Meet YJ (Yeon Jae) Yoon | Industrial Designer at Rivian

We had the good fortune of connecting with YJ (Yeon Jae) Yoon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi YJ (Yeon Jae), where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Seoul, Korea, where my mother’s passion for music deeply influenced my upbringing. She was a professional cellist, and her way of communicating with the world through the language of music inspired me to find my own artistic expression. Instead of following in her footsteps as a musician, I discovered my talent for sketching, painting, and drawing to visually convey my emotions and ideas.

My artistic inclinations led me to attend Yewon Arts Middle School, where I made the early decision to pursue a future in art and design. To further develop my skills, I attended Seoul Arts High School, an esteemed institution catering to talented young artists. However, I knew I wanted to expand my horizons beyond Korea and explore art and design internationally.

Pursuing this goal, I took a leap of faith and moved to the United States to study at Idyllwild Arts Academy in California. My first year was challenging as I had to navigate a new language, English, but the curriculum’s focus on creativity and artistic abilities helped me adapt and thrive.

As my senior year approached, I pondered my future career path. A serendipitous visit to BestBuy with friends revealed my true passion – consumer electronics. The idea of creating innovative designs that could improve people’s lives and be accessible to a broad audience ignited my imagination.

With newfound clarity, I applied to ArtCenter College of Design, majoring in industrial/product design. During my time at ArtCenter, I had the privilege of interning at Popsockets and Logitech G, which provided invaluable real-world experience.

After graduating with a B.S. in industrial design, I was offered a position as an industrial designer at Rivian, a fast-growing EV startup company, where I have been working for over two years. I strive to infuse my artistic intent into user-friendly and human-centered designs, and I am excited to see the projects I’ve worked on positively impacting users’ lives.

In summary, my upbringing in a musically inclined family inspired my journey into the world of art and design. From sketching in my notebook to designing consumer electronics, my background has shaped me into a creative and innovative industrial designer, driven by the desire to make a difference in people’s lives through thoughtful and impactful design solutions.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 2019, as I approached my final year at ArtCenter, I was filled with excitement about graduating and entering the professional design world. My internships have been invaluable experiences, allowing me to work as a designer with cross-functional teams and giving me confidence in my skills. However, fate had a different plan as the world was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, drastically altering the job market. Finding a design position, especially as an entry-level candidate, became an immense challenge as most companies were not actively hiring.

Despite the obstacles, I refused to lose hope and continued to pursue job opportunities during the pandemic. Unfortunately, for five months, my efforts yielded no success. With only a month left before my Visa expired, the pressure mounted. However, my determination led me to Rivian, a rapidly growing electric vehicle company, which had an opening for a junior-level designer.

With a mix of anticipation and self-doubt, I went through the interview process, aware of the competitive nature of the job market. To my surprise and relief, I received an email from the recruiter at Rivian stating that I had received exceptional feedback from the team and they wanted to proceed with the hiring process.

The subsequent rounds of interviews were nerve-wracking, as the stakes were high. Succeeding meant continuing my career journey, while failure would have meant returning to Korea and reevaluating my career goals. Thankfully, I was deemed a good fit for the team at Rivian, and I have been working there for over two years now.

Rivian’s approach to design sets it apart from other vehicle companies, focusing on conveying unique value to customers through an adventurous lifestyle. Working with the team, I have had the opportunity to contribute my talent to exciting projects that push the boundaries of the industry. Each project at Rivian is meaningful, as the products I design are innovative and groundbreaking in the world of electric vehicles. For instance, designing the home EV charger, which offers an unparalleled charging experience, has been a rewarding endeavor that enhances the overall ride experience.

Reflecting on my time at Rivian, I am filled with gratitude for the professional growth I have experienced. The company’s commitment to pioneering new ideas and concepts has allowed me to expand my skills and horizons. Moreover, I am thankful that I held onto hope during the challenging job hunt in the midst of the pandemic.

