Creative Questionnaire: Monika Kim

Monika Kim was a classmate of mine at RISD and, after reconnecting via LinkedIn, I asked her to participate in the Creative Questionnaire series. Since graduating with a BFA in graphic design, Monika has gone on to work for companies such as M & Co., Donna Karan, Banana Republic and Kenneth Cole. In 2002, she opened her own studio where she continues to implement her less is more philosophy in brand development and design.

Current Project:
Holiday 09 for Target

First step in my design process:
Grasp the main message the client wants to get across.

Aspect of design I give the highest priority:
Clarity

Method for overcoming creative block:
Do something totally different. Shop the internet, watch TV, stare into space.

One typical myth about design:
Anyone can pick it up

Most challenging aspect about design:
Coming up with new ideas

Most underrated aspect of design:
We NEED it. Good design makes people feel better.

When I first knew I wanted to be a designer:
Im still trying to figure that out.

Inspirations:
The 70s, sculpture, album covers, Swiss design, Saul Bass

Favorite tool:
The delete button

Favorite design resource:
The 70s

The one typeface for a deserted island stay:
One of those fancy, curly script faces like Snell Roundhand or Shelley Script

Bookmarks:
swissmiss, thecoolhunter.net

Design-related book I highly recommend:
1000 Record Covers by Michael Ochs

Currently reading:
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. Its really long.

Life lesson:
I can make anything happen if I get out of my own way.

If I werent a designer, Id be…
A sculptor

Favorite (non-design) past time:
Dancing