Minjung Kim
Q What do you do?
“I’m currently a freelance designer who likes to make silly art at night—some of my favorite industries I like to work with are hospitality, fashion, and beauty.”
I specialize in concepting and designing brand identities, but I love challenging myself with all types of creative projects including art directing digital content, storyboarding, presentation design, production, and more. I also have been developing my identity as an illustrator. One of the reasons I love being a creative is that I can create my own boundaries and territories, so I often let my illustrations seep into my designs.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I always loved art as a child, but didn’t quite think about pursuing a creative career until my Freshman year of college. Through a Communications Design program at Syracuse University, I eventually fell in love with branding and design. I started to build experience interning for both small businesses and big advertising agencies to see how I fit. After my first full-time job in fashion, I began to expand to other industries as I'm always curious about how design applies to various platforms.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I initially longed to be a creative with a very specific color; however, I began to accept and embrace myself as a multi-faceted creative. Although I moved away from being heavily in fashion advertising, such fast-paced environment helped me to become a conceptual thinker with an eye for photography—these factors allowed me to adapt easily to various projects and elevate my designs.
I also bring my illustration to some of my designs to create the exact look I want. As a fan of organic and modern elements playing together, I became the person who can create both.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m currently managing freelance projects and developing my art. I always prioritized design projects that can help me improve as a designer (and also pay the bills), but I’m trying to spend more time making more pieces to really solidify my identity as an artist as well.
Q What’s your style?
I’m an indecisive creative who likes many things. Both minimalism and maximalism excite me. Due to such polarizing interests, I like to express balance through contrasting elements. A bit soft, but with a drop of personality.
minjung-mj.com/Choi-ce-Studio
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
It would be ideal if I can have a perfect mix of my design and illustration world.
But currently, I’m leaning more towards my art.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I stress myself out by trying to look for the best option in every single thing, then I get burnt out, then nothing gets done. I'm trying to take it step by step to escape this toxic cycle.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Someone to organize my finances!!!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
To put myself out there and be more involved in creative communities and events! My social battery is currently dying.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would love to hear some insight on finding the balance between following your passion and running a business.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I don’t limit myself to specific types of projects, but I love branding projects. Perhaps for:
- A new local restaurant
- A line of wine
- A brand with a focus on sustainability
- Independent jewelry designer
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I collaborated with Haroo Planner, a local small business, to create mini postcards and a calendar for 2021. I was more involved as an illustrator/art director because the owner is also a graphic designer, but overall, it was such a successful and meaningful project. We respected each other’s roles although there was room for disagreement since we were both creatives. Everything was smooth in a sense that we aligned on the initial ideas and managed to problem solve together until the final product was released. It was more of a fun passion project, but it gave me an outlook on what type of collaborations I would enjoy in the future.
Q What is your rate?
My rates are flexible depending on the scope of the project and client! I also offer discounted rates for non-profits and small businesses. Don’t hesitate to reach out :)
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Best way is to email hello@minjung-mj.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Magdalene Kan
Natasha Michalowsky
Annah Kessler
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Take breaks. Write your thoughts down. See the sun!
This member profile was originally published in July 2023