Artist Series 01:
Steve Kim
Steve Kim is a Korean Canadian photographer and videographer based in Vancouver, whose creative journey is deeply shaped by his family and early experiences. The son of a professional drummer and a “jack-of-all-trades” mother, Steve moved to Canada at the age of two. His early years were spent immersing himself in western pop culture and have greatly influenced his artistic style and the visual aesthetics he’s drawn to today. Steve’s professional path began in Vancouver’s music scene, where he collaborated with emerging musicians such as So Loki and bbno$. He later transitioned into product photography, which further honed his technical skills and expanded his creative horizons. Looking forward, Steve aims to some day pursue skilled trades, with a dream of eventually creating handcrafted furniture—a craft he describes as “romantic.” Steve is currently eager to explore new creative avenues that combine his love of visual storytelling with hands-on craftsmanship, no matter the medium.
True artistry can often be seen as something that should be admired from a distance. At Livestock, we believe that true artistry is in fact lived, experienced and carried with you. Our Artist Series brings this philosophy to life. Featuring exclusive designs by an eclectic range of artists, the series showcases unique styles and perspectives in a medium that’s well known and loved. Each individual piece speaks to its artist’s personal vision and process. From impressive visuals to understated elegance, each design conveys the boundless possibilities of creative exploration. Versatile, visionary & vibrant, dive into a collection that delivers exclusive wearable canvasses.
What is one piece of advice or a lesson you’ve learned that you’ve taken with you, artistic or otherwise?
Nothing is pointless, every skill and task is a transferable effort that will pay off in the future.
Is there a recurring motif or symbol in your work, and if so, what’s its significance?
I think a lot of my work circles back to my childhood and what I thought was cool back then. The thoughts were not diluted by any kind of embarrassment or responsibilities.
How does the medium of a t-shirt inspire or limit you compared to other forms of art you’ve explored?
Most of my creations are designed for digital screens, so seeing my designs screen-printed onto fabric was a completely new experience. It was inspiring to consider factors beyond the visual—such as texture, fabric, structure, and how the T-shirt would wear over time. This shift opened my eyes to the interplay between design and physical form.
How do you hope this collaboration with Livestock will connect with the audience, and what would you like them to take away?
I hope this inspires someone to go out and create something they’ve always wanted to do. Even if it comes from a place of hating the work I do and wanting to make something better, I love that.
What role does intuition play in your process? Do you find yourself conflicted between intuitively designing and following trends?
My intuition isn’t always accurate, and I tend to approach most trends with caution. This often leaves me on the less favorable side of that dynamic, but I’ve come to value the process of learning through my own mistakes. It’s far more rewarding and beneficial for my personal growth to analyze why things didn’t work as I had envisioned, allowing me to refine my approach and understanding.
Looking ahead, are there any dream projects or themes you’re eager to explore in your future work?
I dream of designing furniture one day, exploring the intersection of functionality and design. A vivid childhood memory inspires this passion: visiting my local public library in Surrey, where they had a set of Olivier Mourgue Bouloum chairs. I found them so fascinating and comfortable that I wanted to go there every day, just to read and lounge on those chairs. That experience left a lasting impression on me, and I aspire to create something that evokes a similar sense of wonder and comfort in others—a lasting memory tied to something I’ve crafted.
Do you see this collection with Livestock as a stepping stone toward any of these future aspirations?
Collaborating on the b.eautiful x Livestock collection and creating my own collection with Livestock ignited a deep passion for design and creativity. I’m incredibly grateful for these opportunities, which have inspired me to push my boundaries and explore new ideas. I’m excited about the potential to bring fresh perspectives and contributions to future projects.
