Interview with graphic designer Bojun Tan

Award winning designer Bojun Tan's journey into graphic design began in a culturally rich environment during his childhood. His passion for design was honed at the Rhode Island School of Design, where exposure to diverse design craftsmanship fueled his skills. After graduation, he worked independently, focusing on branding and visual identity for startups, which helped him develop a distinctive style. His work has earned him accolades, including the Muse Award, the German Design Council Award, and features in the Worldwide Logo Design Annual.

Today, we are having a deep conversation with Bojun about his journey, personal projects, inspirations, and future aspirations in the world of graphic design.

You mention making curious explorations and working on fun personal projects, such as your spray paint alphabet with spatial depth. Can you share more about this project and how personal explorations contribute to your professional growth and creativity?

One of my most cherished personal projects is “Spray," where I created customized letterforms using spray paint and stencils. I was inspired by the sharp and blurry edges in spray-painted graphics and wanted to utilize that to make letters that have visual contrast and even spatial qualities. I folded the paper stencils carefully so that they would make a variety of spray marks on the paper while making up readable letters.

Personal explorations like this are essential to my professional growth and creativity. They allow me to step outside commercial expectations and enjoy the creative process. These projects help me explore new techniques, refine my skills, and discover fresh perspectives that I can integrate into my professional work. Staying open-minded and seeking inspiration beyond design keeps my work vibrant and original. These explorations ensure that I remain inspired and innovative, often finding ways to incorporate them into future projects.

Your skill set includes both coding and lettering, which you turn into inspiring projects. How do you integrate these two disciplines in your work, and what unique opportunities do they offer for creative expression in graphic design?

I am personally fascinated by generative and interactive art, which I believe are important forms in the digital age. They reflect the relationship between humans and technology and offer so much more ways for artistic expressions. Nowadays, more graphic designers are integrating coding and typography, because using code can reshape the form of language and deepen our understanding of letters. This is inherently captivating, but the most important thing for me is that programming and lettering are my hobbies. I can enjoy the process explore without pressure. My works are fun and can showcase my design abilities, attracting like-minded designer friends and clients.

What are some of the major influences or inspirations that have shaped your approach to graphic design?

Curiosity and exploration of media are my greatest sources of inspiration. Since college, my school has encouraged me to create using various handmade methods, not to produce a final art piece, but to spontaneously explore new ways of design and creation. Therefore, I greatly appreciate those who complete graphic design in unexpected ways, whether their designs are for commercial or personal purposes. I enjoy following typography and calligraphy-related magazines or competitions, where I can see the most cutting-edge typographic designs. Earlier, driven by my own interest, I created many spray paint stencils. Influenced by excellent typographers, I tried to incorporate different media into my designs, which eventually led to the spray paint works I am proud of. I am now actively experimenting, searching for the starting point of my next piece.

Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations in the field of graphic design? Are there any new techniques or projects you are excited to explore?

I am deeply invested in exploring new techniques to enhance my designs. Currently, I am utilizing advanced technologies such as 3D rendering, creative coding, and artificial intelligence. Integrating these tools into my design philosophy excites me, as they enhance both narrative and aesthetic coherence. I am also committed to learning from both historical and contemporary great designers, drawing inspiration from timeless principles while staying current with trends and innovations. My ultimate goal is to create designs that are both original and relevant, offering fresh approaches and perspectives.

Bojun Tan's remarkable journey is a testament to his dedication, innovation, and passion for graphic design. By continuously pushing the boundaries and exploring new techniques, he has established himself as a significant influence in the design community. His ability to blend traditional art forms with modern technology sets him apart and ensures that his work remains vibrant and impactful. As Bojun looks ahead, his commitment to learning and evolving promises to keep his designs at the forefront of the industry, inspiring the next generation of designers.

Interviewer: Zin

More info:

Website: https://www.tomtan.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomtbj