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About KiyViz

KiyViz is a design studio that creates and collaborates on content & visual planning for brands and special projects.

In other words, using design to tell stories.

Hi!I'm Derek Kiy.

I'm a multi-media designer that loves turning complex concepts into engaging stories.

I've been creating visual media since a small child and started my career as a designer over a decade ago.

During that time, I've worked in a variety of sectors but found a particular interest in museums and cultural institutions.

Learning is one of my favorite things to do. Using design to make learning easier for others is my passion.

I am a creative professional with 8+ years of storytelling experience in a variety of mediums.

I tackle projects with a mix of graphic design, content development, and production skillsets.

I have experience interpreting complex content from STEM or cultural history subjects ranging from defense aerospace to Hawaiian cowboys.

I learned valuable exhibit design experience at Ralph Appelbaum Associates, independent design work, and Political Science education from Oberlin College have all contributed to my interdisciplinary style of design thinking.

My skills marry left brain curiosity and critical thinking with right brain ideation and creativity to deliver high-impact storytelling.

If you have a story, I'd love to learn about it and help tell it.
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Researcher & Scholar

Well-seasoned researcher and note-taker.

I have a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from Oberlin College.

Artist & Designer

Life-long creative and visualizer.
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I have made art with physical media since a small child, have used the Adobe Creative Suite since a tween, and started my design career as a young adult.

Content Coordinator

Experienced sleeves-up production assistant.

I am comfortable orchestrating the behind-of-scenes work of developing content, getting stakeholders to agree, and then getting into the gory details of getting it done. Sometimes, creative projects require licensing paperwork and spreadsheets.

Enthusiastic Nerd

Life-long learner and easy-excited nerd.

While learning is often a means to an end, I personally love the process. I am a voracious consumer of information and enjoy reading, documentaries, podcasts, and conversations with others. I'm happiest when learning something new.

Expertise& Services.

Cultural Interpretation

Exhibition Planning

Do you have a story that you want to turn into an exhibition? Kiyviz can help you plan it.

Kiyviz has experience working within complex interdisciplinary team environments to execute on regional and international exhibitions. Kiyviz can coordinate content and graphic design and work with your fabricator or architectural team to deliver an engaging, story-rich exhibition that visitors will remember and talk about.

Content Development

Do you have a story that needs some help with the details?

Kiyviz can provide research and writing assistance for your story. Develop a communication strategy that is story first and medium-agnostic.

Asset Acquisition & Licensing

Does your story have assets that exist but need to be acquired?

Kiyviz can research options and then coordinate image licensing on your behalf. Leverage Kiyviz’s experience acquiring image licensing from both institutional and informal sources from around the world.

Review & Professional Critique

Do you need a fresh set of eyes to review your current project?

Kiyviz can provide an additional source of critique that is seasoned in both big-picture thinking and detail-oriented execution.

Design & Branding

Identity Analysis

Do you need help figuring out where your story fits?

Kiyviz can help you parse the noisy world of visual-identity within your niche. Kiyviz can provide design analysis and research of your niche.

Identity Systems

Do you need help developing your story’s identity?

Kiyviz can create a clear and unique identity that will stick in the minds of your audience. You will leave with all the graphic assets (and guidelines!) you need to support your vision.

Digital Graphics

Does your story need a picture that’s worth a thousand words?

Kiyviz can create production-ready graphics for your digital story projects such as your website, ad campaigns, social media posts, or video edits. Kiyviz’s custom graphics can give your story an edge to cut through the current norms of ultra-high-volume generated imagery.

Print Graphics

Does your story need to exist in the real physical world?

Kiyviz can work with your fabricator or printer to design high-quality prints to entrench your story in the physical world. Ensure your story remains concise, legible, and aesthetic with a custom Kiyviz print design.