Anais Y. Kim
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“My full-time job is being a Senior Art Director at Hourglass Cosmetics. ”
I art direct and design digital, print, and in-store visuals for the brand across all platforms. I'm a visual designer that pretty much designs anything and everything, from websites to the interiors of my apartment.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I studied communication design at Parsons School of Design in New York City. From there, I couldn't wait to get some real-world experiences so I started interning as soon as my school would let me. As much as I loved what I learned in the classroom, I spent more time at my internships absorbing everything I could. By the time I graduated, there was no such thing as mobile apps and e-commerce websites were just taking off.
My first job was at Saks Fifth Avenue working in the digital web department. UI/UX design positions didn't exist back then, so I was doing everything from UI/UX to web graphics from the very early stages of Saks.com. The digital e-commerce space was all very exciting and new. From there I moved on to work for Amazon Fashion and then life throws a curveball and I ended up moving to LA and got an opportunity to work in the beauty space, which I am very much enjoying. There is so much creativity in the beauty world.
How do you stand out in your field?
I'm always trying to learn or discover something new and challenge myself. I don't like to stay still with the skills I already know and have. The world moves fast, especially in 2020. I feel like there is never a time where I am not designing SOMETHING.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently, I am working on our new spring campaign launch for Hourglass featuring some new and exciting products!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style is simple, clear, and sophisticated. I don't like to over-design things. "Creativity is a wild mind and a disciplined eye" is one of my favorite quotes.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Well I'm here because I miss freelancing on the side, and in my free time, I wish to focus more on web designing. Specifically designing e-commerce websites
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I would say miscommunication is a huge energy and time suck.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would hire someone to help me hone in on my written and verbal communication skills. I love story-telling through design, but I know being able to communicate verbally and in writing is equally important to get my point across.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would have reminded myself that life goes on and tomorrow is a new untouched day where I can re-start. I don't want to focus and stress on things that I can't control.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Balance and setting boundaries.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I want to design websites for small businesses and brands to help launch their online presence with a bang!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Who wouldn't want to work with someone who gives you creative freedom, aligns with your design style, and trusts your expertise? My ideal client is someone who has a better sense of what they want and what they don't want. I love when my clients can make firm decisions and can clearly articulate the goal of the project so that I don't have to play the guessing game through my designs.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
It depends on the scope of the job, but to give you an idea, my minimum budget for a project starts at $1,000 for a single responsive landing page.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
The best way is to email me! Tell me about your brand/business, what you would like me to design, and a range of your budget at aykdesignstudio@gmail.com. From there we can hop on a call and discuss the project in further detail.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Keep your eyes open, listen to other people's perspectives, experience new things and travel. It doesn't have to be far. I live in LA which is a big city full of different cultures, so I try to discover a new part of LA whenever I can.
This member profile was originally published in January 2020.