This month, we had the opportunity to get to know Kevin Mooney, Jr., owner and creative mind behind Kinetik Media. Kevin shares his story about how he started out in the design industry, his unique approach and mentality, and his motivation to help his clients become energized about their creations.
Tell us about your company and what you do?
Kinetik Media is a visual design company.
I work with companies to create, enhance or refresh their brand–whether that’s a new identity or various brand elements. I also do product design, either by product visualization of an existing product, or helping create new product concepts. I’ve been blessed to work with a lot of great people and brands like Apple, ESPN, Nike and other tech companies over the years.
Can you give an example of how that works? If I had a product that I needed a design for, what would your part be in the process?
For example, your mechanical engineer team would figure out function (of the product) based on the form, and I would provide or render conceptual images around what the product might look like.
How did you get started in your industry?
My father was in the Bay Area tech business when I was growing up, so I got exposure to computers and software at an early age. I learned a ton from him when I was young about technology, operating computers– you know, the nerdy stuff. My mom was an art teacher, and good at natural media, so I was always drawing and coloring and learning from her. I had just finished playing my second year of college football after an injury cut my season short. I was feeling a bit lost and not sure what I wanted to do, so my dad had told me about an up-and-coming profession in the world of graphic design. I took my parent’s advice and put all my artwork, both digital and analog, into a cheap binder, took an interview with an interactive agency. I was hired on the spot. I haven’t looked back; I love what I do.
Why did you call your company “Kinetik Media”?
“Kinetic” is to be dynamic or have movement. Kinetic to me was a buzz word before it was a buzz word—I want do design for companies and clients to get them energized and get them excited, to move their business along, whether it’s a product that they’re trying to sell, an idea or a story they’re trying to tell, or a brand. If I can be involved, in a dynamic way, in that process and help their business, then I’m getting the chance to help them, and I’m very passionate about that. I think that stems from my faith—I’m a Christian—and I think always putting people first or helping others is something I truly get excited about. I get excited when the client gets excited, or when the product that I was a part of designing or visualizing takes off and has a lot of success. I love that.
The word kinetic came from the idea of helping put businesses in motion, and then media was because it’s not a one-trick pony. There are a lot of designers and schools of thought that say you have to stick to one thing, and I thought well, I can stick to the things that I’m good at, and if that means there’s more than one thing I’m good at, then I’ll do all the things I’m good at and I like doing. And it was a play on my initials—so Kevin Mooney, the KM. If you look at the logo, it has the k and then if you turn it on its side, and then there’s a hidden 13, which is the number of years I was at the agency before I decided to leave and go out on my own.
What advice do you have for others interested in Visual Design
Be passionate, don’t be afraid to learn, experiment and fail. Remain inspired by whatever energizes you creatively. Do your best to align your purpose with that passion.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I’d hope to grow a small team, mentor designers and provide any way I can for my employees. I want to continue to provide a high-level design that helps companies visually communicate their ideas.
Tell me about yourself?
I am a Christian, husband, father, friend, designer and coach who prefers quality over quantity. I grew up in the Bay Area, played football 9 years including 2 years of college. I started my profession at the age of 20.
Other than work, what are you passionate about?
Faith, love, creativity, friendship and helping others. I love Jesus, my wife and my kids very much. I try my best to put them first no question, it fuels me to know my faith is strong and my family is taken care of. I’ve been a coach for many years and enjoy helping kids grow and find confidence. It’s a great way to give back and volunteer my time to help others.
What types of activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy traveling, and anything social, date nights with my wife, time with friends. I enjoy movies and music.
I enjoy working out, I’m usually up around 4:15 a.m. to hit the gym. I love design, creativity and art whether it’s painting or drawing on my iPad. I love sports and coaching.
Why did you choose Business Workspaces and how has working here helped your business?
I left the agency world a little over three years ago and had been working from home. We recently moved and I had been missing being around people in an office setting so I felt like getting a space. Most agencies are open concepts, short walls so you can collaborate and it’s great creative energy. I started looking into offices, but I didn’t want to be alone in a room, and I wanted to be in El Dorado Hills, closer to home. When I came across Business Workspaces it was awesome, great people, a great building and amenities, and it was everything I needed for a great price. I definitely feel far more productive since being here. Being able to leave work at work, versus feeling like my computer is always accessible, has been a healthy change.
What makes you feel energized about your business?
When I see the hard work, time and creativity truly benefit the client, and to see them excited and proud of the end product.
Do you have a daily habit that helps you be more successful?
Routine, and always trying to improve. I love what I do, if I wasn’t doing this as a profession, I’d be doing it as a hobby. I’m always learning, reading and trying new things.
Do you have a book that you often recommend or gift to people? Why?
I have two.
The One Thing by Gary Keller. It’s an awesome book about filtering down the one thing that is most important to you or the most important thing at that moment. I feel like it can be applied to relationships, work, being productive–just about anything.
The second is Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull. It’s an inspiring story about how Pixar was born, how they remained successful and how to overcome obstacles in your creativity, business or leadership.
