Meet Mia Dwyer-kim

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mia Dwyer-kim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Mia with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

Growing up, dance was everything to me. I spent hours every day in the studio, developing the discipline, resilience, and focus that have become my foundation. Dance taught me that mastery takes hard work and consistency, which is the same approach I now bring to graphic design. Even though I’m not performing as much as I use to, I still rely on the dedication and teamwork I learned in dance. The drive to constantly improve and collaborate seamlessly with others continues to guide my work, pushing me to bring out the best in every project.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I work for Dropouts Media, a dynamic company started by Zach Justice that includes projects like *Dropouts Podcast* and *The Lunch Table*. It’s an exciting place to be because we collaborate with major platforms like Spotify and Patreon, creating content that reaches wide audiences. Being part of Dropouts Media allows me to develop graphics that not only define each show’s identity but also resonate with listeners across different platforms. It’s special to see my designs help shape these shows as they grow and connect with fans in fresh, engaging ways.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, collaboration, and adaptability. Resilience, which I learned early on through dance, taught me to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. In creative fields, setbacks are part of the process, and it’s essential to stay patient and embrace constructive criticism. For anyone just starting out, I’d say to take on challenging projects—they’re often the best opportunities for growth.

Collaboration has also been crucial. So much of design work is about listening, understanding different perspectives, and bringing a shared vision to life. Building this skill means practicing active listening and staying open to feedback. Networking is key, too; connecting with others across your industry can help you learn and grow in ways you wouldn’t expect.

Lastly, adaptability has allowed me to stay up-to-date with new trends and technologies in a constantly evolving field. From traditional design to digital media, I’ve seen the value of continuous learning. For those just beginning, I’d recommend exploring different areas of design and picking up new tools and techniques—they’ll make you more versatile and competitive. By focusing on these qualities, you’ll build the grit, connections, and knowledge base needed to thrive in a creative career.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believing in me. Their unwavering support and confidence in my abilities gave me the courage to pursue my passions and take risks in my career. The arts is not an easy career to go into, as there is so much uncertainty and many unknowns along the way. But knowing that my parents believed in me, even when things were uncertain, gave me the strength to push through challenges and keep moving forward. They are still my biggest fans, as well as my biggest inspirations, constantly motivating me to aim higher and never settle for less than what I’m capable of achieving.

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