Academia
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Given the unique environment of schools compared to typical business settings, I inspire my audience—students—to become navigators by leveraging their exploratory skills and collaborating to enhance the learning process, bridging the gap between theory and practical application. As challenges arise in the learning journey, I continuously guide them to analyze obstacles and determine effective approaches. This fosters an environment that respects diverse perspectives and enriches the learning experience. These exchanges of ideas deeply fulfill my practice, motivating me to innovate and connect with an evolving society.
My primary goal in teaching is to help students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, creativity, and effective communication by implementing my professional experiences into the learning process. I emphasize connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application to explore new possibilities and minimize limitations. Rather than focusing solely on right or wrong answers, I encourage students to approach assignments with an open mind, prioritizing what works and what matters most in design. Below, you'll find examples of how I have inspired, art directed, and guided students in various academic settings.
Typography I + II | Design History + Professional Practices + Branding + Experimental Typography
In Typography I and II courses, I focused on helping students develop their understanding of the history of graphic design and typography. This involved completing various typography assignments, including designing tables of contents, infographics, newsletters, branding, and book layouts. As these assignments required strong research skills and proficiency in relevant design software, the courses helped students understand how to develop their abstract ideas into visually appealing messages to meet diverse demands.
Project (Center)Postage Stamp Book within graphic design history Spring 2020, Typography II
Project (Right)Type Specimen Book | Helvetica Fall 2019, Typography I
StudentMina Hong
Project (Right)Type Specimen Book | Helvetica Fall 2019, Typography I
StudentMina Hong
Project Postage Stamp Book within graphic design history Spring 2020, Typography II
StudentAimee Alvino
StudentAimee Alvino
Project (Center)Postage Stamp Book within graphic design history Spring 2020, Typography II
Project (Right)Type Specimen Book | Helvetica Fall 2019, Typography I
StudentStudent: Hailey Rosenfield
Project (Right)Type Specimen Book | Helvetica Fall 2019, Typography I
StudentStudent: Hailey Rosenfield
Hello Professor Park,
I would like to thank you for an amazing year of learning and personal growth. When I came to my first typography I class with you last semester, I felt completely ill-prepared as a graphic design minor and even considered dropping the course. However, I am so glad I pushed past my comfort zone and stayed in the class and went on to take Typography II. I didn't know it was possible to experience so much growth as a student in such a short amount of time.
You have been the best professor I have had in my time thus far at GW, and I owe my continued development as a graphic designer and creative thinker to you. Thank you for going above and beyond your designated duties as a professor to help us further develop as people with your extra lectures and constant availability to students. I know my future success as a designer and well-rounded human being was influenced by your hard work. Have an amazing summer, and I hope to see you back at the Corcoran one day.
Thank you,Hailey Rosenfield
I would like to thank you for an amazing year of learning and personal growth. When I came to my first typography I class with you last semester, I felt completely ill-prepared as a graphic design minor and even considered dropping the course. However, I am so glad I pushed past my comfort zone and stayed in the class and went on to take Typography II. I didn't know it was possible to experience so much growth as a student in such a short amount of time.
You have been the best professor I have had in my time thus far at GW, and I owe my continued development as a graphic designer and creative thinker to you. Thank you for going above and beyond your designated duties as a professor to help us further develop as people with your extra lectures and constant availability to students. I know my future success as a designer and well-rounded human being was influenced by your hard work. Have an amazing summer, and I hope to see you back at the Corcoran one day.
Thank you,Hailey Rosenfield
Project (Center)Kennedy Center Brochure within info-graphics Spring 2020, Typography II
Project (Right)Newsletter Spring 2020, Typography II StudentDevon Ott
Project (Right)Newsletter Spring 2020, Typography II StudentDevon Ott
ProjectNewsletter Spring 2020, Typography II
StudentNadia Lee
StudentNadia Lee
Hello Professor Park!
Thank you for restlessly teaching us for 4 semesters (3 semesters for me) and constantly supporting us in every way, also not giving on me whenever I seem to have given up myself. Thank you for pushing me further even though I may seem to be good enough. You have been the best Professor I’ve had in GW and will definitely not be used to not seeing you every other day.
I have so much respect for you and I admire your work ethic so much. I wish I can be more like you! You’ve made our challenge but at the same time that challenge pushed us to do our best and as a result we created things that we’re proud of. I think as a graphic designer, the final outcome and putting everything up on the black board is the most rewarding.
