Q. The stage name 'Makkal Son' is quite intriguing. What does it mean? 

I took it from a favorite restaurant near my former studio. Instead of a deep meaning, I thought the charm lay in how difficult it is to perfectly translate the nuance into another language.

Q. Movie aficionados often recognize you from projects like the <Parasite> screenplay and <The Handmaiden> photobook. Personally, what do film-related works mean to you as Makkal Son? 

I originally majored in film, and all my early inspirations came from cinema, so I'm quite familiar with visual language. Naturally, when doing graphic design, I often applied the planning-execution stages from film or video projects to graphics. I used to sketch poster scenes like storyboards. I even matched typographies to characters as if they were living mise-en-scenes.

Whenever I work on book projects related to movie content, I ponder how to effectively transpose the vibrant screen characters into flat prints. I particularly focus on expressing the introduction through covers, flyleaves, and contents pages. I see the whole book as a monumental sculpture that metaphorically represents the film.

I believe design is akin to gathering heat to shine light.

Q. You've announced a fresh start as the design studio 'More Heat Than Light.' What's the meaning behind the name, and what recent fun projects have you worked on? 

'More Heat Than Light' was a phrase on a silkscreen poster I bought when relocating offices. I found out it means that when a bulb shines, more heat energy is emitted than light energy. I found it metaphorically related to gathering energy to shine light in our studio's design work.

Recently, we've been active in branding for entertainment and F&B, and designing content for multimedia spaces and web platforms. This week, we're introducing goods in collaboration with Wonsoju at a Seongsu-dong pop-up. Given Wonsoju's popularity, I'm eagerly anticipating the feedback on-site.

I dislike waiting endlessly for inspiration, so I seek it in muscle-like repetitions,

thinking, walking, reading, and talking to people persistently seeking methods.

Q. Please give us a look into 'Knock Knock Makkal Son' studio room. If there’s a particularly beloved space or object, could you describe it in detail? 

We've moved our MHTL studio into a smaller version. We've recreated the music, books, and scents we actually use, so visitors can comfortably experience a 'studio visit.' We also made a 'Bulmyeong' character doll, our studio mascot, to greet guests from the top of a bunk bed! I hope everyone enjoys and takes fun photos with it.

Q. You described your design studio MHTL as a ‘studio where the lights never go out.’ How is the work process when such passionate designers gather in one place? 

We frequently share our personal tastes, from food and clothes to music, hobbies, idols, and art, aiding each other during projects. This synergy often results in seamless edits when revisiting work files together. Our ongoing conversations enhance mutual respect, leading to positive outcomes in our work.

Q. Do you have any daily rules you strictly adhere to?

Meal times! No matter what, I ensure lunch at 12 PM and aim for a snack time around 5-6 PM.

Q. Inspiration can strike in odd moments, like when taking a shower. When do you usually find yourself inspired?

For me, inspiration oddly arrives in ‘cruel’ moments—when I'm short on time and money, or in some physically bare or pressured state. Lately, rather than waiting endlessly, I seek inspiration through repeated thinking, walking, reading, and engaging in conversations, akin to muscle exercise.

Q. Do you have any specific rules for organizing your workspace?

The three essentials for my workspace are sunlight, windows, and ceiling height. Additionally, I prefer more physical distance among coworkers. At our studio, each person uses a desk that’s 2 meters long!

Q. You live alone with your pet now. What would it be like living in Mangrove, sharing spaces with multiple companions? 

As a born extrovert, I find living and interacting with people far more fulfilling than being alone. During a four-day visit to Mangrove for this exhibition, I tried the shared kitchen on the 15th floor. The warm, safe feeling of people gathered, cooking and sharing in a finely designed space was wonderful.

Q. It seems like the relentless life of a designer. Do you ever reward yourself after completing a project?

I haven’t figured out a reward yet, so I haven’t done anything specific. Just lying at home and petting my cat Churchill’s belly feels like a huge happiness.

Q. You consistently present diverse worlds of work without exhaustion. Are there any completely new fields or projects you’re eager to try?

Typically, client work comprises over 90% of design studio projects. With the experience I have from various jobs and branding, I aspire to release a brand conceived by MHTL. While it might be a specific item, I envision a physical space, like Mangrove, as a base for enjoying and sharing preferences with people.

Q. When and where do you feel most like yourself?

Definitely at the MHTL studio, working alongside my team!

Q. While working, you often get projects through introductions. It seems you must appreciate the power of communities connecting people. 

In fact, online interactions have led to more work than offline ones. Instagram serves as our main promotional channel, contributing to this. Within the 'FDSC (Feminist Designer Social Club),' members actively communicate and collaborate across diverse fields online and offline, especially noting the post-COVID online community strength.

Written by | Shinda Bomi

Photography by | Choi More