Works with Books
"
Ancora imparo
I am still learning. "
—Michelangelo, at 87
I am still learning. "
—Michelangelo, at 87
Too Idealistic to Be a Book Designer?
Jun 6, 2025
It seems like there aren’t many opportunities to work specifically as a book designer. I’m not even sure such a role really exists. When you check job postings on LinkedIn or Indeed, you see terms like “editorial designer” or “print designer,” but rarely “book designer.”
After finishing my first job in the Air Force, I wanted to become an entrepreneur, so I joined a startup. But I realized I’m not the kind of person who can run that kind of company. I was impressed by a graphic designer working there, which led me to want to become a graphic designer myself. I started learning about design. But while working with clients, I realized I’m also not the kind of person who can work in that way—constantly shaping my work around client expectations.
I wanted to create something that expressed myself, and I found the photobook as my medium. But most people don’t just buy photobooks—they don’t even know what a photobook is. Interestingly, even though many people are unfamiliar with it, some who are interested in photography want to make one. So I tried to make a living through online photobook-making workshops and clubs, but eventually found it unsustainable.
I’m too idealistic. The reason I went to the Air Force Academy wasn’t to become a military officer, but to become an astronaut, which was, and still is, nearly impossible in Korea—there used to be one Korean astronaut, and she ended up changing her nationality to the U.S.
The truth is, going to the Air Force Academy was already a kind of compromise—I had wanted to become a comic book artist. And now I want to become a book designer. You know what? That too feels like a compromise—from making photobooks. Though honestly, it still feels just as idealistic.
Jun 6, 2025
After finishing my first job in the Air Force, I wanted to become an entrepreneur, so I joined a startup. But I realized I’m not the kind of person who can run that kind of company. I was impressed by a graphic designer working there, which led me to want to become a graphic designer myself. I started learning about design. But while working with clients, I realized I’m also not the kind of person who can work in that way—constantly shaping my work around client expectations.
I wanted to create something that expressed myself, and I found the photobook as my medium. But most people don’t just buy photobooks—they don’t even know what a photobook is. Interestingly, even though many people are unfamiliar with it, some who are interested in photography want to make one. So I tried to make a living through online photobook-making workshops and clubs, but eventually found it unsustainable.
I’m too idealistic. The reason I went to the Air Force Academy wasn’t to become a military officer, but to become an astronaut, which was, and still is, nearly impossible in Korea—there used to be one Korean astronaut, and she ended up changing her nationality to the U.S.
The truth is, going to the Air Force Academy was already a kind of compromise—I had wanted to become a comic book artist. And now I want to become a book designer. You know what? That too feels like a compromise—from making photobooks. Though honestly, it still feels just as idealistic.