This blog post introduces methods for naturally weaving your emotional background into a designer’s resume and effective ways to express it.
My Upbringing
As a child, I was a die-hard enthusiast for anything aviation-related. My uncle, who worked as a captain for an airline, had a huge influence. Thanks to him, I collected not just airplane models, but even the smallest items like in-flight gifts or disposable tubes. Even while on the ground, I felt a nostalgic sense of vicarious satisfaction, as if I were inside an airplane.
My parents recalled how, even as a baby, I particularly loved airplane picture books and preferred airplane toys that could be waved around in the air over cars that rolled on the ground. They were always impressed by how I showed such distinct preferences at such a young age. Though I was often encouraged with, “Why not become a pilot like your uncle?”, my artistic talent was so pronounced that I immersed myself daily in sketching airplanes in my sketchbook. The paths I once dreamed of—flight attendant or pilot—gradually drifted away from my interests. Though I ultimately had to abandon that path, I found solace by filling sketchbooks with the mindset of “just drawing what I love to my heart’s content,” leaving my regrets behind.
Even while preparing for art college entrance exams, I never missed a day of doodling aviation-related sketches. I was captivated by drawing various elements—aircraft exteriors, airline uniforms and logos, airport interiors—and those moments were my purest state of immersion. I would send my heart soaring on those sturdy wings, lost in my own daydreams. How wonderful it would be if my drawings could one day find a place that catches the eye of those preparing for their journeys. Even if I couldn’t pilot a plane or greet passengers myself, I earnestly hoped my creations could join that journey and linger in someone’s memory.
Even now, every time I board a plane, the vivid memories and imaginings of my childhood come alive. And I realize that all that time was a precious page of growth that shaped my own unique colors and made me who I am today. My yearning for the sky still lies at the foundation of my work, and I continue this journey with gratitude as that dream gradually takes shape.
Memories of School Days, and My Own Weapon
Choosing an art-focused path meant I met many friends during my school years who were somewhat unique and deeply immersed in their own worlds. Though I was no less intense myself—fascinated by airplanes and airports since childhood, filling pages of sketchbooks daily—my peers’ unique personalities and deep immersion made my own interests feel almost ordinary. Surrounded by friends with such distinct tastes and worlds, I naturally learned to observe and express the world in my own way.
Adults often said, “You shouldn’t just pick and choose what you like.” Nodding in agreement, there was a time when I tried hard to make myself ‘a bit more ordinary.’ But the friends I met around that time opened my eyes to a completely different perspective. They showed me firsthand that sometimes, immersing yourself wholeheartedly in one thing you love can be the shortcut to gaining a unique weapon.
Many people possess balanced abilities across all fields. Yet, such ‘average performers’ often find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. Conversely, those who dig deep into one well and build solid expertise are frequently recognized as unique individuals. I discovered this possibility through my friends, and it became a significant source of hope for me.
Of course, this doesn’t mean I ignored foundational skills or basics. Without a solid foundation, even the most passionate person can easily falter. However, I realized that being more honest with what you love and willingly responding to that feeling is ultimately an essential attitude for forging your own path. The time spent with friends who had clear goals was incredibly meaningful to me, and within that, I could truly immerse myself with joy.
I also recall the thrill of realizing that drawings I’d once made purely because I liked them, simply drawn because my heart was drawn to them, could now be recognized for their value through the evaluations of authoritative figures. Rather than feeling compelled by rational reasons like “I have to study” or “I have to get into a good university,” it felt more like selecting a weapon that fit my hand perfectly and stepping into the battle of college entrance exams. So, during that time, I was able to walk my path with a fairly joyful heart.
Looking back now, all those experiences accumulated to shape who I am today. It was a time of quietly honing the solid weapons within me, one by one. It was possible because of those moments of sincere immersion in what I loved, and the friends who shared that passion and moved forward together. That’s why my school days aren’t just ‘time in the past’ for me; they remain deeply etched in my memory as ‘the time that made me who I am.’
On the Strengths and Weaknesses of My Personality
I am someone who, when immersed in something I genuinely enjoy and love, displays a passion hotter than anyone else’s. I believe that only when driven by motivation that springs from within myself, rather than mere obligation or external expectations, can I truly unleash my full energy. I believe ‘inspiration’ isn’t merely a flash of ideas, but a result only possible when something genuinely draws the soul. No matter how socially encouraged or attention-grabbing a path may be, if I cannot convince myself of its worth, I cannot find meaning in it. Therefore, I always listen to my inner voice, choosing to move steadily forward in my own way, even if it means progressing a little slower.
