what is KimDesignArt?
what is our philosophy? history? vision? mission?
History
Mission
Vision
Philosophy
Mission
Vision
Philosophy
History:
Initially starting off as a freelance designer, Myer has been working with a variety of artists, designers, technicians, and actors and was inspired by their creations and works, seeing how free and unfazed they are during the process.
During his studies, Myer saw the lack of innovation and change within art and design, and he started to question if there is a way to incorporate the worlds of art and design to create something new, something radical...
Despite being a student at the time, Myer decided to start a design studio with the primary goal being “rejecting the norm”. In 2024, KDA STUDIO was officially established to radicalize art and design. Needless to say, we make and do weird stuff.
Mission:
KDA STUDIO is a radical, guerilla studio. We seek to change art and design through unconventional methods and processes.
There is no such thing as “normal”. There is a lack of innovation and movement within the art and design world because people do the same thing knowing it works and provides stability. We reject that way of thinking to bring forth something new, something radical.
Our goal is to get people wondering, talking, questioning, and thinking. Our measure of success is if people ask “why” or “what is this” because only then do we know we have created something completely radical and new.
Vision:
To create for the sake of creating and allowing freedom in artistic and design choices that help elevate and radicalize our current understanding of art and design. We want to support fellow artists and designers on their projects because everyone is a creator at heart, and we want them to take pride in their creations with KDA STUDIO being a launching pad.
At KDA STUDIO, we hope to share our unique vision and perspective on art and design to whomever we work with because it is our hope that our way of thinking and working will inspire people we work with to go from something immeasurable to measurable and back to the immeasurable.
Philosophy:
KDA STUDIO believes in the process of creation and play because design needs play.
Design needs flexibility.
Design needs time.
The process of making and time is essential to cultivate and foster ideas and iteration, and this process of making is playful like a kid in a sandbox.
We will put stuff here and there and see if it works or not, and we continue to try and try and try until we discover a language, form, or something. We create with the expectation of things being picked at, torn, and shredded in order to discover something new idea. We accept failure and use failure to invigorate ourselves and challenge us to create something better than the last.
Initially starting off as a freelance designer, Myer has been working with a variety of artists, designers, technicians, and actors and was inspired by their creations and works, seeing how free and unfazed they are during the process.
During his studies, Myer saw the lack of innovation and change within art and design, and he started to question if there is a way to incorporate the worlds of art and design to create something new, something radical...
Despite being a student at the time, Myer decided to start a design studio with the primary goal being “rejecting the norm”. In 2024, KDA STUDIO was officially established to radicalize art and design. Needless to say, we make and do weird stuff.
Mission:
KDA STUDIO is a radical, guerilla studio. We seek to change art and design through unconventional methods and processes.
There is no such thing as “normal”. There is a lack of innovation and movement within the art and design world because people do the same thing knowing it works and provides stability. We reject that way of thinking to bring forth something new, something radical.
Our goal is to get people wondering, talking, questioning, and thinking. Our measure of success is if people ask “why” or “what is this” because only then do we know we have created something completely radical and new.
Vision:
To create for the sake of creating and allowing freedom in artistic and design choices that help elevate and radicalize our current understanding of art and design. We want to support fellow artists and designers on their projects because everyone is a creator at heart, and we want them to take pride in their creations with KDA STUDIO being a launching pad.
At KDA STUDIO, we hope to share our unique vision and perspective on art and design to whomever we work with because it is our hope that our way of thinking and working will inspire people we work with to go from something immeasurable to measurable and back to the immeasurable.
Philosophy:
KDA STUDIO believes in the process of creation and play because design needs play.
Design needs flexibility.
Design needs time.
The process of making and time is essential to cultivate and foster ideas and iteration, and this process of making is playful like a kid in a sandbox.
We will put stuff here and there and see if it works or not, and we continue to try and try and try until we discover a language, form, or something. We create with the expectation of things being picked at, torn, and shredded in order to discover something new idea. We accept failure and use failure to invigorate ourselves and challenge us to create something better than the last.
who
is
is
kda?
KDA RADICALS
we are a collective group. we are more than staff members... we are radicals changing the world
we are a collective group. we are more than staff members... we are radicals changing the world
MYER KIM --- PRINCIPAL DESIGNER & FOUNDER
Since a young age, Myer has always been a creator and always looking for the next thing whether that be theatre, art, or anything that grabs his attention. Myer had his realization and discovery when he realized that architecture was his destiny, and he took a risk.
Since then, Myer has gone on to design, technical direct, and manage for several shows with over 40+ theatrical credits. His architectural designs have been exhibited and praised for his creation process and style.
Currently, Myer is taking a nice long nap. (he doesn’t sleep much).
MATTHEW MCPHERSON --- DESIGNER & COO
Matt is a creator. During his undergrad, he acted, directed, designed,and musically engaged with multiple different styles and variations of theatre.
Currently he is about to start a two-and-a-half-year master's program with the Pig Iron theatre company located in Philadelpha, were he aims to not only grow as a creator, but also hone the skills that he has already developed through his creative adventures.
Matt can't wait to see what KDA brings to the table because he knows whatever it'll be, it'll be life changing...
NATHAN TRINITE --- LEAD DESIGNER
Nathan is a designer.
Currently at Washington University pursuing a Masters in Architecture.
Everything is design.
Design is humanism.
Humanism is mind, body and spirit.
The mind is a vessel.
The vessel can travel.
The vessel is part of the continuum.
The vessel doesn't decay.
The vessel is a link between the spirit and the body.
The spirit is fundamental.
Fundamentality is complexity.
The body is not passive.
The body is malleable, changeable.
The body is finite, yet it holds infinity
Design for the infinite.
Revolution is not ground zero.
Revolution is upsetting the already existing.
Revolution is the continuum.
Design is the continuum.
We stand in front of our memories and behind our perceptions.
“I want to see things, I only trust this. I want to see, and for this, I draw. I can only see if I draw” - Carlos Scarpa
TARA KAY MORAN --- DESIGNER
Hello! My name is Tara Kay Moran. I’m an artist from Los Angeles and currently attend James Madison University for Musical Theatre. I love performing, people, and coffee!
I have had the opportunity to develop theatrical skills on and off the stage by being both an assistant scenic designer and swing for The Spongebob Musical at James Madison University.
I am thankful for the privilege of engaging in various lead, supporting, and ensemble roles recently such as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, Janet Van de Graaff in The Drowsy Chaperone, and ensemble in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812.
These experiences have taught me the joy of collaborating with people of various skills, passions, and ages while allowing me to explore different responsibilities including being a performer, choreographer, and designer.
BEN BRANTLEY --- CONTRACT DESIGNER
Ben Brantley is a multi-instrumentalist and composer originally from Charlottesville, VA.
He greatly enjoys writing for theater and young musicians, as well as any opportunity to explore other disciplines and collaborate with other creatively curious individuals.
His music draws on folk, jazz, and whatever tune happens to be stuck in his head at the moment, and he aims to create the “aha!” moments for others that have grabbed him as a lover of music throughout his life.