Meet Tori Kwon | Designer

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

Hi Tori, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Where am I from? For me, it’s less about a physical place and more about a blend of experiences that have shaped my perspective. I come from a mixing pot of emotions, challenges, and perspectives that have instilled in me the value of empathy.

Growing up, I navigated the world with divorced parents, which meant experiencing childhood through the lens of two separate households. It was a reality that required me to constantly adapt, becoming attuned to the feelings and needs of those around me. This early exposure to different perspectives taught me to be incredibly aware of others’ emotions and to think critically about how different circumstances shape individual behavior.

Adding to that, my younger brother has autism. It’s hard to truly capture what it’s like to grow up alongside someone with autism. As a child, I didn’t understand what autism was, and even now, I can’t fully grasp its complexities. This has been especially challenging for me because I tend to lean on logic and rationality in how I approach life. Autism, however, doesn’t fit neatly into a box. It requires patience, flexibility, and the acceptance that some things remain beyond explanation. This experience pushed me to develop a deeper sense of empathy, not just towards my brother, but in my interactions with others as well.

The independence I gained from these circumstances helped shape my rational approach to problem-solving, and it drilled into me the importance of seeing things from multiple perspectives. In design, this mindset is crucial. Graphic design, art, and visual communication are all about connecting with people. Whether addressing the masses or speaking to a niche group, understanding how to convey a message effectively starts with empathy. My background has given me a unique ability to step into others’ shoes, and I use this as my guiding principle to create designs that resonate and communicate with clarity and intention.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I often joke that my native tongue is wordplay. I see language as more than just a means of communication; it’s a tool for shaping our cultural identities. I thrive in the space where intellect meets wit, and I love pushing the boundaries of convention. This approach defines my art and fuels my passion for design.

I think it’s that passion that sets me apart. I truly enjoy what I do, and that enthusiasm comes through in my work. I infuse my projects with humor, personality, and a playful touch. I feel incredibly fortunate that my ‘job’ is something I’m deeply enthusiastic about. From the initial research and form-making stages to the final execution, I approach every part of the process with a bold and provocative energy, always aiming to surprise and engage.

Of course, my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Imposter syndrome is something I’ve faced, especially in a competitive field surrounded by so many talented designers. It’s easy to doubt yourself when others may have more experience or skills. But I approach these doubts with logic and a bit of tough love. I remind myself to try, and if I fail, to try again. I’ve learned not to take things so seriously that they impact my mental well-being because I know that no single project will define my career. By taking things one step at a time, I give myself the freedom to fail, learn, and improve.

In the end, my work is about embracing each challenge, having fun with the process, and constantly pushing the boundaries of design. I want my art to disrupt the norm, provoke thought, and, above all, connect with people in a meaningful way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d plan a mini road trip down to San Diego. The drive takes about two hours, but with good music and good conversation, it flies by. Our first stop would be the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, where we’d check out pieces from the Light and Space movement—always inspiring. After that, we’d take a walk around La Jolla for the coastal views and, of course, visit the seals.

Next, it’s taco time! We’d grab tacos to go from my favorite spot, Tacos El Gordo. Then, we’d head over to Sunset Cliffs—my absolute favorite viewpoint in SoCal. We’d set up a little picnic there, enjoy our tacos, and watch the sunset. The view is unbeatable and makes for the perfect moment to relax and catch up.

To end the night, we’d head into downtown San Diego and stop at Aero, a super fun dive bar and arcade!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Youmee Park. She has always been my role model, showing me what it means to be strong and independent. Even as a kid, I wondered how one person could possess so much emotional strength. She’s faced many obstacles—ones I won’t dive into now—but watching her overcome those challenges and still emerge with a smile, happiness, and a positive outlook taught me the power of perseverance through a positive mindset.

In design, you can always practice and learn new skills, but at its core, design is deeply human. The mindset and positivity my mother instilled in me helped me navigate the competitive environment at ArtCenter. It’s that resilience she modeled that I lean on whenever I face challenges, and it’s become an integral part of both my personal and professional journey.

Website: https://hellotori.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howdytori.me/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-kwon-730694238/