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Kim MANDILAG
Creative Director | LA MER
My education and life experience has allowed me to take full advantage of my passions in life and lead an eclectic career path. Getting a degree in architecture sculpted the way my mind views endless possibilities of what can come from creativity. It not only taught me work ethic and endurance from all-nighters in studios, it allowed me to use the skills I’ve obtained and bring my talents into different industries that one typically wouldn’t pursue from architecture. I’ve worked in architecture firms, creative agencies, print, film / visual effects, fitness, dance, and now the beauty industry where I am the Creative Director for La Mer North America. My biggest advice to someone navigating the creative industry is to not box yourself into one category. Get out there and experience different aspects of design and build that foundation under you. It will help you strengthen your skills and lead you on a path to success.
questionnaire
1. What was your very first job?
When I was 14 I was a soccer referee as I thought I was going to be a professional soccer player.
2. How did you discover that the creative world was right for you? Was there a time in your life that you credit to this discovery? Was there a train of events that brought you where you are today?
As a child I wanted to be an Imagineer at Disney. I was always drawing and inventing / building things. I would take things apart and put them back together to create something new. I was always a problem solver and would look at things and figure out ways of how they could be made better. I knew that my imagination would lead me to have a career in design.
3. In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how do you find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant?
I love to travel and am constantly taking photos of inspiration as I explore the world. I try to keep current with what other brands are doing as well and keep in contact with my network of artists and designers to collaborate on what new finds we have discovered in the creative industry. We try and push each other to break the mold and constantly think outside the box. It’s inspiring to speak to others who share the same excitement as you in regards to new innovated ways of thinking/designing.
5. If you had to pick one piece of work or project that you are most proud of, more for the creative work and innovation rather than its recognition or industry success what would it be?
I would say I’m most proud of the visual effects I did for a Scorsese film. I’m most proud of it because I never thought as someone with an architecture background, I would have the opportunity to learn a proprietary software and have my name in the credits of a major motion picture. To me, that blew my mind that there are endless opportunities out there to put my skills into.
6. Which creative disciplines do you commission most, and are most interested in seeing more of and why? Which of these disciplines are you most interested in seeing at CONNECTIONS? (ie photo, film, production, social, experiential, vr, cgi, animation etc)
Working with so many diverse aspects in design and figuring new ways to connect people, I’m most interested in social, experiential, VR, CGI and animation. I think the way the world is evolving, having the connection through media and the ability to see immediate result can change how we experience life.
