Sangmin Shim

Sangmin Shim currently is an active Creative director, professional graphic designer and illustrator based in New York. Prior to his graduation at Konkuk University, Shim began his career in Visual Communication Design and started as a professional freelance graphic designer in Korea.

As he progressed, professional experiences in Korea has lead him to pursue more advanced graphics at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in the United States. He successfully completed the 5 year program Bachelor of Graphic Design (BGD) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). After graduating from RISD, he immediately started as a graphic designer at famous design studios and worked as a full time freelance graphic designer working on various projects.

Based on his personal experience, Sangmin Shim has established his own design studio named 5m5 in NY as of 2012, and the studio has been changed to fivemfive. fivemfive studio work is based on art, architecture, and culture through a variety of media, such as branding, print, display, motion, and web site. The company has been thriving in different design fields by being awarded with numerous leading international awards. Amongst these, they may include awards such as German Design Award, IF design awards, reddot design awards, Golden Bee: Moscow International Biennale of Graphic Design, TDC Typographic Excellence, Graphis, AIGA DC, American Illustration.

Major achievements over the course of his career have not leaded him to neglect his personal work. As a reflection upon his previous work such as "High Myopia" project and individual exhibition held in Rhode Island, he still continues to be interested in a "meaningful area for minority" and a "shared area for the majority". As a result, he continues to pursue the best solution by resolving the various issues thoroughly.

As one of his design philosophy, he strongly believes that his role is to overcome the circumstances and bring out the best design solution with the given material. His design is always ready for those who are always curious and passionate.