Funny to say, when I was in my first year in the graphic design department, I was very scared of you (^^;). However after seeing you almost everyday for 3 semesters, I realized you aren’t that scary and instead you're like a father figure. Sorry for this long email, but I hope you and your family stay well and healthy! Thank you again for everything and I hope you’ll still be around The Corcoran next semester to check on us!
Best, Nadia
Thank you for restlessly teaching us for 4 semesters (3 semesters for me) and constantly supporting us in every way, also not giving on me whenever I seem to have given up myself. Thank you for pushing me further even though I may seem to be good enough. You have been the best Professor I’ve had in GW and will definitely not be used to not seeing you every other day.
I have so much respect for you and I admire your work ethic so much. I wish I can be more like you! You’ve made our challenge but at the same time that challenge pushed us to do our best and as a result we created things that we’re proud of. I think as a graphic designer, the final outcome and putting everything up on the black board is the most rewarding.
Funny to say, when I was in my first year in the graphic design department, I was very scared of you (^^;). However after seeing you almost everyday for 3 semesters, I realized you aren’t that scary and instead you're like a father figure. Sorry for this long email, but I hope you and your family stay well and healthy! Thank you again for everything and I hope you’ll still be around The Corcoran next semester to check on us!
Best, Nadia
Project (Center)Type Specimen Book | Avenir Fall 2019, Typography I
Project (Right Top)Typographic Structure Studies Fall 2019, Typography I
Project (Right Bottom)Newsletter Spring 2020, Typography II
StudentDevin Healy
Project (Right Top)Typographic Structure Studies Fall 2019, Typography I
Project (Right Bottom)Newsletter Spring 2020, Typography II
StudentDevin Healy
Hello Professor Park!
This is a pretty bittersweet email to write, for many reasons. For one, I'd just like to express how truly grateful I am to have been taught by you for some many semesters. Whenever anyone asks me who my favorite professor is, I not only think of you without hesitation, but I think about how influential you've been on my Graphic Design path. You've taught me so much; how to power through challenges, how to receive and give criticism, and how to ultimately produce products that I'm proud of. So again, thank you. I do hope you stick around Corcoran a little bit longer (at least until I graduate!) so that you can truly see how inspiring you are to your students.
I’m hoping you are safe and well and that I can see you and all of Corcoran’s friendly faces soon.
Best,Devin Healy
This is a pretty bittersweet email to write, for many reasons. For one, I'd just like to express how truly grateful I am to have been taught by you for some many semesters. Whenever anyone asks me who my favorite professor is, I not only think of you without hesitation, but I think about how influential you've been on my Graphic Design path. You've taught me so much; how to power through challenges, how to receive and give criticism, and how to ultimately produce products that I'm proud of. So again, thank you. I do hope you stick around Corcoran a little bit longer (at least until I graduate!) so that you can truly see how inspiring you are to your students.
I’m hoping you are safe and well and that I can see you and all of Corcoran’s friendly faces soon.
Best,Devin Healy
ProjectType Specimen Book | Helvetica Fall 2019, Typography I
StudentKrista Marino
StudentKrista Marino
Prof-
I was going to write you an email thanking you for all you have done for me but that didn’t seem fit. Although I can write books about everything you taught me, I summarized well when I submitted the course evaluation. This is what I said: “Ms. Dam - You’ve asked a number of questions, but you never once asked how this course impacted my life. You see, this class is not like most. Professor Park is not teaching for money, benefit, etc. He is teaching because he loves graphic design and his students. He inspires teamwork and collaborative learning. He encourages experimentation and pushing capabilities beyond the comfort zone. He has changed my life for the better, and I’ve learned more from him than anyone I’ve known. He is my hero. I learned what it meant to work hard, and how passion will lead you to success. I learned to never give up, and fight for what you believe in. He taught me the importance of being humble, and to learn from others. Design has never been easy for me. Professor Park knows how badly I want to be a designer, and instead of focusing on my weaknesses, he appreciates my strengths. I never felt like a “weak link,” even if I really am. This has given me so much confidence to pursue my dreams.
I can’t thank you enough. You have given me so much more than design. You supported and believed in me when I felt like I had no body. GW and Corcoran would just be “school” if it wasn’t for you from the first day I met you (my senior year at the PSA Scholarship interview) I instantly noticed your awe/passion for graphic design and the Corcoran, which is ultimately why I came to GW.
Thank You For Everything!!!! You are my hero.