So, my journey to Rivian was filled with unexpected twists and turns. Overcoming the difficulties posed by the pandemic taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance. Working with the innovative team at Rivian has been a fulfilling experience, and I eagerly look forward to contributing more to the future of the electric vehicle industry.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
During my internship, I had the incredible opportunity to live in San Francisco for a year, and the city’s vibrant atmosphere left a lasting impression on me. The moment I arrived from Pasadena, California, I was captivated by SF’s unique city vibe, which exuded a perfect blend of history, culture, and gourmet delights.

One of the aspects I loved most about San Francisco was its diverse and delectable food scene. From high-end restaurants to hidden gems, the city seemed to offer an endless array of culinary delights. I relished the experience of exploring various eateries, and it was rare to have a disappointing meal as the standard of food was consistently exceptional.

Wandering through the streets of San Francisco was an adventure in itself. The city’s narrow streets and bustling crowds created an electric energy that was both exciting and invigorating. Even the windy weather, which could be a bit challenging at times, became part of the city’s charm and provided me with unforgettable memories.

San Francisco’s cultural richness was evident in its historical landmarks and great museums, which were easily accessible and filled with awe-inspiring exhibitions from talented artists. The city served as a constant source of inspiration, fueling my creativity and artistic endeavors.

Whenever I needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, I could retreat to the tranquil and beautiful beaches in the north. The contrast between the lively urban environment and the peaceful coastal scenery offered a perfect balance that rejuvenated my spirit.

San Francisco’s excellent public transportation system was a huge convenience, making it easy to explore different neighborhoods and hop on a quick ride to various bars for a fun night out with friends. The city’s accessibility added to its charm and made every adventure within reach.

My time in San Francisco was an enriching and unforgettable experience. The city’s vibrant culture, mouthwatering food, and artistic inspirations were a constant source of delight. From exploring historical landmarks to enjoying serene beach moments, SF offered a dynamic and fulfilling urban experience that has left a lasting imprint on my heart.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
From the moment I was born, my older brother, WJ Yoon, has been an invaluable guide in my life. I looked up to him and sought to emulate everything he did, from his choices in food and clothing to his life experiences. His path was like a preview of my own life, as everything he went through, I would encounter two years later. With his foresight and genuine advice, he became not just a sibling but a life teacher, adviser, and best friend.

As I pursued my education at ArtCenter, I faced the exciting yet challenging task of seeking an industrial design internship. Determined to showcase my best work, I diligently worked on my portfolio, hoping it would reflect my identity and artistic expression. However, I felt that something was missing, and my brother came to my rescue once again.

WJ Yoon reviewed my portfolio and quickly recognized that the pieces didn’t truly represent who I was as a designer. He offered valuable insight, urging me to design something I was genuinely passionate about, a product that I would personally want to own. He encouraged me to identify current problems I could solve with my design and pushed me to explore the boundaries of aesthetics that truly resonated with my preferences.

Inspired by his advice, I embarked on a project called “Flex,” where I reimagined the classic 1989 GameBoy with a modern and user-friendly twist. This endeavor allowed me to infuse my identity and artistic expression into the design, resulting in a standout portfolio piece.

The impact of “Flex” went far beyond my expectations. It not only helped me secure coveted internships at Popsockets and Logitech G but also earned recognition, winning the prestigious Gold Award from the IDA design award. The revised version of “Flex” even caught the attention of Rivian during my interview, playing a significant role in securing the offer to work for this exciting company.

I owe a debt of gratitude to my brother, whose guidance and unwavering support have shaped my path in the world of art and design. His two-year head start has provided me with valuable insights and learnings that have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

To my incredible life teacher, adviser, and best friend, WJ Yoon, I want to shout out my heartfelt appreciation for being the guiding light in my journey and helping me become the designer I am today.

Website: https://www.yjyoon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yj_inda_haus/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yj-yoon/

Image Credits
3D rendered images created by YJ Yoon