The Future of Fashion: A Pioneering Interview with Hyunji Jun
In the ever-evolving landscape of creativity, a singular force emerges victoriously—Hyunji Jun. Fresh from her recent triumph at the C2A Awards, Hyunji is a dynamic force in the world of design and entrepreneurship. As a graduate of the School of Visual Arts and the mastermind behind the innovative project “Othermatter,” she is shaping the future of sustainable fashion.
Fun Facts About Hyunji Jun
Before we delve into the exclusive interview, here are some intriguing facts about Hyunji Jun:
– Hyunji started her career as a fashion designer in Korea before transitioning to graphic design.
– She draws inspiration not only from the design world but also from the realm of dreams, where vivid ideas often emerge.
– Hyunji is not just a designer; she’s an entrepreneur running a small design studio, showcasing her versatility in the creative arena.
Exclusive Interview with Hyunji Jun
1. Fresh from your recent win at the C2A Awards, can you share how the recognition has already influenced your perspective on your creative journey or business endeavors?
Hyunji Jun: As a freshly graduated designer from the School of Visual Arts and an entrepreneur running a small design studio, recognition from C2A has inspired me to aim higher and set more ambitious goals for my future projects. The acknowledgment of my work fuels my passion for creativity and encourages me to explore new ideas and experiment with different design concepts.
2. Let’s rewind to your journey through the submission and evaluation process for the C2A Awards. What were the standout moments, challenges, or surprises you encountered?
Hyunji Jun: I submitted part of my final thesis project from the SVA MFA Design program, titled ‘Othermatter,’ which encapsulates my deep passion and dedication. I cherished every aspect of the process, from reaching out to individuals outside my field to meeting incredible people actively taking action to study and develop sustainable design materials. Engaging in networking events, participating in profound discussions about the future of design and sustainability, studying biomaterials, conducting design research through questionnaires, interviewing and filming fashion designers, and pitching my ideas to various audiences – every step was meaningful.
It was a challenging journey, yet it empowered me significantly as a human being who knows how to connect with their true passion.
3. Creativity is a mystic force. What fuels your imagination, and how do you approach the creative process?
Hyunji Jun: “In terms of branding, my design process begins with a deep understanding of the brand’s core passion, vision, and story, as well as its correlation with the world and society. I contemplate how to visually communicate and represent these elements by creating several mood boards and exploring various design directions.
I seek feedback from others to gain fresh perspectives and general opinions. I iterate through these processes, going back and forth until I arrive at the best version. During this process, random input from the world or even my subconscious mind can spark my inspiration. Sometimes, when I’m focused enough, vivid visual inspirations or ideas emerge from my dreams. Creative imagination often arises from unexpected combinations of concepts and ideas.
4.Navigating the twists and turns of a creative career often involves overcoming obstacles. What are some of the recent challenges you’ve faced, and how have you tackled them?
Hyunji Jun: Pursuing a creative career often involves a long battle with self-doubt. Throughout my journey to grow as a designer, I had to prove to myself that I am capable of creating amazing work through dedication and hard work. It was crucial to understand that critical feedback isn’t meant to discourage me; instead, it is there to encourage me to find the best way to navigate the challenges.
5. The ink on your C2A victory is still fresh. In what ways do you anticipate the award impacting your credibility and reputation in the creative industry, and how do you envision leveraging this recognition as you move forward?
Hyunji Jun: The C2A award adds a prestigious accolade to my portfolio, showcasing my expertise and creativity. This recognition enhances my professional credibility, making clients and collaborators more confident in my abilities.
6. Staying current is an ongoing challenge. How do you currently keep abreast of new industry trends, and are there any emerging trends you’re excited to incorporate into your work?
Hyunji Jun: Currently, I am getting used to new beta versions of design programs with AI, new Figma plug-ins, and other innovative tools that can tremendously expand my design capabilities. It is truly a blossoming era of innovative design programs and tools, thanks to the leap in technological advances. I have saved many LinkedIn posts about new design tools and plug-ins that I haven’t explored yet.
7. Zooming in on your recent triumph, what inspired the winning project you submitted to the C2A Awards?
Hyunji Jun: I used to be a fashion designer in Korea before I pursued a career in graphic design. However, fashion production often involved environmental harm, hazardous working environments for workers in third-world countries, and other issues. It became clear to me that the more I grew as a fashion designer, the more guilty I would feel about these ethical concerns.
After I moved to New York and started my career in graphic design, I met people who were using biomaterials in fashion and seeking innovative ways to transform the future of the fashion industry. Many fashion designers faced similar dilemmas and guilt. I realized I could inspire more dreams and passion among other fashion designers who lacked access to these information.
About the Project: Othermatter
Othermatter is an online platform revolutionizing the fashion industry by introducing designers to innovative biomaterials. The brainchild of Hyunji Jun, the brand identity is inspired by the form of a living cell, representing sustainability and creativity. Neon colors symbolize the energy of interdisciplinary fashion design, creating a visual language that speaks of positive change.
Elevating Creativity: A Sustainable Visionary Hyunji Jun in the Spotlight
Hyunji Jun is not just a designer; she’s a visionary transforming the fashion industry one biomaterial at a time. Her journey, peppered with challenges and triumphs, reflects a commitment to sustainable design. As she continues to make waves in the creative industry, the name “Hyunji Jun” will undoubtedly resonate as a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and creative prowess.
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More about Hyunji Jun and the Project:
C2A – Hyunji Jun (School of Visual Arts) – Winner in Brand identity / Branding
