Above the Fold: Sarah Hwang, Art Director & Graphic Designer
Enter a caption (optional)In Above the Fold, we spotlight individual members of Coroflot's vibrant creative community. The idea is to take you behind the scenes and inside the minds of talented Coroflot members who we think are doing exceptional work. Coroflot was created by designers, for designers, and Above the Fold is the place where we can talk to creatives about work that we not only love, but think you'll love too!
This week we are talking with Sarah Hwang, a freelance Art Director and Graphic Designer based in New York City. Sarah's style is clean and minimal while always demonstrating a strong focus. Her projects are often cerebral yet subtly welcoming and playful. Over the last few years, she has contributed package design, art direction, and photography to a handful of high-profile projects. These include the design for the 2016 Pirelli calendar shot by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz, Marilyn Model Agency's Fall Show Package, and gift certificates for La Gent, the prestigious London curator of premium goods. Take a quick glance at these projects and you can see Sarah's high standards and distinguished taste that somehow still feels approachable.
Was there a specific moment in life where you realized you wanted to pursue a creative path?
Sarah Hwang: I've always been quiet and liked to spend time by myself drawing, coloring, and reading as a little kid. So my mom enrolled me in art classes since the age of 5, and shortly after that I declared I wanted to be an illustrator.
Who are your design heroes?
Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar was the catalyst of everything. I loved everything about the book - the illustrations, the story. I try to collect the book in every country I've visited until this day.
Walk us through some of your process for creating.
I know a lot of people like to sketch and write their ideas before starting on a project. For me, I have it thought out in my head and then I just go at it. I usually have a clear picture in my head of what I want to do and how I want it to look, but I also give a little wiggle room to let things happen organically, because sometimes things don't work out the way you imagine them to. The thinking process usually takes longer than the execution for me.
What is your favorite project that you've completed and why?
I worked on a short personal video with a friend of mine. It was my first time working on video and I loved it, maybe because it was challenging because it was new for me? It was cool to see movement instead of something static, like what I'm used to seeing and working on.
What tools do you find yourself using repeatedly?
Photoshop and InDesign.
Do you have a ritual for getting in work mode (music you listen to, certain exercise, food you eat) aka a productivity tip?
I love listening to music really loud, or complete silence, depending on my mood or the type of work. Also for me, it's important to have a good chair, as silly as that sounds.
Enter a caption (optional)Outside of your professional life, do you have any other creative outlets or hobbies?
I love jigsaw puzzles. It's really satisfying starting out with thousands of little pieces and then joining them to form one large piece.
If you're stuck on a desert island and can only bring three tools, what are they?
Laptop, tablet, and nice speakers.
Enter a caption (optional)To see more of Sarah's work, check out her Coroflot portfolio!
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