Office of Fields co-founder Haejung Choi’s top tip for aspiring designers is to take the time to explore and trust their instincts first. “It’s best not to look at too many references right away,” she says. “Too much input can cloud your own intuition and judgment.”

Choi grew up in a small, modest city in South Korea, where life moved at a gentle pace. “Although Korea is a bustling place, there’s a part of me that still moves more slowly,” she says. “I think that’s why I’m drawn to small details in my surroundings. I love picking up things from the street, like colorful fall leaves or oddly shaped pieces that are left behind. They bring me joy and form a unique collection of found objects that often inspire my projects.”

Choi discovered her love for design in her first typography class. “I was struck by the intensity and precision of the discipline; the way type could bring an incredible level of visual organization,” she says. “I was also fascinated by how expressive it can be, capable of carrying a multitude of voices. I think typography is the best obsession for a graphic designer.”

Her personal philosophy hinges on paying attention to her instincts and not overthinking. “It’s easy to get stuck measuring endless possibilities, whether in design, relationships, work, or life itself,” Choi says. “Instead, I believe in taking action, observing how it unfolds, and reacting again. When you move from thinking to doing, the process itself becomes rewarding and recharges you to keep going.”