Today we’d like to introduce you to Peace Park.
Hi Peace, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Korea, I was a child brimming with ambition. Tae Kwon Do was my passion, and I dreamed of becoming an instructor in America. Fascinated by the stars, I also aspired to work at NASA, diligently studying to achieve my goals.
While captivated by the grace of Tae Kwon Do uniforms and the beauty of the night sky, I gradually realized my innate visual sensibilities. I set my sights on studying design, but after failing the Korean college entrance exam, I embarked on a journey to study abroad in the United States at my mother’s suggestion.
After a year of language training, I ventured to Kenya for volunteer work, seeking a broader perspective of the world. There, I witnessed the profound value and necessity of design.
In a place with limited electricity and internet access, children adorned themselves with whatever they could find, and adults crafted intricate jewelry from readily available materials. For them, aesthetics were as essential as food.
Vibrant fabrics and large ornaments served as protective tools, much like the colorful patterns of a poison dart frog. To ward off danger from other tribes and wild animals, these communities adorned themselves in an array of colors, which eventually became symbols of beauty.
The compelling reasons behind this visual expression drew me deeper into the world of design. I envisioned creating designs that could empower and even save lives.
Inspired by these experiences, I came to Los Angeles to pursue my design education. Starting at a community college, I immersed myself in the fundamentals of design while adapting to American culture.
One of the greatest aspects of LA is the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world. My closest friends came from France, Italy, and Thailand. We shared our unique cultures, bonding over our shared experiences in LA, both positive and negative.
While excelling in my studies, I learned about ArtCenter College of Design through a school event. Determined to transfer there, I realized that my skills were still lacking. I sought guidance from a mentor who had graduated from ArtCenter, and with their help, I diligently worked towards my goal.
Finally, I was accepted into ArtCenter, where I thrived alongside exceptional peers and inspiring professors. Every day was a learning experience, and with the support of my friends, I graduated in December 2023.
Currently, I work as a Motion Graphic Designer at Koto Studio, crafting visually captivating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
This journey has taught me the power of design to communicate, inspire, and transform.
My work is a testament to my passion for visual storytelling, my commitment to excellence, and my belief in the transformative power of design.
I am excited to continue exploring the possibilities of design and making a meaningful impact on the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Coming to the United States in my early twenties and learning a new language presented significant obstacles. Financial constraints added to the difficulty, and the pandemic further limited opportunities for junior designers to learn outside of the classroom due to the prevalence of remote work.
Despite these challenges, I remain committed to overcoming them. I am actively seeking opportunities to network and gain real-world experience, and I am confident that my perseverance and dedication will ultimately lead to success.
Here are some specific actions I am taking to address these challenges:
Actively participating in online design communities: I regularly engage in discussions and forums to stay up to date on industry trends and connect with other designers.
Seeking out mentorship opportunities: I am actively seeking guidance from experienced designers to learn from their insights and expertise.
Continuously learning and improving: I am committed to lifelong learning and regularly take online courses and workshops to enhance my design skills.
I believe that my determination, hard work, and willingness to learn will enable me to overcome the challenges I face and achieve my goals in the design industry.
Additionally, I believe that my unique perspective as an immigrant designer can bring valuable insights and creativity to the table. I am eager to contribute to the design community and make a positive impact on the world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My fascination with typography began early in my design education. I yearned to explore this field further and bring stunning type posters to life. This passion led me to the world of motion design, where I am now a practicing brand motion designer.
The motion design field is a diverse one, with designers from various backgrounds. Some people specialize in illustration, while others focus on 3D. My unique edge lies in my focus on branding and my strength in typography.
As a brand motion designer, I am passionate about creating visually captivating and engaging motion graphics that tell stories and evoke emotions, using typography as a powerful tool to communicate messages and create impact.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I am also just starting my career, so I cannot give you any advice. However, I am also learning many things right now. I am trying to learn various things such as Cavalry, Cinema 4D, and Creative Coding so that I can express my creativity more fluidly. As I mentioned before, I am also trying to make good use of events and design communities, and I am trying to listen to useful advice from other mentors. If you have any more good insights, please let me know!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://peacepark.info/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacebak/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peace-park-618822182/
