We’re a global team of thinkers, dreamers, and builders. In our latest “Spotlight on…,” we talk with our Summer 2022 design interns. Here, Anmol Govinda Rao, Hamin Jeon and Silei Fu share their experiences as interns, discuss their signature styles and their main strengths as creatives.
When did you know you wanted to be a designer?
Silei Fu: I accidentally took an elementary-level design class when I was a freshman in college. We were asked to pair up and create a logo for each other based on personality and appearance. I felt so fulfilled when my design satisfied people. At that moment, I knew design was what I wanted to pursue.
Anmol Govinda Rao: I had always been interested in creating art and expressing myself visually since a young age but being introduced to the Adobe software suite when I was 14 changed my perception. Suddenly, I had the means to create art on a larger and grander scale, enabling me to express myself through a much wider range of mediums. That experience kickstarted my ventures into graphic design, and as I got involved in various school-related design projects, it became more evident that design was my calling.
What would you say your signature design style is?
Hamin Jeon: I would say my signature design style is simple and bold. I didn’t realize that I used a bold typography style on everything I create, but when I look through my website and portfolio, I can tell that I love simple and bold graphic styles.
Anmol Govinda Rao: While my design style fluctuates according to the project, the design that resonates most and that I tend to lean towards is the Swiss style. I love incorporating grids, experimenting with compositions, and discovering neo-grotesque sans serif typefaces.
How has it been working with a design team centered on simplicity?
Hamin Jeon: It has been fun but also challenging compressing strategy, ideas, and values into a simple design system. But I enjoy all the design processes and collaborating with other teams.
Silei Fu: I am so obsessed by how much they can imagine and create with very concise and clear elements—the creativity under the guidelines is so concise and neat. I love how Siegel+Gale turns simplicity into reality; it influenced me a lot when shaping my style.
What has been your favorite part of your internship so far?
Silei Fu: I love the people here! Everyone was friendly, and they offered helpful design feedback. I learned a lot through the creative process.
Anmol Govinda Rao: I think the best part of the internship has been the opportunity that I’ve been given to work on real-world projects. The idea that these designs have the potential to materialize and be seen by a large number of people will always be mesmerizing to me.
Do you have a favorite designer or artist?
Silei Fu: My favorite artist is Henri Matisse. I love the idea of a grown man drawing like an innocent child.
Hamin Jeon: I love Brian Donnelly, also known as Kaws. I like his 3D cast of figurative characters, and he uses pops of color, which reminds me of the Pop Art I love.
What kind of music do you listen to when working?
Hamin Jeon: I usually listen to K-pop music while I am working—especially K-pop idol groups and some indie bands’ songs. Sometimes I will choose a playlist from YouTube.
Anmol Govinda Rao: That’s a tough question because I listen to a wide range of genres. But when I’m in the zone, I love jamming out to alternative or indie rock. You can’t go wrong with movie soundtracks either; Interstellar’s music is an absolute gem!
What are three design tools you cannot live without?
Anmol Govinda Rao: The three design tools that I absolutely depend on are my laptop, sketchbook, and a good cup of coffee!
Silei Fu: Illustrator, Photoshop and Figma.
What is your main strength as a creative person?
Hamin Jeon: I am very open-minded and always ready to take criticism.
Anmol Govinda Rao: Versatility and the drive to take on any kind of design project.
Your biggest weakness?
Hamin Jeon: Lack of self-confidence. Self-doubt can be a good thing as a designer, but sometimes I need to be sure of my decision.
Anmol Govinda Rao: The constant need for reassurance. I hope this answer is right…
And lastly, what would you be doing if you weren’t in design?
Silei Fu: A lawyer, archaeologist or novelist.
Hamin Jeon: I’d be a Pâtissier, like a baker.
