Wood, yarn and metallic ink are just a few of the materials Elle Kim uses to communicate. That’s because this designer creates custom typography, free form lettering and illustrations with unexpected mediums to push her work in new directions. She develops entire installations focused on words that immerse and engage viewers, while also arranging playful and surprising illustrations for her audience. Recently, her brightly colored Art Directors Club (ADC) cube drawing brought shapes to life in celebration of the organization’s 90th year. The ADC isn’t new territory for Elle, though, as she was named a Young Gun by the Club last year. Check out what Elle has to say in her delightful 10 ANSWERS below.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Experimental-Obsessive-Ephemeral.
2. Who is your creative role model?
There are so many people including mentors, friends, family, and other artists. But in general I get inspired by fellow designers/artists/makers who forge their own path with confidence and grace.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I would like to wake up an hour early and start my day with a walk and some fresh air, but honestly I might end up having that extra hour of sleep.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
It’s not really a specific location but whenever I see or experience something that reminds me of how small I am in this world. It’s an overwhelming and humbling experience.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Chef Anthony Bourdain’s job on travel channel. I would like to travel all around the world, eat and meet new people and get paid for all that. I would need more than a day.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
I’m a good gift buyer. (I think. And I hope so.)
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
At the moment it would be a velvet bowler hat custom made for me by a good friend and an amazing milliner, Brookes Boswell.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be yourself. Do your best. And there will be no regrets.
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
There are quite a few and I visit them randomly. The ones that I visited recently are Eley Kishimoto, threeasfour, Rodarte, It’s Nice that, Patternity, art21 and TED to name a few.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When the deadline arrives. If I didn’t set up a deadline for myself, I would continue to work on it forever.
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