Meet Kevin Chen. Kevin is a graphic designer and illustrator. He grew up in the Bay Area and came to New York to pursue his dreams (with mixed results)! He likes Kung Fu movies, old Anime, and video games.
What is your role at Kworq? How long have you worked here?
I’m a graphic designer, I’ve worked here for exactly a year.
Where were you photographed? Why was that your choice?
I’m at the underground mall on Elizabeth Street in Chinatown. I spent a lot of time here in college, looking at the plastic models but unable to afford them.
Why did you want to work at Kworq?
I think I hit it off immediately with the team, and wanted to work with them.
Why did you get into Advertising?
I realized as soon as I graduated art school that I wasn’t going to make it as a painter, so it’s taken a while for me to feel comfortable being a designer.
What is your favorite part about working in advertising?
I learn about a ton of things I would’ve never been interested in otherwise, and I engage with a lot of interesting ideas with interesting people.
What is your least favorite part about working in advertising?
In my most cynical days I feel like I’m just participating in a big lie that everyone chose to believe in, like I’m mining bitcoins with my brain.
What’s the hardest part about what you do?
Not falling into the same patterns and constantly challenging myself. It’s hard to always feel uncomfortable.
What’s your greatest inspiration for what you do (design, writing, etc.)
I still very much like art, it’s reassuring to see both the depth and breadth of visual expression. I especially like the Polynesian exhibits at the Met.
What was the last thing you watched that you really liked? Why?
Call Me By Your Name. Very beautiful movie (and really low-key kickass opening title sequence).
How do you keep the creative juices flowing outside of Kworq?
I still try to draw a bunch, check out my work at formthehead.com.
All photography by Gabriela Della Corna.
