6 Questions for Alison Chiyong Kim

Meet the newest BatesMeron design intern, Alison Chiyong Kim! Alison is heading into her junior year at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, working towards a BFA with an emphasis in Visual Communications, New Media and Art and Technology Studies. Her passion and knowledge of all things art and design make her a perfect fit for our team.

I interviewed Alison as part of our 6 Questions feature: a series of one-on-one interviews with people we work with who make us proud. Sometimes I like to turn the tables and put our own staffers in the hot seat so you not only get to meet them, but also see just how special our team really is.

1. Let’s break the ice a little bit. To help with situations just like this one, we created a card game called Spill the Bees. From one card, drawn randomly: if you could be a member of any TV family, which would you pick?

Oh gosh, there’s so many. I’m a really big fan of Friends. I know that’s not technically a “family,” but I’d want to be a part of that group because they still act like family.

Does your TV family prefer cats or dogs?

Dogs.

2. As a soon-to-be junior at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, what led you to pursue a career in design?

Going to art school was a last-minute decision for me, and I’m trying to do as many art forms as possible. I don’t know if my career will go in the design direction, but that’s why I’m here.

Bonus question: If you didn’t go to art school, what would you be doing?

Probably what my dad wanted me to do: go to an Ivy League, major in biology—basically doing anything in the medical field.

3. So you knew you wanted to try out interning in design, but what got you interested in working with the team at BatesMeron?

This is my first internship in college, so I wanted to find a fun environment and a team that was into my own design practices. I also focused on finding a smaller company so that I could get a more personal experience from the job.

4. Now that you’re here and ready to put your skills to the test, what future projects have got you the most excited?

The most exciting part of this internship is getting to work on actual assignments for clients instead of just school assignments. I’m excited about the challenges I’ll face here, too.

On a personal level, I’m really interested in game design. By the end of my senior year, I’m hoping to have my own game designed.

5. Creating your own video game is insanely awesome. What would you want your game to be like?

My art practice is closely based on recreating my memories and channeling nostalgia. I’d want to make something 8-pixel, old-style, very 2D. Kind of like old-school Mario Kart. A game that evokes a sense of childhood and reflects the games I grew up playing.

Ok, Lightning Round:

Coffee or tea? I like tea.

Burgers or pizza? Pizza.

Yanny or Laurel? Laurel.

6. As a branding agency, we’re always looking out for new inspiration. What brand do you think is really killing it right now?

My go-to brand is Apple. Every product of mine is Apple, and I buy all their new products when they come out. They’ve set up a minimalistic style that really works for them. They’re probably the most popular brand, so I think they’re doing a great job.