I’m Maryvi Kim, but you can call me V, my Vietnamese name. As the daughter of immigrants, pursuing a career in art and design felt like a distant dream—one that my family couldn’t afford. Yet, I chose to trust my instincts, believing that every experience led me to the path I follow today. Art has always been my voice, bringing me closer to those around me.

Starting elementary school with limited English, I found solace in drawing. It became my way of communicating with classmates; through cartoon characters and shared expressions, we formed connections that transcended words. Even at a young age, I discovered that art was my bridge to the world.

In high school, I joined the yearbook class, which introduced me to design and photography. Capturing moments and memories felt deeply special—I was able to document experiences for others to cherish forever. That’s where my love for photography blossomed, as I embraced the art of storytelling through the lens. My journey into design truly began with a desire to engage with the world around me.

By my senior year, I developed a close bond with my yearbook teacher, who encouraged me to design the yearbook template for our class. Spending that summer creating a ready-to-go template for my peers solidified my passion for design and my commitment to pursuing it as a lifelong career.

When I declared graphic design as my major, my parents, who had escaped the Vietnam War, struggled to understand. To them, graphic design was a luxury they never knew. They envisioned a different path for me, but I followed my heart, believing in the power of art and design to connect people. I took a chance, hoping to inspire future generations to take risks and believe in themselves.

After graduation, I landed my first job designing for Ford Motor Company and Lincoln auto shows. Walking my parents through the world I had helped create was a proud moment; it was then that they understood my American dream.

Today, I specialize in experiential design—creating immersive spaces where people can engage with my work. I strive to build meaningful connections through my unique perspective, viewing design as a means of forging bonds and sharing stories. Pursuing design is a luxury my immigrant family didn’t have, and with my voice—no matter how small—I aim to nurture and celebrate the connections that enrich our shared human experience.