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How did you get started? After receiving my BFA in graphic design, I started my first job as an art director. Once I realized I had learned as much as I could from my position, I decided to leave in order expand my visual vocabulary. Desire to pick and choose my own projects, I started freelancing from my parents' house, in a room covered with tacky pink wallpaper, hence the name: Pinkroom. How would you describe your philosophy towards the work? I don't particularly have a deep philosophy towards my work. I just follow my brain, approach each project intuitively, have fun, and leave a little bit of myself in each project. You've honed such a wide range of skills. Do you have a signature project? I 'm not sure if I have particular project that best shows my abilities, as my interests and skills are constantly developing and evolving. One day, I'm a designer, next day I'm an illustrator, and in between, I'm a designer holding a camera. However, I would have to say "Happy Fresh (r)" How to Guides because I wore a different hat each day while working on the project, from creative direction, art direction, copywriting (thanks to a super cool copywriter, David Witz, who put a good twist on the words) illustrating, scouting (a lot of begging), camera operating, graphic designing; the list goes on. Do other designers inspire you? Who? Do you get inspiration form other creative types? I'm inspired by Maurice Binder for his dazzling, colorful title sequences, Mark Farrow for his minimalist approach, Tadanori Yokoo for juxtaposition of elements and colors, and handful of designers, illustrators, architects, artists, fashion designers, and musicians that I discover each day, thanks to the internet.
How would you define your style? How has it evolved? I'm not sure if I have a style.....although other people tend to define my style as a mixture of Euro/Asian, whatever that means. However, looking back, I was influenced by Swiss design during my college years, especially after attending Yale program in Brissago where I got to study under the guidance of Armin Hoffman, Wolfgang Weingart, Paul Rand and other incredible designers. Once I graduated, during my first job as an art director, I learned that design is not just about perfect kerning, perfect balance of negative and positive space but that it has the power to persuade. I think it took several months to de-program myself to over look words with improper spacing, and to appreciate the unprocessed quality of it. After leaving my first job, I made clear and direct choices to work with people and for clients where experimentation was encouraged. Thus allowing me to approach projects from different stylistic angles. Let's just say, I went through many hairstyles over the years.
I attended Moore College of Art and Design (all women) and decided on graphic design as a major because I didn't want to get my hands dirty. It turned out to be a great choice. There, I was exposed to unique instructors from Yale, Cranbrook and other well-known institutions with different perspective and approach to design. During my junior year, after being selected as a recipient of the Sartain Fellowship Award, I applied and got accepted for the Yale summer program in Brissago, Switzerland. An intensive residential program, which consisted of structured curriculum of theoretical studies, practical exercises, evening lectures, and variety of good smelly cheeses. What was the most significant time in your life? Backpacking in Europe and studying in Switzerland. There, I had a daunting realization that I was a small fish in a big, huge, enormous pond and lastly, when I woke up one morning and realized I dreamt in English for the first time. What are you most proud of? I'm not sure if I'm proud of anything but I like the fact that if I don't know how to do something, I'll try to figure it out. I think this process facilitates me to be more creative and not be hindered by unfamiliar things. Have you reached the place you want to be? no... not enough hours during the day to reach my goals yet. Looking back what are you surprised to have discovered in the business? I'm always surprise by the hours I spent each day doing paper work and returning client calls. There are definitely pros and cons for working for yourself. You can pick and choose your own clients but on the flip side, you have to deal with mundane paperwork and client relations that can sometimes stall your creative process. - Contributed by Mary-Beth Holland >> See more work from Pinkroom >> See other member spotlights on the member spotlight index >> Find out more on how to become an altpick.com member |
