SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO (SAIC)
Jack (Quyen) Hoac is a graphic designer and interdisciplinary artist based in Chicago with a bachelor of fine arts from School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). He is currently in a love triangle with brand identity and digital illustration. His work explores the bridge between graphic design and fine arts. He loves putting himself in the shoes of a painter when it comes to experimenting with type and pushing the limits of typography. When Jack is not designing, he’s probably at a local thrift store, planning his outfits for the following week.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
Strangely, I feel most inspired by chaos and unexpected situations, as they challenge me to adapt and take on new uncomfortable perspectives. If plans can provide comfort, navigating through uncertainty can spark unique ideas and help produce innovative work.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
I was not a fan of teamwork myself, but the inherently collaborative environment at design/art school taught me to appreciate the value of having diverse perspectives in the creative process. Working with friends from many different backgrounds, I learned that the synergy of different voices and skills creates so much more impactful and better design solutions.
WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/ WATCHING?
Recently, I often put on a random episode from Underscore, a design podcast by The Chicago Graphic Design Club, on my morning commute. As a design student in Chicago, I’m super interested in learning more about the community of creatives in the city (and infiltrating myself into one). There’s something very charming about the way designers always look out for one another and never gatekeep in Chicago, and this podcast always strives to cultivate that.
