Meet Jackie Kim, our summer studio assistant!

Hi Jackie! So, tell me about your background - where are you from, where did you go to school, and what did you major in?

I grew up in Plano, Texas (Dallas), and no I did not ride horses daily. For high school I moved to Southern California and now here I am in New York City.  The change was huge, but my year in the city has been so exciting! Currently, I'm attending NYU for Marketing and T.V/Film, but I love fashion--so I guess you could say I study it on my own time.

Awesome! You're also working for Annie Leibovitz in addition to our studio. How the heck did you land that job?

Ha-ha, I think I get this question more than anything. I wish I could tell you that I ran into Annie Leibovitz on the street, charmed her with my charismatic wit, and she offered me an internship on the spot... but that's not true. Truth is, my friend's brother works for her and I sent in my resume through him. Nothing too exciting, but I'm still definitely one lucky girl. It's an amazing opportunity, and everyone is friendly! They're all willing to teach the interns how to do things, even though there are a million things going on in the studio.

Tell me about your first few weeks as a studio manager for Albert Cheung / Minnow Park Photography.

 Well, first thing - it's incredibly fun. It's a job that I get excited to go to. I think during the first week we were all getting use to working together so we were being polite and what not, but now that we are comfortable with each other, we joke around and make fun of each other and take creativity breaks and go to the roof. On the other hand, I'm constantly learning a lot from Albert and Minnow; they both have such different styles of photography. I like working with InDesign as well, which is one of the things that I'm doing for them. Each time I come in there's something new going on - new people dropping in, new gadgets arriving in their glorious brown cardboard boxes, new assignments, new events. It's really great! Other than that, the office is located in the Fashion District so it’s really fun to take a lunch break and see all the wonderfully dressed girls and boys running around.

 So you've got a passion for fashion. Tell us more about that.

I've always been drawn to fashion. I think it came from my mom; she's always in the chic-est ensembles. I always raid her closet whenever I'm home, although I think she prepares for it and stashes away all of her expensive pieces. For the most part, my style varies a lot. One day I'm wearing punk rock attire; you know boots, cut-offs, studs, and some days I like to class it up with a matching short-suit. It really depends on the day and my mood, and I think that's one of the best things about personal style. It allows you to be someone or make you feel a certain way. Sometimes if I'm having a bad day, it'll be because I don't feel comfortable in what I'm wearing. We live in a visual world! I really believe that clothes can make you who you want to be - well maybe not completely, but it definitely plays a big part.

Sweet. Name some design / brand influences that inspire you.

Design wise, I find myself lusting over Alexander Wang's simple pieces and ACNE. I also really like Katie Emirillo, YSL, Chanel, Sandro, Theory, Equipment-etc. Minimal and Clean. Of course, I can't afford to buy Alexander Wang and ACNE, all the time so I usually do pretty well at Zara, they have some really awesome stuff this season. When I want to get trendy pieces, I'll usually look into stores like LF, Nastygal.com, and Top Shop.

How does photography play a role in what you want to do?

I definitely see myself involved with photography in my future. Perhaps not behind the camera but more as a creative director or a producer for photo-shoots. Even more than photography, I'd love to work with video. Currently, I'm working on a fragrance ad. I'm very excited about that. Eventually I'd love to work with Tim Burton or Disney and create something incredible for them.

Do you have any tips for a college student who has a desire to work for a photographer or a creative studio?

Make yourself marketable, make your online portfolio awesome, constantly practice your craft, play around with Photoshop/InDesign, and fumble with Video's and new mediums. This industry is constantly changing and heading toward an even more digital age (if you can believe that). Ask yourself, what will set you apart? Then when you're ready and you're applying, remember to use your school's connections and alumni! Lastly, collaborate with young talented people like yourself. You can learn something from everyone! 

 What is one thing that you wish you had known during your first job or internship?

 Always dress comfortably on a photo shoot day--you'll be running around like crazy.

Thanks so much Jackie! -Albert