Check Out Dain Kim’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dain Kim.

Hi Dain, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I originally started out as a graphic design major in Seoul, and during that time, I began making jewelry as just a hobby. I quickly fell in love with not only the creative and hands-on process, but also the experience of selling my pieces and connecting with customers. That experience inspired me to pursue jewelry more seriously, which led me to study abroad and major in jewelry and metal smithing at the Savannah College of Art and Design. After graduating, I’ve had the opportunity to design for a variety of brands, including Coach, Ana Luisa, Disney, and Urban Outfitters. Through these experiences, I’ve continued to grow my skills and perspective as a designer, and I’m excited to keep challenging myself and growing both professionally and personally.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges for me was graduating and trying to find a fulltime job since the timing was right when Covid started. As an international student and designer, I also felt an added pressure to prove that I had something valuable to contribute in order to build my career and stay in the U.S. It wasn’t always easy, but those experiences pushed me to work harder, be adaptable, and become more confident in what I can bring to the world and the brands I work for as a designer.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a jewelry designer specializing in fashion jewelry, with a particular strength in creating core and everyday pieces that can become something a brand is known for and can continue to build on. Through both full-time and freelance work, I’ve had the opportunity to design for 10+ different brands, each with its own unique customer, aesthetic, and price point. I’m most proud of developing the versatility to understand a brand’s identity and translate almost any creative direction or prompt into a design that feels true to that brand. I think that adaptability, while still bringing my own design perspective, is what sets me apart.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I actually get distracted pretty easily by songs with lyrics or shows like Netflix when I’m in the middle of the creative process, so I like to keep things simple. I mostly use YouTube Premium to listen to library vibe jazz or calm, meditative music while I work. Outside of work, I enjoy reading cookbooks and art related books. They are not necessarily for direct inspiration, but as a way to recharge and explore different forms of creativity as I like to cook and make arts for hobby.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dainkim.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dainkim1026/

Image Credits
Portrait photo by: William Oh @_williamoh
Jewelry image credit: Ana Luisa