This blog post explores how design majors can present their interior design and remodeling experience as a unique strength in their personal statement.

Personal Statement

“Memories of my school days, when I loved creative thinking”
From a young age, I’ve held a deep fascination with interior design and remodeling. Instead of simply discarding old or unworn clothes, I found immense joy in transforming them into new garments through sewing and mending. This went beyond a mere hobby; driven by a desire to improve my remodeling skills, I sought out sewing classes on my own. By high school, my active interest led me to establish a ‘Remodeling Club’ myself.
This club was a precious space where I could put my long-held interests into practice. Amidst a school life demanding most of my time for studies, the experience of creating and sharing things with friends who shared the same passion felt especially meaningful to me. In the reform club, we mainly redesigned clothes and shoes, and we also made household items that could be used for interior decor.
One particularly memorable activity was selling our reformed products externally. We even held an ‘Ana Bada Movement’ within the club to collect items before reforming them, and during the school festival, we ran a booth selling our handmade lifestyle products. Beyond simple sales, observing people’s reactions and devising appropriate sales strategies allowed us to cultivate both creative thinking and practical sensibilities.
Through these experiences, I was naturally drawn to the field of ‘design’. Hearing feedback that I had talent for design from those around me solidified my confidence in my career path. Ultimately, I enrolled in a design-related major to further develop my unique sensibilities and ideas. Even now, fueled by that passion, I continue to challenge myself with new endeavors.

Special Note

“During college, I gained opportunities to launch design projects.”
After entering the Interior Design Department, I not only dedicated myself to my major studies but also actively participated in various external activities to build practical skills. I consistently honed my abilities by entering design competitions and challenged myself in diverse settings, including not only reputable contests but also open auditions hosted by broadcasting stations. While some peers were hesitant to seek external evaluation due to pride in their work, I believed that showcasing my creations to more people and receiving objective feedback was the foundation for growth. The experience of challenging myself with an open mindset, unafraid of evaluation, made me stronger.
Unexpectedly, this process led to achievements like advancing past preliminaries to finals or excelling at design fairs. The most meaningful moment was receiving high praise for my sofa remodel project in the product design category. This piece featured a sofa reimagined from recycled clothing and fabric, characterized by a curved design allowing multiple people to use it simultaneously. Instead of traditional solid wood, it utilized a steel frame to enhance durability while maintaining aesthetic balance. This experimental approach received positive feedback. During the design fair, the piece caught the eye of a designer, leading to its official launch. This marked my first experience having my work sold to the public. That moment remains a special memory, representing my first step as a designer.

Overcoming Frustration and Presentation Anxiety

“To explain my work, I had to conquer my fear of public speaking.”
My frequent participation in design competitions wasn’t solely about building an award portfolio. I sought opportunities to receive feedback on my work and, above all, I had a strong desire to push beyond my own limits. I was someone who tended to be rather introverted when designing products, often holing up in my room for days on end, conceptualizing ideas. I focused solely on my own thoughts, immersing myself in creating what I considered a ‘good piece,’ rather than interacting with others. However, the more I retreated into this solitary world, the fewer opportunities I had to share opinions with others. Naturally, I found it increasingly difficult to confidently articulate my thoughts outwardly.
For a designer, presentation anxiety isn’t just a personal flaw; it can be a career-threatening weakness. Design isn’t merely about planning and production. It demands the ability to effectively communicate and persuade others about your ideas. Back then, I was sorely lacking in this area. In fact, at several competitions, I lost points in presentations because I couldn’t properly explain my work. This became especially evident when a sofa design I submitted as a personal project caught the eye of an external designer, leading to a commercialization opportunity. This culminated in a presentation in English before company executives. Facing an unfamiliar language and an unfamiliar situation doubled my nerves, and I ended up making the mistake of getting tongue-tied mid-presentation.
As these frustrating experiences piled up, I realized I could no longer just avoid the issue. I finally resolved to find a way to overcome this problem. I enrolled in a speech academy and began classes, starting with a diagnosis of the root cause of my presentation anxiety. The assessment revealed that I tended to flood my mind with excessive thoughts and worries all at once before speaking. So, I decided to first clear my mind of unnecessary thoughts and focus solely on the message I wanted to convey and its structure. My sole goal was ‘to effectively persuade the audience with my ideas.’ By keeping this objective central while preparing my presentations, my confidence gradually returned.
As a result, by the time I was about to graduate from university, I received positive feedback in various presentation settings, such as being told I “led the presentation efficiently.” What initially felt like a flaw and an obstacle—my fear of public speaking—actually became an opportunity for growth. Recognizing my shortcomings through that experience and steadily working to improve allowed me to develop further. Now, rather than fearing the act of presenting, I see it as a valuable chance to better convey the work I’ve created to others.
Moments of frustration come to everyone, but change only begins when you face them head-on instead of avoiding them. And at the end of that change, a version of myself, one step further than before, was waiting.

