JUNE BHONGJAN
“don’t be so hard on yourself. Travel and meet new people - see the world while you can. It will help you grow and learn valuable life lessons.”
June Bhongjan
Creative Director, LA
When people think of working in the movies, the chances are most think of being in the films or directing them. What many don’t see is the vast numbers of people who go into making them come to life and that if you have a passion for something you can likely create a role for yourself in that industry or any industry to be honest.
The thing with movies and TV series, along with the way we watch now through Netflix etc. is that the films and surrounding content is scaled so quickly, that the movie posters we see on TVs, phones and billboards are becoming ever more important.
I’m always fascinated by how people find their way into these roles and wanted to explore more. So I reached out to June Bhongjan to learn about her journey.
So, what do you do now?
I’m an associate creative director at a key art design agency, Lindeman and Associates. I work with a team of designers and art directors on the concepting and execution of creating theatri- cal and tv key art. Some of our clients include Universal, Disney, Marvel, Sony, Lionsgate, FX, 20th Century Studios, HBO, Netflix, Amazon Studios and Hulu.
All those marketing materials you see from theatrical posters and giant billboards, to the Netflix thumbnails you click on, we conceive, create and design it. We work with studios and directors to create a piece of imagery that best sells and represents their film. In short, I make movie posters.
What were your first two or three jobs?
My very first jobs started in high school. I worked in retail and waited tables. After college I interned at an art gallery. Then designed for a women’s activewear label.
Did you study?
Yes, I did. I believe going to school isn’t for everyone, but what school gives you is experience and education when you don’t know where to start. Some people are not motivated to seek that out in the ‘real world.’ For me, I didn’t go to school to find a career or vocation. I just wanted an education and I loved art and I wanted to know more about it. I majored in studio art with a BA from UCLA. UCLA encouraged me to be creative and inventive. It introduced me to a new way of thinking. How to read, see and interpret art.
Do you have moments where you sit back and are just like, wow that’s my work, this is crazy?
I had it recently when I was walking on the Netflix lot to meet our clients and I look up at this ten-story parking structure and see my poster. It’s one thing to see it small on a 30” monitor in my little office, and another stepping outside and seeing it on a 100ft building. I think the next week I was going on vacation and I saw 10 screens at the airport with the same poster on. It’s very humbling to see your work in the ‘real world,’ either that big, or somewhere like an international airport. It doesn’t compare to the likes on Instagram.
What one or two things would you tell your teenage self ?
Hmmmmm. Firstly, don’t be so hard on yourself. Travel and meet new people - see the world while you can. It will help you grow and learn valuable life lessons.
Secondly, don’t believe in steps or rules. Make your own path. The possibilities are endless. My dad taught me to create something out of nothing. If I needed something, he would just pick up random things from around the house and create something new with it. Just because ‘it’ didn’t exist, doesn’t mean I can’t make it. Can I get one more? Surround yourself by people who reflect who you want to be and those who inspire you. Energy is contagious.
What would you suggest for people who want to do what you do?
Place yourself in situations that help you get closer to where you want to be. Sign up for internships, or offer free work. Put yourself out there so people know you are motivated, reliable, capable and willing to grow. Even if you don’t think you’re ‘talented enough,’ practice and perseverance will get you there.
What were you curious/passionate about as a kid?
I always loved drawing cartoons and creating arts and crafts when I was a kid. It’s definitely helped me artistically, but also, it’s helped me adapt to change and problem solving. I was jumping around from fashion design, to video work and now print work. I also enjoy landscape design and interior design. As long as it’s an industry that requires creatives, I’m in.
How did you get this job?
I was actually living in Portland at the time and my friend from LA asked if I knew anyone in LA interested in being a junior art director at her company. I drove down for an interview and ended up starting that same week!
