Seulki Kang studied Graphic and Media Design: Typography BA (Hons) at London College of Communication.
What made you decide to come to London and study at London College of Communication (LCC)? And what specifically interested you about Typography?
I was attracted to London because it was a city that knew how to keep its old and new by maintaining the history’s architecture, design, arts and culture. I chose LCC due to its environment and history, its portfolio of successful alumni and the curriculum. LCC has the best curriculum for typography and that was the main reason that I decided to enroll at this school. Although, later on I got to lean more towards interaction design.
I was interested in Typography because it came to me as a game of some sort, in which organic space can be created in between letters’ compositions. Also, typography itself is a straightforward medium that can send strong messages and emotions to the viewers without any complicated images.
What’s your favourite memory from your time at LCC?
My favourite memory at LCC was experiencing the analog process of printing with screen-printing and letter press, which is hard to find in fast-changing times like this. It was always fun to use these analog processes that create interesting diversified works. I only got to take a few Typography classes during my study and moved on to interaction classes. Although interaction classes are fundamentally based on digital skills, I always kept my sketches and used screen-printing for my final results.
What was the best thing LCC taught you?
It’s hard to pinpoint the best thing that LCC taught me, but I can say that I have had a lot of opportunities from my time there; I got a chance to learn how to study design at my own pace, I met students from various cultures and worked together on different projects, and most of all, even though I was just a student, I got many chances to actually experience professional design work in its field.
Did you enjoy living in London? What one piece of advice would you give a student moving to London?
The best thing about living in London is that the city breathes art and design history. There are a number of galleries and places hiding among the streets that give me inspiration. Also, art shows and events are always around. I believe London is THE PLACE for students who are wanting to study art and design. If I were to give one piece of advice for a student moving to London it would be to experience and enjoy these places and moments as much as possible.
What have you been doing since graduating?
After graduating I came back to Korea and worked at a design agency called ‘Vinyl’. I mainly worked as an interaction and new media designer, focusing on special exhibitions, performing arts, digital promotion etc. Also, I created an artist group called ‘atoyfactory’ and hosted group and personal exhibitions, seminars and created art works. Currently, I work at an online game company, ‘Nexon’ in brand and interaction design, and I also teach interaction classes at Universities.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is having the opportunity to create a small community with up-and-coming young designers from different cultures. Also, I used to focus only on the designing skills in a project, but now I feel a sense of fulfillment when I think and solve the essence of the project itself.
What’s next for you?
I am currently planning many things. Since last year, I have co-created ‘boboostore design cooperative’ with other Korean designers. We are planning to innovate new design business models every year. This year our goal is to sustain the cooperative by launching our own brand products. My personal plan is to move on from company ’Nexon’ and go for a new challenge. While I was studying in London I created a group called ‘atoyfactory’ that creates interactive toys. Since then, I have also worked as an art director that combines play, toys and education. I want to further research this and study to make change in educational design – hopefully the doctoral course that I am planning to take starting this year will help me venture out in this field.
What or who is your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration are people who use my work. They could be a middle-aged woman or a five year old boy. In the end, their opinion and interaction with my work shows me the small details and points that I don’t get from the advice of the professionals and specialty publications. And with this direct and indirect feedback, I will be continuously inspired. It is like inexhaustible spring water that flows time after time…
Find out more about the Graphic and Media Design: Typography BA (Hons) at the London College of Communication