Hello, I’m Minjin Kang, Co-Founder and Co-Creative Director of MUE Studio. Together with Mijoo Kim, also a Co-Creative Director and founding member, we lead the studio’s creative direction. MUE Studio is a creative studio focused on 3D design, 3D motion graphics, photography, and art direction. Based in New York, we have a wide range of experience in digital spatial design and content creation. We were recently recognized by the UK-based architecture and design magazine Dezeen as one of the top 3D artists working in virtual environments, and won the Public Vote for Visualization of the Year at the Dezeen Awards 2021. Our work has led us to collaborate with leading global companies such as Adobe, Airbnb, Apple, Apple Music, Hyundai Department Store, Vogue, and Shiseido. Each project presents its own unique set of challenges, and we always strive to deliver results that exceed client expectations by seeking innovative solutions every step of the way.

What has been your most memorable accomplishment or experience?

One of the most memorable and meaningful accomplishments for us at MUE Studio has been the opportunity to collaborate with companies around the world. It’s truly special to see our unique visual style and aesthetic being embraced and utilized by such a wide range of clients. Among these, our project with Airbnb stands out as a particularly impactful experience. Airbnb had a clear brand identity and vision, and they shared that with us to align on the creative direction. With well-defined guidelines and ongoing communication, we were able to visualize and realize their vision effectively. Throughout the process, we grew a lot as designers and were proud to deliver a final product that met high standards of quality.

Another meaningful and current experience is our ongoing project that incorporates 3D design and generative AI technology. “UZU” is a virtual human created using AI, designed in combination with our studio’s aesthetic language, and is now being featured in various advertising campaigns. Through this project, we’re exploring how AI can be integrated into the design field and examining its potential to reshape the industry. We're also looking into expanding into UI/UX design and branding. The convergence of AI and design is opening up new creative opportunities, and for our studio, it’s an exciting and inspiring challenge.

What does "design" mean to you, and in which direction is your work heading?

At MUE Studio, our design philosophy centers on merging reality with imagination to create spaces that don’t exist in real life, but feel as though they could. Through 3D design imagery and motion, we aim to craft surreal experiences that blur the line between the real and the imagined. Our goal is to use spatially transcendent 3D visuals and motion graphics to provide viewers with new visual experiences—ones that inspire imagination and evoke emotion. In the realm of 2D design, especially UI/UX, we take a more grounded and realistic approach. While aesthetics are important, we place the highest priority on user experience and functionality. Our goal is to make interfaces that are intuitive and easy to use. This balance—between visual beauty and technical functionality—is at the core of our design direction. At MUE Studio, we continuously explore trends and emerging technologies to create design that is not only visually compelling but also centered around the user.

Interest in Korean culture and design is growing globally. What advice would you give to Korean designers looking to go global?

We now live in a time when you don’t need to be physically present in another country to connect with global clients. With a well-managed online portfolio and active use of social media, any designer can reach a global audience. Korean designers already have strong design skills and creativity. What’s most important is thoughtful self-presentation and proactive engagement. Utilizing platforms like Behance or Dribbble to showcase your work and consistently building a professional network are key steps to expanding globally. Promote your work boldly—create opportunities by making yourself visible to the world.

In a design market that’s constantly evolving, what is your main area of focus?

The design market is evolving at an incredibly fast pace. At MUE Studio, we focus on innovation, adaptability, and continuous self-development. In particular, we view the advancement of AI technology as a tool to expand designers’ creativity, and we’re constantly exploring how to integrate it effectively into our work. While the rise of AI has brought some concerns, we see it not as a threat, but as an opportunity—another tool that allows us to bring our emotions and imagination to life more quickly and effectively. Rather than diminishing the role of the designer, we believe it makes our individual taste and ideas even more critical.

In the future, a designer’s unique perspective and curatorial abilities will be increasingly important. Designers will need to expand beyond aesthetics to take on roles as planners, marketers, and brand strategists. In response to this shift, MUE Studio is committed to embracing new technologies while maintaining our own distinctive style, continually developing our capabilities as designers.

Do you have a personal design philosophy or belief as a designer? And what is your vision for the future?

We want to create designs that offer people new experiences and move them emotionally. One of the most memorable comments we’ve received is that our work feels like “Visual ASMR.” That kind of feedback—that our designs can provide comfort and emotional relief—has been a major source of motivation for us. Starting this year, MUE Studio has been actively planning and engaging in a broader range of collaborations. We're focused on using various media and technologies, especially expanding into the realm of AI, to create compelling and experiential designs.

By embracing the latest technologies like AI in response to the times, we aim to push the boundaries of visual design and craft work that is centered on aesthetics. As designers, we believe it's our mission to provide people with new experiences and emotional resonance through our work. Our future vision is to expand our influence in the global market by creating innovative and captivating designs that utilize diverse media. We believe design can bring new value to the world and, in a broader sense, contribute to society by bringing positive change and inspiration to people’s lives.