We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jawon Im a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jawon with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I developed my work ethic during my five years studying architecture in Korea. Architecture studies really showed me what it means to work hard because it’s not just about designing buildings – you have to understand many different things like construction laws, history, and design principles all at once.
The nature of architecture work shaped my work ethic in a unique way. Since we had to work with different teams and understand various aspects of each project, good communication and time management became essential. I learned this through many late nights working with classmates, explaining designs to professors, and coordinating with people from different backgrounds. Meeting firm deadlines while ensuring every detail was perfect taught me that success comes from being reliable and thorough. All these experiences showed me that strong work ethic isn’t just about working hard – it’s about working effectively with others and managing time well. These are habits that have become a natural part of how I work today.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I just graduated from college and I’m exploring the world of visual storytelling. Right now, I’m excited to be helping non-profit organizations and wellness brands,Un/Do Mindset and Sensitive Strength, with their graphic design needs. What excites me most is creating visual brand identities. There’s something really satisfying about taking someone’s message and turning it into something both beautiful and meaningful.
On the side, I enjoy photography as a hobby. I love finding beautiful compositions in everyday moments – maybe that’s the architect in me still looking for perfect lines and angles everywhere I go!
While I’m still early in my journey, I have dreams of creating my own line of products someday – like postcards, posters, or even lifestyle items. I want to make everyday things that combine beauty with purpose.
For now, I’m enjoying exploring different ways to tell stories through design and always excited to connect with other creators!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First, adaptability. As an international student from South Korea now studying in Washington state, I know how scary it can be to step out of your comfort zone. I still get nervous sometimes, but I’ve learned that taking those steps isn’t as frightening as I initially thought. For those starting out, remember that everyone feels uncertain at first – it’s okay to take small steps.
Second, continuous learning. In design, it’s not just about keeping up with new trends, styles are always evolving. What’s important is learning while discovering your own unique style. I’m still figuring out mine, and that’s part of the journey. My advice is to stay curious and experiment with different approaches until you find what feels right for you.
Third, understanding others. Whether I’m designing for non-profits or wellness brands, success comes from really listening to people’s needs. Design isn’t just about making things look good – it’s about creating something meaningful for others. Some of the best designs come from truly understanding what others want to communicate.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I grew up in Haenam, South Korea – a countryside town that people call ‘ttangkkeut’ or ‘the edge of the land.’ As an only child with just three friends on my street and about 25 classmates from elementary through middle school, my world could have remained very small.
But my parents wanted me to see beyond our small town. They supported me in attending various camps and programs where I could make new friends and experience different parts of life. Despite living in a remote area, they always encouraged me to explore the world beyond our boundaries.
Their support gave me the courage to keep exploring, eventually leading me to study in Washington state. Looking back, their decision to push me beyond our small town’s limits was the most impactful thing they did for me. They taught me that the world is much bigger than what we can see from where we stand, and gave me the confidence to explore it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jawon.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: re_photo98
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jawonim/
- Other: https://www.jawonim.piercedigitaldesign.com/ [ux/ui design project]
Image Credits
All photos by Jawon Im
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
