is perhaps something all students can relate to: I am not 100% satisfied with the projects I complete. There always seems to be something lacking or unsatisfactory. I make a point to jot down these areas for improvement in my notes and keep them in mind as I progress to the next project. This process is not only about filling the gaps but also about continually growing and evolving through the constant challenge. Secondly, I meticulously examine brands that embody the design philosophy I aspire to, observing what they are currently doing in the market, what they are interested in, and what innovations their designs bring. This enables me to stay abreast of trends in the rapidly changing fashion industry. Lastly, I am grateful for the small beauties I find in my surroundings. Whether it’s observing the leaves underfoot while walking or appreciating the colors found only in plants, I take moments to enjoy these small pleasures amidst long days.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am currently a senior student majoring in Accessories Design at SCAD. I am working on my senior collection titled “Gratitude to Nature” while actively seeking employment opportunities. My specialization lies particularly in bags because I believe bags not only serve a practical function but also constitute a significant part of fashion, becoming indispensable accessories in our lives. Drawing from my two years of experience in leather crafting in Korea, I have learned the importance of craftsmanship and developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of leather-made products.
The brand “KOMEBOY” encapsulates my personal journey of transitioning from Korea to the United States, showcasing diversity and creativity reflecting American culture while preserving a sense of youthful innocence and a quest for joy and happiness in life.
My current project, “Gratitude to Nature,” aims to explore the human desire for connection and belonging, the sense of loss, and our relationship with nature. Personally, I find solace and comfort whenever I immerse myself in natural environments, away from the artificial constructs of human-made spaces, surrounded by the abundance of greenery. This represents an emotional connection with nature and a form of healing through our bond with it. Inspired by the unique textures and patterns found in trees, I have reinterpreted them in my own distinctive way, incorporating them into my designs.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I believe that the craftsmanship has had the greatest influence on me. While working on numerous projects and creatively reinterpreting objects and animals, craftsmanship has always been paramount. The effort put into perfecting the craftsmanship elevates the value of the product, bringing more joy and gratitude to the viewers. Moreover, a deep understanding of the reinforcements used in bags or shoes contributes significantly to the refinement of the work, aiding designers in achieving their desired designs. This understanding is deeply intertwined with the knowledge of the product’s structure such as where to place reinforcements to achieve the desired shape. Without this knowledge, designs may be limited.
Lastly, I consider self-assurance in one’s desired design to be the most important aspect. If one lacks a philosophy on the beauty they aim to achieve, they may need to analyze fields of art unrelated to their major or products such as clothing, home items, or personal interests. There are often commonalities among the things we like and enjoy. In my case, there are clothes, bags, lamps, etc., which are minimalistic with intricate details in design, and interesting textures that can be felt directly by hand. Recognizing the unique perspectives one has on the world, the aspects that only they can perceive, greatly influences the design process.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I experience extreme stress, I often take a day off to clear my mind and relax with friends at the park, indulging in delicious food and leaving work-related thoughts behind. During this time, I purposely meet friends who are not involved in my career field, making a conscious effort to steer clear of work-related conversations. I spend the day recharging myself and go to bed early. The next morning, I organize the tasks ahead in my notebook, mentally realigning myself and tackling each task one by one. Personally, I believe that extreme stress cannot be resolved with just a brief break; instead, I approach relaxation with the intention of resetting myself entirely.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dohyeonlee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/komeboy__?igsh=amozbDd5dTR3ZmQ3
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dohyeon-lee
Image Credits
DoHyeon Lee
