GARY WONG

Graphic Designer

GARY WONG DESIGNS, EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ

Gary Wong is a graphic designer with over three decades in the industry. In 2008, Gary established a sole proprietorship, Gary Wong Designs, where he has been a trusted design partner of renowned firms such as DraftKings, Ebiquity, Edelman, Johnson & Johnson, Razorfish, Spotify and VIZIO.

Gary believes a key philosophy to having a successful design career is to always seek new things to learn, areas to explore, and fresh sources of inspiration. He keeps up to date with societal trends, shifts in consumer behavior, and emerging technologies. He looks for opportunities to collaborate with partners whose strengths complement his own.

Throughout the span of his career, Gary has won many awards from GDUSA, the Art Directors Club of NJ (ADCNJ), and the Jersey Shore Public Relations and Advertising Association (JSPRAA). He has served on the board of JSPRAA and is currently a member of ADCNJ.

Looking forward to 2023, are you optimistic about the role and impact of Graphic Design and Visual Communication in Business? Culture? Causes? Why do you feel that way? Have the events and disruptions of the past few years changed the role or trajectory of Graphic Design?

I am very optimistic. Successful businesses have realized the powerful influence of effective visual communication. Early in my career I experienced “starving artist” attitudes toward graphic design — that it was neither a well-paying nor well-respected “professional” career. Today, the general population is becoming rapidly aware of the impact of good design. This is apparent in the success of low-cost design tools like Canva. While some of my clients have taken smaller design projects in-house using these tools, most still request my services to take on more complex projects. This economy presents an ideal opportunity to work out cost-effective communication solutions with your clients. And good design is only half the equation for effective communication; your clients may need to revisit their messaging to reflect the changing needs of their own customer base. Reach out to your marketing peers. You might find opportunities utilizing your combined skillset.

Most influential graphic designer(s) or art director(s) of the past 60 years? Of today?

Past: Paul Rand for his playful yet efficient design aesthetic. Today: Paula Scher for her notable branding and identity projects at Pentagram.

Most influential graphic design firm(s), ad agencies, or in house departments of the past 60 years? Of today?

Past/Today: Pentagram

Favorite or most influential logo or branding project of the past 60 years?

The Nike swoosh symbol

Favorite or most influential design project or campaign in any medium for the past 60 years?

Apple’s “Think Different” campaign

Most influential product, service, or technology of the past 60 years?

The internet