Outside a rustic coffee shop, the L.A traffic becomes ambient noise to the cool and confident voices of Dawn Lee and Sophiea Kim. This pair of ultimate girl bosses exude energy wearing a contemporary black pantsuit mixed with streetwear and an all-black look paired with a leather jacket. They speak and present themselves with determination, passion, and enjoyment for their business. Looks and laughter are exchanged over the journey only they’ve endured navigating their company. Together this duo employs creativity, business, and friendship in their vision and work for graphic design.
Dawn Lee Design Studio or DLD Studio is a one-stop shop in the world of graphics. Dawn Lee (founder, art director, and lead designer) and Sophiea Kim (co-founder and business developer) formed DLD Studio in 2018, located in Downtown Los Angeles. Their team creates long term relationships with their clients and provide a wide range of services from strategy, design, and promotion. They’ve worked with content creators Jenn Im, LaurDIY, Marianna Hewitt, and beauty brands like Colourpop and Fenty Beauty, just to name a few. |
LaurDIY Vlog Intro
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What is your design process when meeting with clients and producing content?
“I had to really figure out and know my specific style. Then when you add in clients and work with so many people, you have to be able to navigate and keep each client’s individuality. For us, it’s extremely important to meet our client in person and get to know them. To be able to have a conversation and build that relationship, it really helps me understand who they are as people and what they're trying to put out. This process allows me to visually translate that knowledge I have of them into their branding. |
What has been difficult with expanding DLD studio?
“This industry is so fast-paced with quick changes that bring different challenges alongside being a woman. We want to spread the message that you can be your own boss and pave a unconventional way for yourself. We’ve had instances where comments have been made on our appearance and being younger girls. Don't listen to what other people are telling you how you should appear in a specific job. As long as you know you're doing a good job and delivering then you’re just as professional. With your own company, you need to keep in mind the type of energy you want to bring in. A reason I think we have grown so fast and stayed focused is that we’re equally working on personal growth; the two go in hand and hand.” |
“You need to believe in your work and have persistence. At first, the money may not be there, and freelancing is unpredictable. You need to be willing to risk it for growth in your company. It’s going to be a high risk and reward situation."Dawn and Sophiea return to DLD World-their new office space to fill with animated graphics and textures. In the two-story branded atmosphere, their team meets and holds graphic design classes. They create content to educate and inform students, design enthusiasts, and professionals via Instagram and Youtube. The burgeoning streets and sounds of Los Angeles remain as a background to their colorful world.
To view more of DLD Studio’s work visit: https://dld.studio |
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