Meet Don Kim | Visualization Artist

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

Hi Don, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
In both my personal and professional life, I’ve always been someone who embraces challenges head-on. I firmly believe that stepping out of our comfort zones is where true growth and learning happen. It’s not always easy, but I’ve discovered that embracing discomfort is key to personal development. For example, when I decided to study abroad in the United States and later made the move from Georgia, where I’d lived for over 4 years, to California, it was all about seeking new opportunities, especially in terms of career prospects. These transitions were pivotal moments that have profoundly shaped who I am today, and I’m genuinely grateful for the experiences and lessons they’ve brought.

Speaking of my profession as a visualization artist, it’s a field that demands constant adaptation and learning beyond my core skill set. Sometimes, it feels like I’m starting from scratch, learning everything anew, from basic tools to entirely new programs or workflows. That’s why embracing risk is so integral to my life; it serves as a driving force that continually pushes me to evolve as both an individual and an artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
ABOUT MY CAREER:

As a visualization artist, my primary focus has been contributing to the pre-production phases of various movies, TV shows, and advertisements. In our department, we play a crucial role in utilizing CG technology to envision and simulate sequences before they are filmed live. My tasks primarily involve character and camera animation, but depending on the situation, I also engage in modeling, lighting, editing, or FX work.

Collaborating closely with directors and producers, we translate scripts and storyboards into dynamic visualizations that guide the project’s direction. Working hand in hand with diverse departments, we push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Among my notable projects is the Emmy-winning Disney Plus original movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, along with The Mandalorian – Season 3. It’s been an exciting journey to bring these visions to life and shape the visual storytelling process in collaboration with talented teams.

MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF MY JOB:

As a visualization artist, one of the most exciting aspects of my work is being able to participate in franchises I’ve loved since childhood, such as Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and so forth. It’s truly a surreal moment when dreams that once seemed unattainable become a reality.

The greatest satisfaction I experience is when scenes or ideas I’ve worked on are discovered in trailers or the final versions of projects. Additionally, I find enjoyment in observing the changes made during the latter stages of production.

HOW I GOT HERE:

Well, as expected, breaking into the entertainment industry as an artist isn’t exactly a breeze. It’s a competitive field where simply graduating with good grades doesn’t guarantee a job. My journey, like that of many art school graduates, revolved around four years of dedicated focus at demo reel.

Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to take on a lead artist role for my graduation project. After completing my studies, I was fortunate enough to start my career as an intern at a VFX studio primarily focused on TV commercials in Minneapolis.

During my time there, I was introduced to visualization, a pivotal experience that later proved invaluable when I transitioned to working as a visualization artist in Los Angeles. However, one of the most important lessons I learned during my internship was the importance of working efficiently, not just hard. It’s become a guiding principle for me, shaping how I approach every project.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, there’s just so much to do in Los Angeles. I haven’t lived here for long, so there are still plenty of places I haven’t had the chance to explore. But if I were to pick one place to take a visiting friend, I think I’d head straight to Santa Monica. We’d start with a casual brunch at a beachside café, followed by a stroll along Santa Monica Pier, maybe hopping on some rides or biking along the nearby beach path. It’s a relaxed way to spend a leisurely morning.

For a friend who loves movies, around lunchtime, we’d probably venture over to Hollywood for a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame or a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood for the Studio Tour and theme park fun. We’d also make sure to see the iconic Hollywood Sign and maybe catch sunset at Griffith Observatory for a breathtaking view of downtown LA.

In the evening, after coming down from the hills, if my friend is interested in Korean cuisine, we’d head about 20 minutes away to Koreatown for some famous Korean BBQ before exploring the nightlife in downtown LA. There are plenty of bars nearby to check out as well.

And if we have time, I’d definitely take them to some of our personal favorite spots like The Grove, Long Beach, and the nearby farmer’s market. The Grove offers a delightful array of restaurants and shops, and you can’t miss the nearby farmer’s market where you can grab some delicious foods. Long Beach, on the other hand, boasts attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific and The Queen Mary, which are must-visit places. It’s a great way to experience the coastal charm and historical significance of the area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to my parents, who are currently residing in Korea, for recognizing my talents early on and actively supporting them. Sending their son to study abroad in a different country was not an easy decision financially or emotionally, yet they unwaveringly believed in my potential in art and consistently cheered me on, which fueled my determination to work even harder. While I still have a long way to go as an artist, I strive to grow a little more each day for them.

Secondly, I want to acknowledge my life partner and wife, Taylor. She is currently the closest person to me in the world and my only family in the States. From our dating days as students to the present, we’ve experienced both good and challenging times together. She possesses many things I lack and fills in my deficiencies. I could never have come this far without her, and I am grateful for every day spent with her.

Lastly, I want to extend my gratitude to TTF (The Third Floor, Inc.), for providing me with opportunities that exceed my expectations. Every day presents its own challenges, but I feel a sense of growth as an artist.

Website: http://www.donmkimartist.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-kim-1b5060140/

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12532654/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_4 Stabby (Short Animated Film, Available at TheCGBros): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLARQFxf0NM

Image Credits
at TTF Party (Credit: Andrew Solari) The Mandalorian – Season 3 (Credit: Lucasfilm) The Flash (Credit: Warner Bros.) Chip ‘n Dale – Rescue Rangers (Credit: Walt Disney Pictures) Energizer® Ultimate Lithium Hare Raising TVC (Credit: Energizer®) The Rubik’s Perplexus Hybrid 2X2 TVC (Credit: Spin Master) Stabby – Animated Short Film (1) (Credit: Stabby Film Crew) Stabby – Animated Short Film (2) (Credit: Stabby Film Crew)