We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Do Kyung Lee ("DKL").
Do Kyung Lee majored in animation and digital media design at Hongik University and graduated in February 2018.Later, a short animation film that worked as a graduation work was introduced on a TV program called SBS Ani Gallery.She took part in the Seoul Illustration Fair, which will be held at COEX in the winter of 2018.She is also planning a variety of products in collaboration with a fabric company in 2019.
Do Kyung Lee Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Do Kyung Lee.
Designer Interview of Do Kyung Lee:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
DKL : I've always wanted to be an illustator. When I was young, my mother read me a variety of fairytales, and I thought I wanted to be a person who painted such wonderful illustration someday.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
DKL : After graduating from college, I'm in the beginning stage as a freelance illustrator. I still need a lot of experience, and I'm working on my own style.
DI: What is "design" for you?
DKL : To make me happy and to reinterpret ordinary things.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
DKL : I like every piece of work that can bring peace to my mind.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
DKL : I do love the lyrical style of Irene Haas's <A Summertime Song>.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
DKL : Recently, I'm working with a fabric company to produce products.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
DKL : There are a variety of graphics tools, but I think hand drawing is the best and most efficient way to express the ideas that are still in my head. I usually use colored pencils, but I recently tried various materials with the sponsorship of acrylic company.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
DKL : The most important time to concentrate is at dawn. As I listen to music, I organize my thoughts in my notebooks. It is also helpful to see various exhibitions when ideas are not coming up well.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
DKL : Focus on the overall atmosphere. I try to match the feeling that I originally wanted to express with the result as much as possible.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
DKL : Usually I'm happy, but sometimes I get nervous when I need to concentrate.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
DKL : I’m satisfied with the work finished.
DI: What makes a design successful?
DKL : Naturalness and Sincerity.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
DKL : It is the same as the above. naturalness and sincerity.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
DKL : I think design can have a good influence on our society.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
DKL : Any kind of design will be essential in every area of development.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
DKL : I participated in the illustration fair held at COEX in Seoul in 2018. I displayed my paintings and sold postcards.This year, a group exhibition is scheduled for May at a small gallery cafe.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
DKL : It may sound corny, but nature is the source of inspiration. Colors and smells that vary with season are very natural, but they are very precious at the same time. I try to find fun hiding not only in nature but also in ordinary things.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
DKL : I like to imagine fantasy experiences and interesting secrets that imagine in ordinary things. It develops interesting stories that pop up into ideas.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
DKL : I live in Bucheon, Korea. There is a cartoon museum near my house, so I often go to see it. Also, I think the ancient Korean palaces' rich and natural beauty influenced my painting style a little.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
DKL : It's important to communicate exactly why and what you want to design.Many designers display their portfolios online in a variety of ways. Companies will be able to check their portfolios whenever they want.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
DKL : Ideas, search, and sketches and final work.Sometimes i skip and jump through all of these processes.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
DKL : - A small size Julien plaster figure-Top lighting-Laptop-Different kinds of fairytales.-Given Orgel
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
DKL : It's very normal. I meet my friends and go to the exhibition or think of ideas at a nice cafe.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
DKL : it's important that you feel fun and happy.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
DKL : Whenever I think about creating my own world, I feel great happiness. Sometimes proper lighting is very important because your eyes can get tired soon.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
DKL : Keep it steady and keep it true.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
DKL : Creativity and endurance
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
DKL : There are always colored pencils and paper around me. I often read books and postcards I bought at the exhibition, and fairy tales that I love on my desk.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
DKL : Once I start, I stay up all night working until I done. I try to fall asleep at a certain time to break this habit.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
DKL : It's very diverse. Sometimes it takes more than two weeks to finish.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
DKL : I often hear the question 'Where did you get the idea?'
DI: What was your most important job experience?
DKL : As I started uploading my works on Instagram, I had a chance to display them for the first time. It was a very valuable experience, and it made me dream of being an illustrator at the time when I was a college student.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
DKL : Everyone who loves illustration.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
DKL : It is good to see the big picture on the wall at the exhibition, but I love to read fairy tales. Because it is easily accessible and empathizes with the writing and painting.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
DKL : I would like to participate in exhibitions or art fairs and if possible, I would like to publish a fairy tale book within this year.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
DKL : I usually work alone, but I also like to work together.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
DKL : I'm going to develop the 'Misty Little Forest' series.
DI: How can people contact you?
DKL : You can visit my instagram ( www.instagram.com/dokyung.leee ).
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
DKL : No, thank you.