Reason for Applying

“Designing furniture that complements interior spaces”
I possess particular strength in ‘furniture design’ within the field of interior design. Even during university projects, I primarily focused on designing furniture for everyday use, especially pieces that blend naturally with interior spaces. I explored form and function using various furniture types like chairs, sofas, desks, and beds, consistently pursuing experimental approaches. I didn’t stop at sketches or designs; I systematically organized these into a portfolio.
This portfolio includes not only award-winning pieces from external competitions but also drawings and design explanations for furniture I personally designed with great care. I believe this portfolio is the best way to showcase myself. Reviewing the portfolio attached with my resume will allow you to immediately see the concepts behind my furniture designs and the intentions behind their completion.
My areas of particular strength are sofas, chairs, and beds. Among these, my sofa designs have practical achievements, including selling product rights to ○○ Design Company. Most of my furniture designs emphasize the harmony between lines and planes. Rather than focusing on three-dimensional structures, I highlight the balance and structural beauty created by lines and planes, concentrating on the furniture’s framework and strength. Viewed from the front, the pieces convey a flat, planar feel, while from the side, the frame is intentionally exposed except for areas housing the mattress or cushions. This design approach stems from an intention to highlight the inherent functionality of the furniture, going beyond mere aesthetic elements.
I wanted to bring this new concept of furniture design, which skillfully utilizes lines, planes, and curves, to life in the real world. I applied to Emons Furniture because I believe it is the place where I can translate my accumulated experience and design philosophy into actual products, and the space where I can realize creative experiments.
I wish to further develop my design capabilities and sensibilities at Emons Furniture, and together create furniture that enriches interior spaces.

Ambitions After Joining

“Eco-Prestige: Resonating with Emons’ Philosophy.”
There are countless furniture companies. Recently, the global giant IKEA entered the domestic market, significantly impacting the entire Korean furniture industry. Competition in the furniture market is intensifying, and I believe we’ve entered an era where differentiation through products alone is increasingly difficult. To achieve sustainable growth in this environment, I firmly believe a company must be underpinned by a solid management philosophy and core principles. As a furniture designer striving for success, I too have gone beyond simply crafting good products to contemplate the philosophy and values embedded within them. And at this point, as I take my first steps into society, after deep reflection and multifaceted exploration about which company to begin this journey with, I found the company that best aligns with my values. That company is Emons.
Emon’s management philosophy, ‘Eco-Prestige,’ signifies the harmony between naturalism and primacy. When designing furniture that people directly touch, I particularly value the eco-friendliness of materials and their impact on the body. In this regard, I deeply resonated with Emon’s philosophy of creating healthy and safe furniture. Moreover, I sensed the true meaning of the ‘prestige’ Emons strives for in their approach that doesn’t merely stop at eco-friendly values, but also reads the trends of the times and realizes future-oriented designs. This management philosophy, which pursues the essence and value of design while also considering practicality, technology, and the lives of consumers, aligns with my own direction as a designer.
Notably, Emons is a company that boasts the top spot in the Korea Quality Satisfaction Index for home furniture, possessing quality and brand value verified by consumers. Working for such a company would be more than just a job; it would be a significant source of pride in my life. Among my peers who studied design with me, some have chosen to open their own workshops or pursue joint ventures. While their paths are equally meaningful, I aspire for more people to experience and use the furniture I create in their daily lives. My dream as a designer is for my creations to enter someone’s life, transform their space, and make their everyday moments warmer. It is precisely for this reason that I am applying to Emons’ design division.
With Emons, I am confident that I can not only cultivate my personal capabilities but also grow alongside the company’s values, delivering meaningful furniture to more people. At this point where my aspirations and Emons’ vision converge, I am ready to take my first step with a deep sense of responsibility and excitement.