Of course, not everyone can live this kind of life. Some suffer because their interests and talents don’t align, and many must choose paths contrary to their wishes due to circumstances. But I’ve been fortunate to have a natural harmony between my interests and abilities, and I live with constant gratitude for that. I haven’t taken these conditions for granted. I’ve constantly strived to maximize the potential within me. In fact, I often see many people who possess sufficient ability yet live compromising with reality because their environment doesn’t support them or they lack opportunities to enter fields they find interesting. This makes me even more grateful for the conditions I have and drives me to shape my own path with a corresponding sense of responsibility.
Some have advised me, “You can’t live doing only what you want.” Perhaps my life might seem overly ‘interest-driven’. But I cannot easily agree with that statement. It’s not that I stubbornly insist on doing only what I like; rather, I spare no effort to transform what I ‘must do’ into something I can ‘learn to enjoy’. This attitude of seeking out what my heart and soul are drawn to, no matter the situation, is my greatest source of motivation. Thanks to it, I’ve been able to pass through many moments without regret.
Of course, this tendency sometimes clashes with reality. But when facing important life decisions, I always want to base my choices on the sincerity of my heart. That is what makes me who I am, and it is the force that keeps me from losing my way in life. Moving forward, I wish to continue walking my own path steadily, balancing reality and ideals based on my own passion and conviction. I hope to trust my own voice more than others’ opinions and use it as a foundation to design a better life.
Values
“Prove myself solely through skill and convince people.”
When I chose the path of art in my youth, my parents were relatively understanding. Having watched me grow for so long, they believed in the sincerity of my choice. However, the reactions from older relatives were somewhat different. Those who had placed their hopes in me expressed concern for my future, saying things like, “Does painting put food on the table?” or “Wouldn’t it be better to just study?”
Their perspective seemed rooted in the notion that ‘living a life similar to others’ equated to stability and happiness. The path of art appeared too uncertain, making them feel even more anxious. But rather than directly countering their concerns, I resolved to quietly prove my choice through my own skill. I believed showing tangible results was the most certain answer, rather than persuading them with words or logic.
So I silently built my skills. Constantly reflecting on my level and relentlessly honing my craft, I proved my conviction and talent for this path through achievements. And now, as time has passed, I am steadily accumulating achievements on my own path. Even the relatives who once worried about me now send warm support and encouragement.
Most meaningfully, the advice they once offered cautiously has now become a precious compass guiding me. At important crossroads in life, I still listen to their words, and thanks to this, my relationship with my family has become much more harmonious and deep.
For me, ‘values’ are not something you shout about, but something you prove through action. I learned through experience that when you believe in yourself and move forward silently, that sincerity eventually reaches people, and sincerity ultimately moves hearts.
Motivation for Application and Aspirations After Joining
As a child, I nurtured dreams of art while never losing my fascination with the aviation industry. Whenever I had free time, I would draw planes, imagining their shapes. This inclination gradually crystallized into a concrete career path, evolving into my clear goal today: to contribute to the aviation industry through design work.
Your company, in particular, holds special significance as the airline where my uncle worked, making it a naturally familiar presence since my childhood. Your diverse products and distinctive services provided me with opportunities to further solidify my dreams in aviation. Above all, your brand logo and design elements left a powerful impression in my memory, always residing in my subconscious. This influence persisted until I began seriously considering my career path, ultimately playing a significant role in shaping my decision. The desire to work for your company, which holds such cherished childhood memories and was central to those recollections, became a natural progression and, for me, a calling.
Should I be granted the opportunity to work at your company, I will ensure that the gratitude for this long-cherished dream coming true is not merely an emotion, but something I prove through my professional capabilities. I will approach every task with diligence, avoiding complacency or arrogance about my abilities. I will swiftly adapt to your company’s culture and work style, striving to become a harmonious contributor. I believe that designing for a company involves more than just creating creative outputs; it means faithfully embodying the company’s philosophy and atmosphere within those creations. I fully understand that even the smallest design must embody the unique color and texture of that company, and I am prepared to approach this with the responsibility and seriousness befitting a designer.
I will do my utmost to become a member of your company, realizing the joy of turning past dreams into reality while contributing designs that elevate your corporate image and value. I sincerely hope that the image of an airplane I drew in my heart as a child can now translate into actual work.
