Here are my thoughts
I am always fascinated with understanding how things work. Since my childhood years, my interest has always been investigating inner workings or what's behind the curtain. Whether it's mechanical, software, process – these have peaked my curiosity to try and unravel the mystery. That curiosity took me to ArtCenter College of Design where I graduated with a BFA degree in Graphics and Packaging Design. While a student, the world of interactive was starting and it gave me the perfect path to pursue as a career. It allowed me to merge my love of design with my desire to make it real with programming. It's a marriage made in heaven.
It begins with curiosity
Experience and leadership counts
My career journey has been blessed with staying in the interactive industry since the beginning. The first project I designed was a CD-ROM. While that may be old and dated, it's a testament to the experience I have accumulated across 30 years. My knowledge and skill set grew with the industry. Through it all, I adapted and learned new technologies while navigating new challenges. Working with various industries including financial, automotive, insurance, healthcare and many others, I have witnessed the different landscapes that come with solving client problems.
Through the years, I have become a leader to peers. They have turned to me for career advice and life lessons. I pride myself in helping others with their goals, and continue to do so to this day. I have an innate ability to harness the best out of my teammates while building lifelong friendships.
Career lessons
While the industry continues to grow and adjust with changing times, there are some key lessons I've learned and abide by.
Curiosity never goes out of style. My innate curiosity from childhood continues to propel my love and enjoyment when solving client problems. No matter how different or diverse the challenges are, spending time to understand their needs is key.
Teamwork and collaboration give the best outcome. Surrounding myself with different perspectives provide solutions that consider various points of view. This ensures a more holistic answer to the problem at hand.
People matter. At the center of any project are the people we work with everyday. Working with the team should not just be words but instead a practice. Whether they are clients or teammates, each person brings value to the team.
Excerpts from LinkedIn recommendations
Kendrick has an incredible ability to balance creativity, strategy, and execution while inspiring those around him to achieve exceptional results. His unique understanding of business, information architecture, design, and engineering allows him to lead large, complex projects with clarity and precision.
Matt Stevens
Associate Director at Accenture
Over the course of our 20-year friendship and professional partnership, at Designory and Accenture, I have witnessed firsthand his unmatched talent, unwavering dedication, and natural ability to inspire those around him.
Jessica Garrido-Sul
Creative Director at Accenture
Kendrick is a rare creative that understands both the ins-and-outs of creative direction and visual design, while balancing the strategic and user focused guidance of user experience and interaction design. Kendrick is also an amazing manager, taking into consideration his teams career goals, work life balance, and overall satisfaction in the work they do.
Azia Foster
Sr. Design Manager at Accenture
