About Social Media Today
We’ve invited some of the most exciting creative stars of our region to give us their take on #creativeasia: Ji-hwan Kim is Art Director of zeroperzero, one of the region’s coolest emerging design studios, and a proud resident of Seoul, Korea.
World Cities Clock and NYC City Railway System Map by zeroperzero
Their work is as playful as it is sophisticated, and all of it seems to play with images and systems of urban connection. A set of watercolour postcards depict leisure in Seoul with a loving eye, as does the complimentary set from Europe which opts for quirky, human moments in the city over the usual landmarks. Their best-known products, the World Cities Clock and City Railway System Maps (which they have presented at shows including 100% Design Tokyo, Seoul Design Week and most recently, the New York International Gift Fair) continue the theme of connections between people and cities, and allowing people to make their own way through urban spaces.
Their City Railway System Maps (which have won zeroperzero awards from D&AD, IF and NY ADC) are extraordinary, and deserving of the awards and accolades they’ve received: through something as simple as a railway map zeroperzero convey some of the character of the city. zeroperzero use these maps as “symbols of the variable city”, combining factual information with city icons (like Milton Glaser’s NYC logo, or Osaka’s famous love of all things octopi) to give a sense of place. zeropersero even help you establish your own city icons with their customisable portable map and colour-coded stickers.
Seoul Postcards by zeroperzero
1. Where do you live?
Our homes are in Seoul and our studio is in Seoul. I, Ji-hwan was born and raised in Seoul, and study and work in Seoul. Seoul is like the homeground to me. I can do my best in Seoul where I feel at home.
2. What makes your city creative?
Seoul has kept its place as the national capital for over 600 years. Geographically speaking, the Han river traverses the city from the East to the West, and the Nam mountain overlooks the city from its very center. Despite the development of such pace that it was dubbed “the miracle of Han river”, Seoul still hugs its history with ancient palaces keeping their places among skyscrapers, infusing the city with a mystical air of the past. This mix of nature and building, the traditional and the cutting-edge is what I think as the image representing Seoul. I believe it makes the city attractive.
3. Which city, in your opinion, is the most creative city in East Asia?
I think Tokyo is very creative. I am inspired and refreshed anew every time I visit Tokyo. Nice people, clean surroundings, and stylish fashion and architecture all become good stimulants. Also, when I go on the railway system, complex as a spider web and interlocking like gears, I can feel the real energy of Tokyo.
What makes your city creative? Answer our three simple questions to join the conversation!
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