Cheers and Health,Krista Marino
I was going to write you an email thanking you for all you have done for me but that didn’t seem fit. Although I can write books about everything you taught me, I summarized well when I submitted the course evaluation. This is what I said: “Ms. Dam - You’ve asked a number of questions, but you never once asked how this course impacted my life. You see, this class is not like most. Professor Park is not teaching for money, benefit, etc. He is teaching because he loves graphic design and his students. He inspires teamwork and collaborative learning. He encourages experimentation and pushing capabilities beyond the comfort zone. He has changed my life for the better, and I’ve learned more from him than anyone I’ve known. He is my hero. I learned what it meant to work hard, and how passion will lead you to success. I learned to never give up, and fight for what you believe in. He taught me the importance of being humble, and to learn from others. Design has never been easy for me. Professor Park knows how badly I want to be a designer, and instead of focusing on my weaknesses, he appreciates my strengths. I never felt like a “weak link,” even if I really am. This has given me so much confidence to pursue my dreams.
I can’t thank you enough. You have given me so much more than design. You supported and believed in me when I felt like I had no body. GW and Corcoran would just be “school” if it wasn’t for you from the first day I met you (my senior year at the PSA Scholarship interview) I instantly noticed your awe/passion for graphic design and the Corcoran, which is ultimately why I came to GW.
Thank You For Everything!!!! You are my hero.
Cheers and Health,Krista Marino
ProjectType Specimen Book | Univers Fall 2019, Typography I
StudentKate Winschel
StudentKate Winschel
Hello Professor Park,
Thank you for four INCREDIBLE semesters at the Corcoran. I have to admit I am a little emotional typing this email, as I have blossomed since beginning at the Corcoran, and that is majorly to do with being a member of your class. I remember during our first critique the second week of my freshman year you told me to be confident as I was quiet and nervous, you told me to be: confident in my critique skills, confident with my design work, and confident walking into a room. I obviously took this to heart, and feel that being a member of your class has made me a confident person, as I not only feel confident with my critique and design skills, but because of these two things I have become a more confident person when I walk into a room. You have also taught me about the 'Corcoran Spirit' which I see in you, and have begun to see in myself. I just wanted to thank you for making me a stronger designer and a stronger person, you have made my two years studying at the Corcoran and I am really going to miss the challenge of your class in my weekly schedule.
Once again, Thank you - and you make me proud to be a Corcoran Student
Kate Winschel
Thank you for four INCREDIBLE semesters at the Corcoran. I have to admit I am a little emotional typing this email, as I have blossomed since beginning at the Corcoran, and that is majorly to do with being a member of your class. I remember during our first critique the second week of my freshman year you told me to be confident as I was quiet and nervous, you told me to be: confident in my critique skills, confident with my design work, and confident walking into a room. I obviously took this to heart, and feel that being a member of your class has made me a confident person, as I not only feel confident with my critique and design skills, but because of these two things I have become a more confident person when I walk into a room. You have also taught me about the 'Corcoran Spirit' which I see in you, and have begun to see in myself. I just wanted to thank you for making me a stronger designer and a stronger person, you have made my two years studying at the Corcoran and I am really going to miss the challenge of your class in my weekly schedule.
Once again, Thank you - and you make me proud to be a Corcoran Student
Kate Winschel
ProjectType Specimen Book | Helvetica Neue Fall 2021, Typography I
StudentDrew Amstutz
StudentDrew Amstutz
Hi Professor Park,
Thank you for everything that you've done to prepare me for entering the field of graphic design, no matter what capacity I do so in. When I first entered your class I was lacking technical and philosophical skills and my portfolio was empty. I now have plenty of work to share with future employers –– all thanks to you!
I look forward to staying in touch and dropping in from time to time next semester. If you ever want me to speak with graphic design minors who are just entering the program please don't hesitate to let me know!
Wishing you all the best this holiday season. Thank you again for everything. You're truly awesome.
Drew Amstutz
Thank you for everything that you've done to prepare me for entering the field of graphic design, no matter what capacity I do so in. When I first entered your class I was lacking technical and philosophical skills and my portfolio was empty. I now have plenty of work to share with future employers –– all thanks to you!
I look forward to staying in touch and dropping in from time to time next semester. If you ever want me to speak with graphic design minors who are just entering the program please don't hesitate to let me know!
Wishing you all the best this holiday season. Thank you again for everything. You're truly awesome.
