The Art of Graphic Storytelling: Inside Jiminie Ha’s Creative Universe

Pushing the boundaries of imagination, we delve into Jiminie Ha’s outstanding path in graphic design, showcasing her profound influence on contemporary visual storytelling.

Crafting the narrative of visual expression with both precision and passion, Jiminie Ha emerges as a trailblazer in her roles as the Senior Director of Graphic Design at the Guggenheim Museum and the founder of the award-winning creative agency, With Projects, Inc. Ha’s approach to graphic design transcends the conventional, blending strategic insight with boundless creativity. Her curatorial language is a symphony of bold typography, vibrant colors, and nuanced compositions, all woven together to enhance visual identities while celebrating the essence of the artists and brands she collaborates with.

Multidisciplinary Mastery

Ha’s journey in the world of design is marked by a seamless integration of diverse disciplines. Launching With Projects, Inc. in 2012, she brought together fine arts, curation, creative direction, design, publishing, and fashion. This multidisciplinary practice has allowed her agency to develop relationships with a dynamic range of clients, including Johnson & Johnson, Crozier, MetLife, Condé Nast, Harvard University, The New Museum, and Art Basel, to name a few.

Punk-Inspired Design: The Sterns Are Listening

One of Ha’s recent ventures delves into the literary world with her punk-inspired design for the book cover of Jonathan Wells’ debut novel, “The Sterns Are Listening.” Drawing inspiration from the rebellious ethos of punk culture and the iconic imagery of CBGB, Ha’s design encapsulates the novel’s exploration of familial complexities, aging, and the pursuit of passion. “The manuscript spoke to me deeply, and inspired my own nostalgia with the punk scene, the DIY flyer art, and collages,” Ha shares. The cover, featuring a collage of famous musicians’ ears, is a striking visual metaphor that ties together themes of music, hearing loss, and family.

Evolution of Design Publishing

Ha has led several award-winning redesigns of prominent publications, including Harvard Design Magazine, Surface, Bidoun Magazine, and Art Asia Pacific. She is also the publisher of the celebrated limited-edition arts book series, “White Zinfandel,” which the New York Times described as, “Imagine if Marcel Duchamps guest edited Bon Appetit.” This series can be found in permanent collections at MoMA, PS1, The New Museum, Rhode Island School of Design, Stanford University, and Yale University.
Reflecting on her evolution in design publishing, Ha notes, “I think the only thing that has really changed is the rigor in which my studio approaches every client. I always tell my designers to never show work to me that they would not be proud to stand by in public.”

Rebranding the Guggenheim

In her role at the Guggenheim Museum, Ha spearheaded its global rebranding efforts, blending her unique visual language with the museum’s storied legacy. “We are endlessly experimenting with how far we can push the boundaries of the museum’s graphic language and how we can celebrate the artists in the exhibition,” she explains. Her work at the Guggenheim involves a deep dive into the institution’s brand DNA, ensuring that each design decision aligns with the museum’s mission and curatorial narrative.

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Ha is exploring new territories, including product development in the wellness sector and curating programming for the Wolfhouse, a historic Philip Johnson house in Newburgh, New York, which she co-founded. “We really want to align with art institutions and organizations to use the Wolfhouse as a satellite location for potential programming,” she says.
Jiminie Ha’s career is a testament to the power of multidisciplinary practice and the relentless pursuit of innovation. Her work continues to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and ignite the imagination, leaving a lasting impression on the creative landscape. As she navigates the evolving world of graphic design, Ha remains steadfast in her commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions, making her a true visionary in her field.