Hyeon Jee Kang: Design Goes Beyond the Surface
/ Creative Designer
by Elizabeth Lavis | 15 Jun 2026
Design goes beyond the surface; it’s the strategy behind growth and innovation
Creative Designer Hyeon Jee Kang believes that the best designs are beyond superficial. “If I could give any piece of advice to new or aspiring designers, it is that design goes beyond the surface; it’s the strategy behind growth and innovation,” she says. “Don’t limit yourself to being a visual generator. Instead, engage with the project’s goals, context, and strategy. Embrace a holistic view by understanding how your design aligns with other interests and stakeholders, and always consider the broader impact of your work.”
Kang majored in graphic design in Korea, and through her studies, she became curious about how designers from other backgrounds approached and solved design challenges. “After graduation, I moved to the United States to gain a global perspective,” she says. “I continued my studies in graphic and UX design, which has helped me grow into a digital product designer based in Los Angeles.”
She juggles the intense pressure of working on several different tasks at once by focusing on effective project management. “It’s essential to prioritize projects and set clear scopes for each,” Kang says. “Doing this helps me maintain focus and efficiency. Additionally, I’ve recognized the importance of rest to sustain high performance. Knowing when to take a step back is as crucial as pushing forward. It’s all about working smart to deliver quality without compromising well-being.”
Kang brings this focus and organization to team projects too, working quickly to get everyone on the same page. “I start by clearly sharing project goals, context, scope, and success metrics,” she says. “Before diving into tasks, it’s crucial to align everyone’s understanding of the project’s purpose and direction. This step includes discussing not just the ‘what’ and ‘how,’ but the ‘why.’” Approaching a project in this fashion allows everyone to work with a shared vision and contribute more effectively to the collective goals.
Her work, Lunar New Year Celebration, won Indigo Gold in Promotional Materials for Graphic Design and Brochure Design for Graphic Design.
Lunar New Year Celebration 2024