People of Barkley: Kim Chungong
Kim Chungong Copywriter
Hello, hello! My name is Kim. I am part of the inaugural class of the new Barkley Creative Accelerator program or as we like to call ourselves, the Creative Cadetz! I am more focused on the art direction path, but during my short time here at Barkley, I’ve been told I might have a knack for writing so maybe I’ll become a jack of all trades.
“I’ve had a lifetime love of art ever since I saw my older brother drawing cool Dragonball Z characters as a kid. Like any younger sibling I copied my brother and never really put the pencil down. My love of art is what led me to advertising. I wanted to do something where I could channel my creative energy and where each day was different.”
A little bit about myself, I like to call myself a KC native but I actually grew up in the suburbs of Lee’s Summit about 30 minutes outside Kansas City. I went to college in Lincoln, NE where I majored in advertising and public relations, with a heavy emphasis in visual communication and art direction. I graduated in 2020 which was an interesting year to officially become an adult because this little thing called COVID threw a kink in all my life plans. But it led me to Barkley so I’m not bitter about it (as much anymore).
I’ve had a lifetime love of art ever since I saw my older brother drawing cool Dragonball Z characters as a kid. Like any younger sibling I copied my brother and never really put the pencil down. My love of art is what led me to advertising. I wanted to do something where I could channel my creative energy and where each day was different. I can confidently say I landed in the right place.
Five questions with Kim Chungong
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Not to be a stereotypical Zoomer, but I really can’t live without my phone. I can do so much on it besides just entertaining myself. My phone is my alarm clock, my calendar, my second computer, basically my own personal assistant the way it makes life easier for me. Essentially, the quickest way to plot my downfall is to take my phone away from me.
What’s one belief or mantra you wished everyone held?
When Lil Nas X said “It’s okay to be delusional when you’re chasing your dreams” that really resonated with me. I’m a strong believer that everyone benefits from being a little bit delusional (a healthy amount). Being delusional gives you agency to make reality how you see it. It gives you control over your own narrative.
If I wasn't a tad delusional myself I wouldn’t be where I am today! By being a little delusional I’ve been able to dream big and haven’t let my inhibitions stop me. A delusional mind is a very powerful thing!
What's an unpopular opinion you feel strongly about?
Being boring is one of the worst things a person can be. There are so many fascinating things in this world and we have access to the entire globe at our fingertips, so I see no excuse for being boring. Your mother didn’t grow you for nine months just for you to be dull. You only have one life, so live it!
Who or what is your creative muse?
My creative muse is Beyoncé. Every time I see her perform or she drops new visuals, I am in awe. She puts so much thought, effort, and love into her craft and it shows every time. I love how she’s pulled from her own past and black culture to inspire her more recent work. And at this point she’s only competing with herself and that’s a great mentality to have. Don’t compare yourself to others and worry about what they’re doing. Just focus on you and try to do better than your last.
What is something you never thought you'd be able to do, until you actually did it?
Before I left for college in Nebraska (GO BIG RED!) I was extremely nervous about moving to a new state where I didn’t know anybody. I was worried about making new friends and how to navigate life on my own. But once I got through that first semester and made friends and joined some clubs, I learned that I am capable of surviving, and sometimes thriving, in a new place, even if it’s only lil Lincoln, NE (I say this with love). Now I feel like I can conquer any new beginning life throws at me!
Anything else we forgot to ask you?
You didn’t ask but I’m going to give you a schpiel about my current obsessions so you can know more about me.
I have spent most of my life hiding it, but am slowly coming to terms and being vocal about being a weeb (check the urban dictionary for those unfamiliar with the term) and have been into anime since I was five. I literally could not start my day until I knew Sailor Moon had saved the day every morning. But I don’t just love Japanese animation. There’s a lot of great American adult animation I’m obsessed with like Bob’s Burgers and Netflix’s Arcane just to name a few.
I would consider myself a Beyoncé fanatic but my current fave musician is Doja Cat. I just really love her music and her performances? Jaw dropping. No one’s doing it like her and you can argue with your mama, not me. I’m also really into Megan thee Stallion. I just love her energy and when she has a hit, it slaps!
I also kind of live at the movie theater. I love watching movies because it’s a great escape from reality. There’s just something about going out with friends, a bucket of movie popcorn, and getting fully immersed in the plot. Bonus points if Nicole Kidman makes her appearance in her sparkling suit before the movie.
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People of Barkley
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