Drew Amstutz
Design Fundamentals II | Modular Grid with Images+Letterforms+Lines
In the Design Fundamental II course, I aimed to engage students to understand the dynamics of visual structure by leveraging the lessons from the prerequisite course (Design Fundamentals I). During the semester, students explore modular grid systems with lines, images, and letterforms that help them build analytical eyes and critical thinking abilities through the design thinking process to complete six assignments including their newsletter production that contains three ads and chapters, Accessibility, Entertainment, and Inspiration within research.
ProjectGrid Studies | Lines + Images + TypesSpring 2020, Design Fundamentals II
StudentEmma Caamano
StudentEmma Caamano
ProjectGrid Studies | Lines + Images + TypesSpring 2020, Design Fundamentals II
StudentGinny Chang
StudentGinny Chang
Dear Professor Park,
I just want to say thank you for teaching me and training me as a better designer. You are the one that really pushes us beyond limits, and you didn't tell us how to do something step by step (like teaching a baby lol), but instead, you gave us feedback, guided us, and made sure we solve the problem by "ourselves".
After taking your class for two-semester (also for design fundamental I), I really think I have more confidence than I used to. As a person that is not a native English speaker, you are the one that makes me realize the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. It's always important to explain your ideas to your clients, or people you are working with, if they can't understand it, how are they supposed to buy your idea? After dealing with tons of shapes, lines, letters, and hearing your critiques from “ It's sooooo bad!”, and slowly turning into "Good"; I really think I have a better critical eye right now.
Designing is not just about making things look good; each alignment, the choice of typography all required a reason. I will keep practicing and kept pushing myself further, and I really hope the school will keep you until we graduate.
Again, Thank you so much for what you have taught me, and I really want to learn more from you.
Sincerely,Ginny Chang
I just want to say thank you for teaching me and training me as a better designer. You are the one that really pushes us beyond limits, and you didn't tell us how to do something step by step (like teaching a baby lol), but instead, you gave us feedback, guided us, and made sure we solve the problem by "ourselves".
After taking your class for two-semester (also for design fundamental I), I really think I have more confidence than I used to. As a person that is not a native English speaker, you are the one that makes me realize the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. It's always important to explain your ideas to your clients, or people you are working with, if they can't understand it, how are they supposed to buy your idea? After dealing with tons of shapes, lines, letters, and hearing your critiques from “ It's sooooo bad!”, and slowly turning into "Good"; I really think I have a better critical eye right now.
Designing is not just about making things look good; each alignment, the choice of typography all required a reason. I will keep practicing and kept pushing myself further, and I really hope the school will keep you until we graduate.
Again, Thank you so much for what you have taught me, and I really want to learn more from you.
Sincerely,Ginny Chang
ProjectGrid Studies | Lines + Images + TypesField Research + GridSpring 2021, Design Fundamentals II
StudentSarah Shin
StudentSarah Shin
ProjectGrid Studies | Lines + Images + TypesField Research + GridSpring 2022, Design Fundamentals II
StudentDaniel Lee
StudentDaniel Lee
Design Fundamentals I | Gestalt Theory + Color Theory
In the Design Fundamental I course, I aimed to encourage students to realize that all forms of written and visual language carry ambiguity without clear message conveyance, thus relationship of each other matters for designer's intentions. Since written language, including visual language, comprises abstract forms like dots and lines, it's crucial to comprehend how we can define the functions and reinterpret meanings to connect abstract ideas with empathetic messages. To achieve this, we explored gestalt theories and color theories to grasp how each graphic element shapes visual and conceptual relationships and how to make them practically useful to engage the audiences with psychological approaches.
Project (Center)Good Gestalt Composition + Interaction of ColorFall 2019, Design Fundamentals I
Project (Right)Good Gestalt Composition 3DFall 2019, Design Fundamentals I
Student Brianna Hawley
Project (Right)Good Gestalt Composition 3DFall 2019, Design Fundamentals I
Student Brianna Hawley
ProjectGood Gestalt Composition + Interaction of ColorFall 2019, Design Fundamentals I
StudentIsabelle Bryson
StudentIsabelle Bryson
Hi Professor Park!
With today being our last class together I wanted to let you know how much you have impacted me. I’ve told you before that I attended a high school focused on the arts. I have attended school as a Communication Arts major (basically graphic design) since I was 11 years old, and no teacher has ever ignited the passion for design in me in the same way you have. I have had years of people teaching me about grid design and so on and it never clicked until it was taught by you. No one has ever been so passionate, so enthusiastic, and so engaged as you. Your willingness to provide resources to students has inspired me to no end.
