Features

For the 2023 SVA Alumni Scholarship Awards, the SVA Alumni Society granted scholarships totaling $63,500 to 71 students for projects as varied as animation, design products, films, photography and painting. Funding for the Alumni Scholarship Awards is provided through the SVA Alumni Society’s annual Support the Talent campaign; 100% of all donations go directly to students. As the spring semester comes to a close soon, we will continue to spotlight some of this year’s recipients and their award-winning work and achievements.

Today’s featured fourth-year student is Doah Kwon (BFA Design), a brand identity and UIUX designer based in New York, originally from South Korea. Her thesis project is a rebranding of the Noguchi Museum, a New York sculpture exhibition space founded and designed by Isamu Noguchi, one of the twentieth century’s most important and critically acclaimed sculptors.

“Receiving the scholarship [helps] me to enhance my project by creating a virtual experience in the newly branded environment, highlighting how the custom typeface and graphics merge with the museum,” she explained. “This opportunity to expand my abilities [is] invaluable for my personal and professional development and I am incredibly grateful.” Doah was recently named a Student to Watch in 2023 by Graphic Design USA magazine. 

Tell us about your project. What inspired the idea?

The concept is centered around the idea of simplicity, inspired by Isamu Noguchi's use of reduced forms and abstract shapes in his sculptures. The visual identity features custom typefaces that have been molded into abstract shapes, forming a cohesive aesthetic that reflects the modernist approach of Noguchi's work.

What most surprised you once you started working on the project?

How typography can heavily drive the brand identity with variety and expand to digital interfaces like VR and AR.

What was a highlight of living and studying in New York City?

Living and studying in New York City was the best decision I’ve made. It is incredible to explore a wide range of cultural experiences in the fast and competitive nature of the city.

What is something you learned at SVA that you'll always take with you?

Attending SVA was like entering a playground of creativity surrounded by talented individuals. I learned to push beyond my limits, always. The lessons that I have learned at SVA will continue to shape who I am and who I will become in the future.

 Was there a teacher or course that was essential for you?

I am grateful for every teacher and course that have shaped and helped me to grow as an artist and designer. Under the great guidance of Joseph Han and Pedro Mendes especially, I got to learn how to create a system and reinterpret the way that I approached design.

What was your favorite piece of advice that a teacher or student shared with you?

The advice that Joseph shared is, “[The] distinct and iconic aspect of a brand comes from the details. How much white space is considered, how much tracking and leading you give to each line of text, how much margin you give to a layout, how unified is your photography choice.”

What advice do you have for next year's students going through your program?

Always stay curious and be open-minded! The world of design is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to explore and view things from diverse perspectives.

For this year’s SVA Alumni Scholarship Awards, 71 students were chosen from a pool of hundreds of applicants and granted scholarships worth $63,500 for dozens of art and multimedia projects. To see a list of the 2023 recipients, click here. For more information about applying for an Alumni Scholarship Award, click here.

To contribute to the Support the Talent campaign, you can donate online at sva.edu/give.