Young Guns 19: Bouk Ra

By Alixandra Rutnik and Brett McKenzie on Oct 27, 2021

Featuring the creative stars of Young Guns 19

A year and a half of uncertainty across the creative industry and beyond has finally given way to a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel — a spotlight with a great big "YG19" standing in the middle of it. After more than 70 acclaimed creatives from around the world and across a multitude of disciplines reviewed hundreds of submissions, whittling them down to a formidable finalist list, we can finally reveal the phenomenal winners of Young Guns 19!

This year, we welcome a diverse class of 32 inductees into the exclusive Young Guns family, a collection of young creative talent that is already near the top of their game — and will only get better. These are the designers, the art directors, the illustrators, the filmmakers, the animators, the multidisciplinary artists whose names you'll want to know — if you aren't already following their every move, that is.

Ahead of the Young Guns 19 Ceremony + Party taking place on Wednesday, November 17 — our first in-person event since the pandemic began — we are featuring the future legends who will be stepping into the spotlight that evening.

BOUK RA
TYPE DESIGNER

Based:

Paris, France

Hometown:

Daegu, South Korea

SEE BOUK'S ENTRY

When did you first hear about Young Guns?

I didn't know anything about Young Guns until I heard from one of the Young Guns team members. Then I realized that Young Guns is from the same organization as ADC! Young Guns is an incredible and great opportunity for young designers.

Congrats on the first time win! What made you enter this year?

I never thought I would win on the first time. Nevertheless, it was my last chance in life, because of my age.

I started studing graphic design later. After graduation, I was working for some clients as a freelancer and working on typefaces. I was only focused on creating, and I didn't even think about the awards. After learning about Young Guns, I wanted to see how my typefaces would come across not only to typeface designers, but also to various professional artists and designers.

Since you are only allowed to submit six projects, how did you decide which pieces were best to enter and truly reflected you and your work?

The typeface work period is really long, and there were not many fonts I could submit to Young Guns. I entered four fonts that had already been released and two fonts that I felt were the most creative.

How did you celebrate when you found out you won Young Guns?

I was eating at home, and when I found out I started shouting. I never imagined I would win.

If you had to pick one of the six projects that you entered as your favorite, which one would it be and why?

It's Hanol typeface. I started it when I was a student and it is also the first typeface I released. Since I started as a student, I am bored of seeing this typeface because it is too old, but I am still steadily improving the font.

If you had to describe your creative style, the part of your work that’s most distinctively “you,” what would it be?

I like to be spontaneous. I improvise and sketch the work. In order to not lose the feeling of improvisation, I try to complete the work as soon as possible. It is the most dangerous when the work is completed. If I keep trimming my work, it's easy to get rid of that spontaneous feeling. In order to not lose that feeling, I always work comparing letters to my first sketches.

Who are some of the biggest influences on your work and career– people who may have had a hand in mentoring and supporting you?

I am greatly influenced by books or media I encounter, and I always try to make connections to them in my works. Romain Oudin, who is currently leading Lifttype, helped and supported me a lot. I was working on the Tartuffo font with Lifttype, who appreciated my potential, valued my improvisation, and encouraged me not to lose them.

Now that you’re in the Young Guns family, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?

Firstly, Tre Seals (VocalType) has impressive works inspired by historical events and peoples. Secondly, Leandro Assis (Lebassis) has really cool, beautiful vibes in his works!

The pandemic of 2020 is slowly starting to taper a bit, so do you have any big goals moving forward into 2022?

To completely finish the fonts that I am working on, and to find and test things that might challenge other limitations.

Name a creative dream that you have yet to fulfill — hey, maybe Young Guns can help propel you in that direction!

Working with artists, and working in various fields and medias. Producing the most complete and most me-like typeface, and entering my name into Typography design history.

Any final thoughts on winning YG19?

Of course, it's the best. I didn't know I would win the world award!

Always trust yourself, and never give up even if you have doubts and fears. Don't put limits on anything.