We caught up with the brilliant and insightful TJ Park a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

TJ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My heroes are the mentors I’ve had in school and at work. As an Asian man moving from South Korea to America in my late 20s, I faced a steep learning curve—adapting to a new culture, learning to communicate confidently in English, and proving myself in a professional setting. During those challenging times, there was always a professor or a manager who recognized my strengths and supported me, often more than I believed in myself.

They taught me that success isn’t just about creating great work; it’s about collaboration and helping others grow. In this industry, teamwork is everything, and being able to identify and nurture someone else’s talent is just as important as honing your own. Their ability to lead with both skill and care deeply influenced me, and now I strive to embody those qualities in how I work with others.

TJ, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a New York-based art director and designer passionate about creating solution-centered digital designs and visual narratives. Originally from South Korea, I studied interactive design before moving to New York City to pursue advertising at the School of Visual Arts. Over the years, I’ve become a multidisciplinary visual storyteller, working seamlessly across categories and mediums—from integrated campaigns to interactive design and branding.

I’ve had the privilege of working as an art director at Wunderman Thompson and Deutsch New York, where I created campaigns for various global brands. These experiences helped shape my perspective on blending creativity with strategy to deliver impactful work.

Currently, I work as an associate creative director in the creative marketing group at Verizon New York, where I focus on enhancing the brand’s communication with customers in more meaningful and engaging ways.

Outside of work, I’m an avid street photographer, always looking to capture the unique stories unfolding on the streets of New York.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goals evolve as the creative industry continues to change rapidly. Right now, I’m focused on exploring how I can maximize my abilities by integrating AI into my work. The rise of powerful AI tools is reshaping the creative landscape, and I’m excited about the opportunities it presents. I’m looking forward to embracing this new era and discovering innovative ways to push the boundaries of creativity.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being a creative is such a broad concept—it’s hard to define, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. What I love most is that it allows me to live with a childlike curiosity, no matter my age. I strive to stay fresh and flexible in my thinking, always seeking inspiration from the world around me, especially in the dynamic energy of the city. The freedom to explore, adapt, and never be confined to one thing while still growing professionally is for me the best part of being a creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tjpark.work/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.pic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-park-3b0a7972/
• Other: This is the interview that I’ve done few years ago about my street photography:https://streetphotographymagazine.com/article/tj-park-on-street-photography/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY51PJqGeTFxPybqHk8FPUH1Gdz3HlVWTZ3myM_TW6YMJE_ZJHvciblFKg_aem_CoiBFGbkErjdlvcSSX6dSw

Image Credits

I was not able to share my company work so instead I shared my street photography work.