#designeridentity

Identity is the core of humanity and not merely a challenge, but a source that fosters connection, creativity, and empathy with others (Isaac). In this week’s class, we explored the concept of identity and how it relates to my own identity as a designer. Through class activities, I reflected on how my personality, experiences, and environment shape my self-awareness and design approach. I realized that I have a calm and detail-oriented nature, which leads me to carefully consider elements such as color and layout. As a result, my work often appears clean, structured, and well-balanced.

Understanding personal identity was also essential in the logo design activity. Just as I expressed my experiences and tendencies through my logo, Willy Chavarria embraced his heritage as the son of Mexican farm workers and made it the foundation of his brand. His collections often incorporate oversized silhouettes and earthy tones inspired by the workwear of Mexican laborers, symbolizing their strength, resilience, and dignity. The raw textures and layered garments evoke the harsh realities of field labor, while his use of Latino models highlights pride in underrepresented communities. Through these design choices, Chavarria transforms ordinary workwear into cultural expression and social commentary. His runway becomes more than a fashion show—it is a stage that communicates identity, individuality, and collective experience.

Observing his work helped me recognize the importance of expressing identity honestly in design. I learned that design is not only a reflection of personal taste but also a means of building empathy and connection. Moving forward, I aim to explore my identity more deeply and create designs that communicate with viewers and convey social meaning beyond visual appearance.

(275 words)

References:

Steffon Isaac. “IDENTITY INTERVIEWS.” The CLU Studio, 22 Sept. 2025. https://www.theclustudio.com/identity-interviews?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vogue. “지금 패션만큼 눈길을 모으는 산업은 없어요.” Vogue Korea, 24 July 2025. https://www.vogue.co.kr/2025/07/29/윌리-차바리아-지금-패션만큼-눈길을-모으는-산/

WEEK 2: REFLECTIVE WRITING

Finding one’s identity as a designer is crucial because what we are good at may not always align with our true interests. Having a distinct style and personality allows a designer to shine wherever they go. There are various ways a designer can express their identity, depending on their field of expertise or the programs they use. Even simple elements like the fonts and colours chosen in their work can reflect a designer's unique identity. This individuality is what makes their designs stand out and resonate with others.

The Psychology of Identity - Professor Park Sun-woong

This book is one of my personal favourites, and through it, I have learned a great deal about identity. The book suggests that defining identity is an act of arrogance, and that life constantly changes in real-time, meaning we cannot define either our own life or anyone else's. It argues that life is a story, and this concept really resonated with me. What I understood from this is that identity is something I create, and my actions and choices can always change it. Rather than deciding on my identity and sticking to it, I realised that I want to grow by learning from my mistakes and evolving, ultimately becoming a person who continually improves and progresses.

Even when looking at the portrait my group created, there is no single theme, and various elements have come together to form the artwork. Each of us has different stubbornness and beliefs, and I think these aspects are reflected in the portrait, which gives it a chaotic atmosphere. But this is completely natural. If our portrait had been unified into one style, it would have been very boring and predictable.