We were lucky to catch up with Bojun Tan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bojun , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
My journey into graphic design has been shaped by years of hands-on experience and a deep commitment to honing my craft. From the start, I’ve treated every design project with the same level of seriousness, whether it was a small personal challenge or a major commission. I believe that growth in this field comes from setting high standards for yourself in every task. By obsessing over the details and continually refining both concept and execution, you naturally improve over time.
One of the most critical skills for a designer is the ability to truly understand the client’s needs and values, and to translate them into visuals that resonate with their audience. Early in my career, I took on freelance projects, which gave me invaluable professional experience. However, I now realize that focusing more on personal projects could have accelerated my learning and helped me cultivate a unique creative voice sooner.
Now, I make it a priority to integrate personal inspiration into my professional work, striving to find a balance between meeting business goals and allowing room for self-expression. This approach has deepened my connection to my craft and enhanced the quality of my designs.
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.
I am a graphic designer with experience in creating logos and visual identities for startups across various industries. Each project presents unique challenges, so I quickly adapt to different styles and standards. My skills in typography, animation, and coding enable me to design standout brand identities. While my work is often described as futuristic and tech-forward, I don’t limit myself to one style. My portfolio is diverse, featuring designs that are not only innovative but also fun, cute, and quirky. I continuously aim to grow and tailor my designs to meet clients’ needs while expressing my creative vision.
I’ve always considered myself to have a flexible approach, which has allowed me to cater to a wide range of clients throughout my freelance career. Whether a client is looking for a minimalist aesthetic or something more dynamic and bold, I take pride in delivering designs that align with their vision. I understand that each brand has its own identity, so my job is not only to create something visually appealing but also to ensure the design resonates with the client’s values and audience. I invest in building strong client relationships by listening to their needs, engaging them in meaningful conversations about their goals, and ensuring they feel part of the design process. This collaborative approach has led to many successful partnerships, where both the client and I feel proud of the final outcome.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
At my core, I see myself as a “builder”—someone who enjoys working on a project until it fully captures the intended meaning. I love immersing myself in the process, losing track of time, and emerging with something that feels complete. For me, it’s more than just finishing a task; it’s about creating something that brings joy, convenience, or beauty to others. When a design undergoes multiple rounds of refinement and finally comes together, I feel proud knowing it serves a purpose beyond just looking good. This constant honing is a key part of my creative process. I strive to create designs that not only look visually appealing but also communicate something meaningful to the audience. Ultimately, my goal is to produce work that makes a positive impact, whether through adding beauty, clarity, or engagement.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
One of the greatest gifts society can offer artists today is time: time to think, create, and recharge. In a world where creativity is often rushed and commodified, providing artists with the space and resources to reflect on their ideas is invaluable. Creativity flourishes during moments of leisure, allowing the mind to wander and explore new possibilities. Without the constant pressure of deadlines or financial burdens, artists can experiment more freely and push boundaries, leading to more innovative and thoughtful work. From my own experience, the periods where I’ve had the most freedom to explore without constraints have resulted in my most significant creative breakthroughs. When I feel happy and relaxed, I’m in a much better mental space to take risks, follow my instincts, and produce my best work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tomtan.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomtbj/