Experiences that made me Cody King

In this series, we ask Imagination talent all about the experiences that have made them who they are. This month we spoke to Cody King, 2D Designer from our New York studio.

A bit about me… 

Where to start? I’m an outdoorsy person with a deep love for nature and extreme sports, thanks to growing up skiing, climbing, and camping in the Colorado mountains. While I live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy working out, I also have a soft spot for Dippin' Dots and doughnuts—my guilty pleasures.

I love switching up my hairstyle regularly (gotta keep things spicy!) and am one of the biggest dog lovers you’ll ever meet. When it comes to design, my style swings between dark and ominous and colourful and bubbly, likely influenced by my obsession with gothic architecture and Disney movies.

The creative experience that influenced me the most…

My experiences at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Golden, Colorado, stand out the most. The venue is legendary, and I've been fortunate enough to witness a wide range of musical performances there.

One performance that particularly inspired me was Gramatik’s Re:Coil show in 2017. His approach to graphics and stage design was nothing short of remarkable. The style and motion of the visuals, their seamless integration with the music, and the interplay of light and sound created a masterful aesthetic that ignited my passion for design and marked the beginning of my journey into the field.

My industry hero is…

Refik Anadol. His installations are absolutely stunning and infused with a profound depth and meaning that resonate deeply with those who experience them. The way he seamlessly merges AI technology with design feels almost magical, creating dream-like worlds where every element is perfectly balanced, intentional, and brimming with emotion.

The piece of work I’m most proud of…

The project I’m most proud of is the 2023 NFL London Games. We transformed Tottenham Stadium both inside and out, delivering over 200 graphic assets created from a sophisticated design system we developed the previous year.

Seeing our work featured prominently on TV, social media, and in front of a massive live audience was incredibly rewarding. It marked a significant milestone for me, being the most widely viewed project I’ve ever been a part of and my first major leadership role.

The piece of work that makes me cringe… 

I used to do UI design for a medical company, which primarily involved sourcing some rather dull imagery. It wasn’t the most exciting day-to-day work, but it did push me to seek out a more inspiring creative role.

The experience I wish I had created… 

The 'Inside Rolls-Royce' exhibition. Rolls-Royce has always been a dream client, and this project exemplifies the kind of work I aspire to create - connecting with people on a deeper, emotional level, beyond just striking visuals. The team’s innovative approach transformed the brand’s craftsmanship into a unique art gallery experience, engaging new audiences in a memorable way. It’s a perfect illustration of how design can elevate a brand through meaningful and impactful experiences, and I would have loved to be a part of it.

Advice to my 18-year-old self… 

Follow your heart and trust in your work. Don’t just aim to live comfortably; life is about inspiring others and pushing boundaries. Be confident in your creativity, and don’t be afraid to take risks. It's in those bold moves where you'll find the most growth and fulfilment. Embrace challenges, learn from failures, and always stay true to what drives your passion. That’s where the real magic happens.

What’s next? 

I’m really excited about expanding my knowledge into 3D design, especially with Unreal Engine. Although I don’t have a formal background in 3D modelling, I used to experiment with it quite a bit during my master's program and in my free time. Learning Unreal Engine will not only enhance my skill set but also allow me to explore new creative avenues and contribute in more versatile ways to our projects.