Page 26 - Envision-09-10-2021

Portrait of a Designer

By Paddy Kamen

DIEGO

KIM:

THIS

ACCIDENTAL

DESIGNER

IS

WOWING

THE

WORLD

ome designers, like Jeremy artistic creativity. “I grew up with wanted for him. He excelled at maths
Tarian (see Envision conservative parents in Seoul, South and science and even represented his
Jan-Feb 2020) are born Korea. My parents directed me into school in a national competition from
to the manor, others are typical subjects, like maths and science. ages 13-15. He majored in chemistry
instinctively led from early They were so rigid about this that my
Schildhood to a career in art desire to join the school band and play at one of the top universities in South
and design (see Ahlem Manai-Platt, the trombone at age 10 was quashed Korea, and also studied English for a
Envision Nov-Dec 2018). Then because they feared it would distract me year in the U.S.
there are those who surprise even from career goals. I was raised to be a At age 27, fresh out of school, and
themselves when a latent talent comes somewhat nerdy, typical Korean career after the compulsory two years
to the fore. man.” military service, Kim landed a
For Diego Kim it was the latter. His Fortunately, Kim could move very marketing job with Seoul-based
upbringing actively conspired against comfortably in the world his parents Samsung Corporation.

24 / MAY - JUNE 2021 / www.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.ca /