Korean Designers Around the World – An Exclusive Interview with GM Automotive Designer, Jes Ahn! (Part 2)

Korean Designers Around the World – An Exclusive Interview with GM Automotive Designer, Jes Ahn! (Part 2)

[지(JI)] We’re back with part two! Hope you enjoyed the part one [Korean Designers Around the World – An Exclusive Interview with GM Automotive Designer, Jes Ahn! (Part 1)]. Like we mentioned before, the Korean auto industry is turning things up with Hyundai and Kia sales shooting through the roof. But Korea has more to show than the already loved models of the two big names in the game. The demand for Korean auto parts are continuing to exponentially grow and talented auto designers are being scouted to many other auto manufacturing companies outside of Korea. With this said, let’s continue our time with GM Creative Exterior Designer, Jes Ahn. Today we’ll wrap up our exclusive two part interview with more insight from Jes as he continues to share about all things auto and design.

Jes enjoying some light reading on a train ride

What does Jes have to say?

Q: What do you think is the most charming aspect about cars?

I see the car as an example of “moving sculpture”. The essence of a car is to move, so I see the style aspect of a car as emphasizing the beauty and purpose of movement. A really good, sexy car is the result of integration between technology and aesthetics. I think the most charming aspect of a car is how it balances style and performance. Performance isn’t just about where the power comes from, but also how the car creates harmony between the occupants and itself.

Q: Do you have a favorite Hyundai or Kia design? If so, which one and why?

Kia Sportage R exterior design is my favorite one. I want to give it an A+ on that design. With a great overall stance and Kia’s fresh new front look, its neat and well integrated rear end design is a winning combination. The overall exterior look is refined and gives a solid look that goes well with that cross-over design. That kind of design makes the customer want one in two seconds, as soon as they see it. I think that the Sportage R design “language” can satisfy both European and American cravings at the same time. As a Korean, I am really proud of Hyundai and Kia designs. Even though they both have a short automotive history, these brands have quickly dominated the market with good design and quality. I have no doubt that their current successful status originated from the Korean national character.

Q: What was your inspiration for the Aveo Sonic? Could you share a little bit of the process of designing the Aveo Sonic?

Former GM Global Small Car Designers – Ondrej Koromhaz, Max Wolff and Jes Ahn

Our team leader, John Mack, and the rest of the awesome design team for the Sonic , started out by having brainstorming sessions, asking ourselves what a small car should communicate to the consumer. What is it about a small car compared to other automobiles, that is different or an attractive feature? Since so many designers drove motorcycles, they spoke about the fun they had driving them and this concept inspired our design for the Sonic. In order to catch the attention of younger customers, we used motorcycle-inspired features, like exposed headlights, compact yet dynamic body lines, and a harmonious instrument cluster to create a sense of fun in the Sonic. Our team and the GM Design leadership believed that this design would attract young consumers to the Sonic.

The AVEO Sonic in a vibrant orange

Q: What kind of car would you like to design in the future?

In the short term, I want to be involved in electric vehicle design, with an “out of box” design idea, something really radical. Someday if possible, I would like to have an opportunity to design watercraft, like a yacht or a boat. I am also interested in designing something really big, like a huge architectural structure or an environmental design. A long term goal is to set up my own design consultancy when I have a good design knowledge-base and a well-defined design philosophy.

Q: Could you give a few words of encouragement to aspiring car designers all over the world? What should young car designers focus on?

The car design process is a long term love affair with design, with many hoops to jump through, so it takes a lot of patience for someone to become a good car designer. Academically, I think it is important to build a strong artistic base and be well rounded. Car designers put their energy and creativity into the design process, with hundreds and hundreds of sketches needed to develop and refine a concept. I would like to recommend to potential students who want to be car designers to not take a direct approach; don’t look at cars all the time and obsess about current designs and the current state of the industry. Think indirectly, and think outside the box ; what themes can you dream of that can be incorporated into the car of the future.

This concludes our interview with Jes! Hope you all enjoyed meeting him and hearing his thoughts about the auto industry and what it is to be an automotive designer. From honing his dreams to his skills, it’s been great for Team AT&D Korea to have been able to share this time with him. I’m sure every auto fanatic is waiting to see what kinds of designs and concepts will come out next from not only Jes, but all the car manufacturers that were mentioned here today.

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