I think about your passion daily. I have started to invest in design books to grow my library to be like you. I feel so blessed to have had a professor like you. Many of my peers have told me that they are happy to have professors that take it easy on them, but I know I wouldn’t have gotten to the point that I am at today without you pushing me.
I am forever grateful for you reminding us the first day of class that the second we are comfortable is the second we are giving up. I will never forget the growth I experienced in Design Fundamentals 1. I went into the class as a cocky high schooler and exited as a design student who was ready to absorb anything anyone would teach me. I am forever grateful for you and I hope to continue to be advised by you. I have an intense respect for you and your vision for the future of design.
Thank you so much,Isabelle Bryson
With today being our last class together I wanted to let you know how much you have impacted me. I’ve told you before that I attended a high school focused on the arts. I have attended school as a Communication Arts major (basically graphic design) since I was 11 years old, and no teacher has ever ignited the passion for design in me in the same way you have. I have had years of people teaching me about grid design and so on and it never clicked until it was taught by you. No one has ever been so passionate, so enthusiastic, and so engaged as you. Your willingness to provide resources to students has inspired me to no end.
I think about your passion daily. I have started to invest in design books to grow my library to be like you. I feel so blessed to have had a professor like you. Many of my peers have told me that they are happy to have professors that take it easy on them, but I know I wouldn’t have gotten to the point that I am at today without you pushing me.
I am forever grateful for you reminding us the first day of class that the second we are comfortable is the second we are giving up. I will never forget the growth I experienced in Design Fundamentals 1. I went into the class as a cocky high schooler and exited as a design student who was ready to absorb anything anyone would teach me. I am forever grateful for you and I hope to continue to be advised by you. I have an intense respect for you and your vision for the future of design.
Thank you so much,Isabelle Bryson
Thesis (Advisor)
ProjectSenior Thesis: Motifs - Use of Japanese Traditional Motifs in Japanese Graphic DesignFall 2016, Senior Thesis
StudentMaria Jonafe Agulia
StudentMaria Jonafe Agulia
ProjectSenior Thesis: Design of Apple and BraunFall 2016, Senior Thesis
StudentJosh Kim
StudentJosh Kim
ProjectSenior Thesis: Show Not TellFall 2017, Senior Thesis
StudentJaesook Noh
StudentJaesook Noh
Special Project
Students: Devon Ott (Corcoran), Krista Marino (Corcoran), Aimee Alvino (Corcoran), Emma Caamano (RISD), Brianna Hawley (The New School), Amanda Bohn (Corcoran), and Abby Kim (Corcoran)
Faculties: Johan Severtson | Professor at the Corcoran School of Art and Design | GWUThomas Ockerse | Professor Emeritus at RISDElizabeth Resnick | Professor Emerita, at Massachusetts College of Art and DesignApril Greiman | Professor at USC RoskiAntonio Alcalá | Professor at MICAWarren Lehrer | Professor Emeritus at Purchase College, SUNYAlice Twemlow | Professor at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK), NetherlandsMartin Mendelsberg | Professor at Rocky Mountain College of Art and DesignMartin Venezky | Professor at California College of the ArtsLouise Sandhaus | Professor at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)Nancy Skolos + Tom Wedell | Professors at RISDand Myself (Hyung Park) | Professor at the Corcoran School of Art and Design | GWU + GMU
In 2021 summer, seven students showed exceptional enthusiasm and a keen desire to learn more. To enrich their learning experience beyond school, I engaged additional mentors for critiques and interviews by reaching out to eleven prominent professors in the US and the Netherlands for this special project.
Students: Devon Ott (Corcoran), Krista Marino (Corcoran), Aimee Alvino (Corcoran), Emma Caamano (RISD), Brianna Hawley (The New School), Amanda Bohn (Corcoran), and Abby Kim (Corcoran)
Faculties: Johan Severtson | Professor at the Corcoran School of Art and Design | GWUThomas Ockerse | Professor Emeritus at RISDElizabeth Resnick | Professor Emerita, at Massachusetts College of Art and DesignApril Greiman | Professor at USC RoskiAntonio Alcalá | Professor at MICAWarren Lehrer | Professor Emeritus at Purchase College, SUNYAlice Twemlow | Professor at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK), NetherlandsMartin Mendelsberg | Professor at Rocky Mountain College of Art and DesignMartin Venezky | Professor at California College of the ArtsLouise Sandhaus | Professor at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)Nancy Skolos + Tom Wedell | Professors at RISDand Myself (Hyung Park) | Professor at the Corcoran School of Art and Design | GWU + GMU
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