Jackkrit Ananthul
Please introduce yourself.
Currently I work as an independent artist, designer, brand consultant and special lecturer. My diverse interests have allowed me to work across various dimensions, including typography, graphic design and illustration. My deep passion for music has also been a crucial part of shaping my creative concepts throughout my career.
What inspired you to pursue a career in graphic design and how did your passion for typography and design develop over time?
My inspiration started in childhood when I saw beautiful illustrations in my mother's magazines. As I entered my teenage years, my interest expanded to 90s music album covers, which led me to deeply explore the design principles behind them. At that time, I wasn't even aware of the term 'Communication Design'.
After graduating with a degree in Communication Design, I began my professional journey designing CD covers for various music labels. After just one year, I transitioned to being a freelancer and had the opportunity to design concert visuals for leading Thai artists, including work for MTV Thailand. This kept me deeply involved in the music industry.
A significant turning point came when YouWorkForThem, a US-based company, contacted me for collaboration. During that period, I worked on diverse projects, including type design which ignited a new passion. Since then, I've enjoyed experimenting and creating typefaces. I've now been an independent designer for about 10 years.
What kind of design project gets you the most excited and what makes it your favorite to work on?
Fundamentally, every project excites and invigorates me because I genuinely enjoy experimenting with new things. However, if I had to pick a particularly exciting project, it would definitely be the design of the first Adidas Original Brand Centre store in Thailand.
This project was a challenge that pushed me to transcend the boundaries of graphic design into installation art and interior decoration. I got to experiment extensively and integrate my designs with various traditional Thai art forms. The results were highly satisfying, so much so that Adidas later commissioned us to design another branch. And even with such diverse work, I always continue my experimental type design alongside it.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self just starting out in the creative and design world, what would it be?
If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self: "If you only think about doing something and don't start, it will remain just a thought; nothing will happen unless you take action."
I believe every person has a unique interest or special passion. When you dare to explore and act on that passion, you'll discover something truly special and unique to yourself. Even if you don't fully understand it at first, this will be the driving force that keeps you engaged throughout your life, and ultimately, great opportunities will find their way to you."
What does Thailand today mean to you?
For me, Thailand today is a hub of new designers with immense potential. I see that we possess a wealth of unique cultural heritage and wisdom, which serves as an invaluable treasure that can be applied to creative work endlessly. It allows us to create many interesting and exciting pieces.
Thank you Jackkrit!