Meet Katie Park | Motion & Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Park and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
During college, my work-life balance was almost nonexistent, despite my professors emphasizing its importance. I was so focused on pushing myself to achieve the best results that I often prioritized work over everything else. While this dedication helped me grow and refine my skills, it wasn’t sustainable. Now, I’ve realized the value of maintaining a healthier balance. Although I still work hard, I make a conscious effort to ensure that work doesn’t take over my life or mind. I’ve learned to set boundaries and create space for hobbies, relationships, and relaxation. These things not only help me recharge but also inspire my creativity and bring fresh perspectives to my work. I think it’s about achieving harmony between ambition and well-being, which makes me a stronger and more balanced designer.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a 3D and 2D motion and graphic designer, I’m passionate about storytelling through branding and advertisements. I first started off in college as a fine artist, then moved on to character design, animation, and eventually motion design. This journey has shaped the way I approach my work today as a 3D and 2D motion and graphic designer. My diverse background has allowed me to blend artistic techniques with design principles in a way that’s unique to me. Moving from fine art to character design and animation taught me the importance of storytelling, while my transition into motion design gave me an appreciation for movement and time. This progression has made me look at design differently, where I see not just visuals but how they interact, evolve, and engage with an audience.

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.
I’d spend a week exploring different parts of LA, such as West Hollywood/Melrose, Downtown LA, and Koreatown. West Hollywood is full of cute shops, fun bars, and great restaurants. My favorites are Dayglow Coffee, Awan (plant-based ice cream), and Dialogue Cafe, which are all about five minutes from each other. The Melrose Trading Post is a fun stop, and Melrose Avenue has plenty of vintage and consignment shops. If you’re into art, I’d recommend checking out the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum.
Koreatown offers a completely different vibe, with authentic Korean food and culture. For coffee or matcha, try Harucake or DAMO. For a night out, enjoy KBBQ or visit pochas like Toe Bang or The Prince, a crowd-pleaser.
Downtown LA has a mix of hidden gems and tourist spots. Grand Central Market is perfect for exploring food stalls, while Olvera Street highlights Mexican-American culture with shops, restaurants, and live performances. For bars, DTLA has amazing rooftop options like The Upstairs at Ace Hotel, Perch LA, and Broken Shaker.
Lastly, LA has a big hiking culture, with trails in many neighborhoods. Runyon Canyon is widely known for its Hollywood vibe, while trails like Angeles Crest have mountain views. Griffith Park’s Fern Dell is more relaxed, and hikes with some historic relevance like Echo Mountain or Murphy’s Ranch, that I still believe are boarded up today.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, whose resilience and sacrifices have deeply shaped my journey as a designer and creative. As immigrants, they faced many challenges, especially my dad, who wasn’t fluent in English and couldn’t fully pursue the career he dreamed of despite his immense talent and education in interior design. While his story didn’t have the success he might have hoped for, his passion for creativity and perseverance continues to inspire me. Both my parents nurtured my imagination from a young age, and I hope to finish the story my dad started.

Website: https://katieparkdesigns.net

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieparkdesigns