Kim Bui is a Norfolk native who loves bringing ideas to life through creative communication and eye-catching visuals. From logos and menu layouts to personal nail art, she thrives on new challenges and finding fresh ways to make designs stand out. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Pace University, where she focused on copywriting and digital art—building the foundation for her editorial and design career.
Her work has appeared in publications like Martha Stewart, Nails Magazine, Viet Salon, and Luna Luna Magazine. Most recently, she collaborated with the New Jersey Devils Youth Foundation to edit and design their 2024 Impact Report. On the lighter side, her volunteer projects with Briar Patch Animal Rescue provided her with the opportunity to create playful merchandise and educational materials that showcased their animal ambassadors.
Kim is currently open to new creative opportunities. When she’s not working, you can usually find her with her adopted cat, Buddy, exploring the aisles of a craft store, or trying to keep up with watering her mom’s jungle of plants.
Pictured: Kim’s vinyl wrap project:
Title: Welcome to the Family
Date: September 30th
Size: 2050x 2050px
Media: Hand-drawn & Digital Illustration
Year: 2025
The Southside of Norfolk, VA is more than just oceanside views and sandy beaches—it’s also home to lush botanical gardens, vibrant foliage, and the changing colors that define Virginia’s seasons. Among these, the ginkgo biloba trees in Hampton Roads are a rare and striking sight. Yet beyond the trees, our city and state support an abundance of wildlife and plants that often go unnoticed.
The persimmon, a fruit I hold close to heart, captures this quiet abundance. When seen alongside the luminous ginkgo, it becomes more than a botanical pairing—it becomes a reflection of community, culture, and connection.
In Southeast Asian traditions, ginkgo leaves symbolize endurance, while persimmons and other fruits are often offered as gifts of warmth and hospitality. Together, they reflect both my heritage and the Southern spirit of generosity in which I was raised.
Through color and form, I wanted my illustrations to carry that same spirit forward—to invite viewers closer, to brighten the everyday rhythms of a commute, and to honor the beauty that grows all around us. To see them displayed in our community is an honor, a gesture of gratitude to the place that has shaped me.
