We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nina (SeongWon) Im. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nina (SeongWon) below.

Nina (SeongWon), looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

AI technology is the current biggest trend, and its use is prevalent in various fields. One example of AI technology is text-to-image generators, which are easy and fast to use and accessible to both designers and non-designers.

My graduate thesis project utilized AI text-to-image generators to identify patterns related to art movements, comparing them with real art movements to see how AI technology could embody them. Back then, AI wasn’t as high quality as it is nowadays, so finding the right keywords took time and effort. My intention was to educate users and audiences to be more aware of the accuracy of AI, which sometimes didn’t provide correct images.

There are some concerns that AI could make graphic designers obsolete. However, I strongly believe that AI technology cannot replace human ingenuity and creativity. Instead, it can be a useful tool to help with time-consuming, boring tasks and also to express complex concepts.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As a visual designer, my design journey began with textile design and transitioned into graphic design. This has allowed me to experience creating media from large artworks to small prints. Additionally, while working on various projects, I’ve realized the significance of colors in design. My colorful designs have personalities; they tell their own stories and reflect my own. These thoughts led me to pursue an internship at a fashion company, where I had the opportunity to select colors for clothing and deepen my understanding of color theory.

Luckily, studying graphic design opened more opportunities to work with diverse colors. In fashion, there are certain limitations as designs must fit into customers’ lives and be wearable for daily use. On the other hand, in print or graphic design, I was able to explore a wider range of colors to engage with audiences. Now, and in the future, I aim to continue communicating through colorful designs with people.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Storytelling and empathy are my ultimate goals when I work on design projects. From my perspective, simply designing in a fancy style isn’t enough; it needs to have reasons and stories that viewers can interact with. This connection can make viewers feel closer to the design they see.

A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to participate in an event as an artist organized by a non-profit organization. I presented posters and postcards about refugee rights. Since this topic can be sensitive, I was careful when deciding which message I wanted to convey through my works. I strived to evoke a comfortable feeling in people, using emotional design to bring out the stories of refugees, which they may not be able to voice themselves. My aim is to attract the attention of the general public so that their rights are honored.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Participating in an illustration fair in Korea was a significant experience in my life. At the fair, I displayed my own character and had the opportunity to engage with visitors, which greatly motivated and inspired me. I showcased my art on social media and even started selling merchandise online, but I felt limited. I had to design banners and other print materials for the event, which was challenging due to my limited typography skills. I pondered and realized that graphic design was the solution.

During my undergraduate studies, the idea of studying abroad always lingered in my mind. I believed that experiencing different perspectives could broaden my horizons. Therefore, in order to further enhance my design skills, I made the decision to relocate from Korea to America to pursue graphic design studies. After graduating last year, I acquired a wealth of knowledge and skills, and I am now embarking on my new career journey in graphic design.

Contact Info:

• Website: ninaim.art
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nina-im