Meet Jiwon (Jasmine) Kim | UX Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jiwon (Jasmine) Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jiwon (Jasmine), why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a creative career because I was surrounded by art and design from an early age, which nurtured my innate ability to spot innovation and missed opportunities in products. My passion lies in crafting impactful experiences, and I believe that design has the potential to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I enjoy diving into what exists, understanding user needs, and using my skills in research and interaction design to create seamless and visually striking user experiences. Moreover, I find fulfillment in collaborative storytelling, where I can share my ideas with diverse teams to bring captivating designs to life. My goal is to create experiences that bring joy, inspire action, and leave a lasting impression on those who interact with them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of the most significant hurdles was creating a portfolio that truly reflected who I am as a designer. This process exposed me to numerous comments and critiques, a fundamental aspect of a designer’s growth. However, it was a delicate balance between absorbing criticism constructively and staying true to my design vision that proved to be exceptionally challenging, especially during my student years.

Moreover, I was drawn to transportation and physical product design, which set me apart from many of my peers who were more inclined toward creative technology and immersive experiences. This divergence in interests occasionally led to moments of internal conflict. When surrounded by voices advocating for different design paths, I found myself questioning the trajectory I had chosen. I had to have the strength to stay committed to my own path.

In hindsight, this challenging journey of portfolio creation and self-discovery was a crucial phase in my development as a designer. It forced me to refine my ability to accept constructive criticism while maintaining confidence in my design identity. It taught me the importance of staying grounded in my vision, even in the face of doubt or external influences. This process of self-discovery and portfolio development has contributed significantly to the designer I have become today, one with a distinct voice and a strong sense of purpose within the intricate world of UX design.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are a lot of fun places to visit in Pasadena and as a student at ArtCenter College of Design (located in Pasadena), I was able to visit some of these places. So we’ll begin our adventure at Jones Coffee, sipping on iced vanilla latte, before indulging in Spanish tapas at Dos Besos for lunch. We’ll spend our afternoon exploring Pasadena’s streets or visiting local attractions like the Huntington Library and Gardens. In the evening, we’d have some Mediterranean delights at Cafe Santorini and end the night with some sweets from Pie Hole.

We could also venture into DTLA, where we can enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at Sqirl, renowned for its Ricotta Toast. We would also stroll around the Arts District, and visit the nearby Broad Museum. For lunch, we could go for some Taiwanese cuisine at Pine and Crane DTLA, and recharge with an Iced Matcha Latte at Laveta during our afternoon explorations. In the evening, we’ll experience Korean BBQ at Honey Pig.

We could also explore Pasadena’s green spaces and gardens, such as the Huntington Library and Gardens or Descanso Gardens. We’d spend our afternoon leisurely shopping or strolling through Old Pasadena and go for a hotpot adventure at Chong Qing YaoMei Hotpot, where we can customize our hotpot experience with a variety of broths and ingredients.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My sister, Vanessa Kim, has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance in my life. Despite being four years older than me, her impact on my journey is immeasurable. From my earliest memories, she has always stood out as not only the smartest person I know but also the most diligent, fun, and beautiful soul I’ve ever encountered.

Growing up, I looked up to Vanessa in awe. Her intelligence and dedication to her pursuits were truly remarkable. She excelled academically, setting an example that I aspired to follow and her determination and unwavering commitment to her goals were a testament to her work ethic, motivating me to strive for excellence in my own endeavors. She has always been my go-to person for honest opinions and moral support and I’ve leaned on her invaluable advice countless times when facing difficult decisions or life’s challenges. Her support has provided me with the confidence to pursue my own path.

Vanessa is more than just a sibling; she is my mentor, my confidante, and my role model. Her loving nature, and unwavering support have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. I am forever grateful for her presence in my life, and I continue to be inspired by the remarkable person she is.

Website: https://www.jiwonixd.com/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jiwon-kim-ux