Celebrating Vision: An Interview with Hyunji Jun, Award-Winning Designer

ⓒHyunji Jun

As soon as Hyunji Jun’s name enters the conversation, it brings with it a reputation of profound achievement and creative leadership in the world of contemporary design. From her formative education at Ewha Womans University in Seoul to international acclaim, Hyunji has built a legacy defined by transcendent brand identities, technology-driven innovation, and a commitment to elevating sustainability. She is the creative force behind transformative projects for multiple industries—her portfolio includes launching a fashion brand, directing photoshoots, overseeing collaborative shows, and winning top global honors such as the Red Dot Award and Creative Communication Award (C2A) for brand identity. Most recently, Hyunji was honored with another LIT Advertising Award for her outstanding work.

The following conversation was conducted in celebration of Hyunji’s newest accolade, exploring the significance behind her celebrated achievements.

Q: Hyunji, your work continues to earn international distinction—Red Dot, LIT Advertising Award, multiple C2A Awards, and coverage in premier design publications. How do these recognitions shape your perspective as a designer?

A: Awards are always an encouragement. They give me confidence and motivation to continue exploring new ground as a designer.

Q: Cellsense has drawn high praise for integrating sustainability into fashion and biotechnology. What was your primary creative challenge in crafting the brand identity for such a pioneering company?

A: The biggest challenge was crafting a story that could resonate on multiple levels. Cellsense sits at the intersection of biotechnology and fashion, so I needed to communicate scientific ideas to an audience—fashion designers and brands—who aren’t always familiar with the biomaterials. The goal was to translate complex bio-material innovation into a visual language that feels intuitive, inspiring, and industry-relevant, while still reflecting the company’s environmental values. Balancing clarity, aesthetic appeal, and scientific integrity was the core of the creative challenge.

Q: Your career spans branding, art direction, UI/UX, and collaborative exhibition. Which achievement stands out to you as the most transformative for your development?

A: Every project has shaped me in a different way, because the goals and challenges are never the same. But the most transformative moments have been watching the brand identity come to life—not just visually, but culturally. Seeing an idea evolve from concept to a fully realized experience, and knowing I helped steer that direction, has been one of the most defining parts of my development as a designer.

Q: How do you see the future of design evolving from here, especially at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social impact—areas you’ve helped illuminate through your work?

A: There’s a growing demand for solutions that address social and environmental challenges, and collaboration across fields—scientists, artists, technologists, designers, and the general public—is becoming essential. I believe graphic and communication designers can serve as the messengers in that process: creating accessible, effective communication that helps these groups connect, understand one another, and ultimately work together more meaningfully.

Q: What is your approach to innovation, especially with projects that must break new ground?

A: I begin by listening and observing, making sure I understand the client’s needs, the context, and the message they need to deliver to their audience. From there, I translate that message into a story—whether visual or literal—that invites the audience to care. Ultimately, the audience decides what is worth paying attention to, so my role is to shape communication that resonates with them on an emotional and contextual level.

Q: What advice do you offer emerging designers striving to make a meaningful impact and pursue recognition at the highest levels?

A: Visual designers often serve as messengers to the world, but we don’t always get immediate opportunities to advocate for deep social impact. My advice is to keep doing the daily work. Even small projects sharpen your skills and prepare you for the moment when a bigger opportunity arrives. When that chance comes, you will be ready. Trust the process.

Hyunji Jun’s latest award is both a celebration and a call to further action. Her achievements are significant not only for their prestige, but for their ongoing contribution to the transformation of design as a field—where creative vision, ethical commitment, and innovative spirit combine to shape businesses, cultures, and global conversations.