We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jae Young Kim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jae Young, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
My journey into graphic and branding design has always been an exploration. Immersing myself in diverse experiences—from creating typefaces inspired by my cultural background to crafting new brand stories for mass audiences—has taught me to take bold steps and push creative boundaries. Each project presents challenges that refine my skills and deepen my understanding of design as both a craft and a language. While technical skills, like simplifying complex visions into iconic forms and building personality into visual identity, are crucial, storytelling and empathy have become the foundation of my work. These elements enable me to create designs that resonate on a human level. Embracing the unknown and trusting the process have shaped my creative vision, helping me find my voice in design, and curiosity and experimentation continue to guide my path.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Jae Young Kim, a graphic and branding designer based in New York City. My work blends commercial, technological, and artistic approaches to create visually compelling narratives that connect with diverse audiences. Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with global and local brands, crafting designs that resonate across touchpoints—from retail activations to digital platforms—while exploring typography, icons, and organic materials to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. I believe storytelling through design—whether through visualization, cultural resonance, or image experimentation—is a powerful tool for communicating emotions and ideas that words alone cannot capture. This belief has guided my career and education, driving me to create designs that engage and inspire. What I’m most proud of is merging personal experiences with innovative design, turning everyday moments into meaningful visuals. For anyone exploring my work, I hope they discover authenticity, creativity, and a deep respect for design’s power to connect us all.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Storytelling and empathy have always been at the heart of my design process, driving the creation of meaningful visual narratives. One resource I wish I had embraced earlier is engaging in thoughtful conversations with the people the design is meant to serve. As creators, it’s easy to focus inward, but prioritizing the audience is essential. Honest dialogue has shaped my approach, enabling me to create designs that truly resonate—whether for brand identities, graphic materials, or personal projects. This resource and practice have broadened my perspective, deepened connections, and strengthened my understanding of visual communication, significantly enriching my work in design.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of being a creative is transforming intangible ideas, emotions, and stories into tangible works that resonate with others. Seeing a design become more than just a visual piece—sparking memories, evoking emotions, or carrying new meaning—is incredibly fulfilling. For me, it’s when a design takes on a life of its own, interpreted in ways I didn’t anticipate or becoming part of someone’s experience. These moments highlight the power of creativity to inspire and connect, driving me to push boundaries and explore new possibilities in design.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jaeyoungkim.com
- Instagram: jaeyovngkim
Image Credits
Jae Young Kim