Ashley Cho
Artist Statement
My involvement in art began when I was about 6 years old - I was always drawing or coloring, and I always looked forward to art class. Practicing art became a form of meditation for me, especially when words failed to express how I felt or what I was thinking. It became my voice when I couldn’t find the right words no matter what. Beyond self-expression, my fascination with the fine arts shaped my creative perspective. I have a deep love and appreciation for various art forms whether it’s watching a live performance, a cinematic film, reading novels/short stories, or simply observing colors come together. I’ve always been drawn to the details, and my keen observation skills naturally guided me toward art and design. My transition into communication design felt like an organic evolution. Looking back, I remember designing T-shirts for clubs, creating stickers and button pins, and enjoying the process of turning ideas into something tangible. As I pursued my undergraduate studies in graphic design, I discovered my passion for branding to help businesses define their identity and visually translate their values into something uniquely engaging and memorable.
What’s most important to me about my work is its ability to be visually impactful, whether through aesthetics or by evoking a memory or a cathartic experience in the viewer. I love hearing people’s interpretations of my work because their perspectives reveal something about my design that I may not have realized during the process. This exchange fosters a sense of community, which is one of my favorite aspects of design - art is vulnerable and sincere, and that authenticity is something I deeply value. Success to me, is when my work creates a connection, prompting someone to engage or reflect. In the future, I hope my designs continue to be a way for me to express my opinions and ideas to serve as my voice in spaces where words alone may not suffice.
My creative process is intuitive which has been honed by my years as a graphic design undergraduate. I often start by letting ideas flow freely whether good or bad then refine them through iteration. Brain mapping or word mapping help me set the tone for what I want to create. Although I enjoy collaborating with others, I like to make sessions for working independently, often in outdoor settings or coffee shops, where the ambient noise creates an environment that allows me to focus. These are times when I have the most clarity to digest and process information I want to express in my work. While I like some solitude in the early stages of ideation, I strongly value feedback. Throughout the process, I welcome critiques from both designers and non-designers, as they provide fresh perspectives that push me beyond my own biases and lead me toward stronger, more thoughtful designs.
