President & Art Director
Kim brings unflagging energy, deep passions and leads creative teams to deliver unique brand experiences. She has held positions as art director and creative director for agencies and the client side, plus, was an ad hoc professor of design at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, sharing her consummate eye and real-world experience with senior-level design students.
She founded design firm, Watergraphics, in 1998 with one mission: do good work for good people. Kim collects the best designers, illustrators, photographers, videographers, production experts, copywriters, project managers, and strategists, including amazing vendors—all work as a synergized well oiled machine embracing challenge with a dramatic shift in the way business is done—more transparency, collaboration, democracy, innovation—and ultimately more value
On a daily basis Kim is consumed with how graphic design and package design can help clients stand out from the clutter. She and her team have designed for and differentiated products ranging from personal aircraft and performance bikes to luxury resorts and anti-aging skin care products.
An accomplished athlete, Kim swims 1+ kilometers daily in a Central Florida swampy-lake—alligators??? Did someone say: “alligators!” She’s competed in many triathlons (just for the fun of it). In addition, she’s a certified ski instructor and taught at Keystone Resort, Keystone Colorado and has two ACL repairs to prove it.
Kim’s love for design extends to the built environment, industrial products and to her home, a mid-century modern filled with designer furniture including Milo Baughman pieces inherited from her childhood home. She even named her neurotic Jack Russell Terrier, Neutra (after the Austrian-American architect, Richard Neutra).
Hawkins loves being outside in the sunshine—when there’s an option to sit inside—or outside—you can guess where you can find Hawkins—with the sunshine beaming down and a smile on her face.
Motto: Rule Number ONE: HAVE FUN!
Fashion Statement: Dress for yourself; if it makes YOU feel great—it is great
Favorite Designer: Pucci
Little Known Fact: While working at a conservative healthcare organization, more than five colleagues complained to a superior about my attire (red tights). My response: “but they’re ARMANI!” I quit the next day.