About me
Hello World, I'm Karina Chow.Currently, I am pursuing a Masters in Professional Studies in Interactive Telecommunications at New York University to study the intersection of art and technology through examining and learning about emerging technologies like mixed reality, e-textiles, algo/AI art, projection mapping, and so on. My undergraduate degree was a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Human-Computer Interaction from Carnegie Mellon University.
Prior to starting graduate school, I spent a decade as a software engineer in the San Francisco tech scene. I've worked in social networking at Yammer, non-medical home care at Honor, and the creator economy space at Patreon. I've spoken both at tech conferences about frontend infrastructure and design systems as well as at conferences about disabilities, accessibility, and mental health.
My work has ranged from software engineering to UX research to design, specifically graphic design and illustration, pitch deck preparation, and animation work. I've also worked as a consultant, contractor, and freelancer in these areas of expertise under my own business, KACHOW! LLC.
For the last few years, I've worked primarily with pre-seed round startups, utilizing all my skills to help them get off the ground. Today, I have a couple subcontractors to help me better serve my clients.
If you find me elsewhere online, you'll often see the tagline "Screw the rules, I have green hair", which is both a meme and a nod to a certain content creator. This has become my motto and life's philosophy:
As time marches on, rules are often meant to be broken to make way for new rules and realities.
Interdisciplinary thinker
Starting something? Chances are, I can help.
- creating wireframe UI designs
- making interactive prototype demos
- consulting with startups on their UX
- auditing products for UX improvements
- conducting UX research with potential users
- building webapps from scratch
- making delightful CSS animations
- leading frontend infrastructure teams
- communicating technical concepts to the layman
- mentoring budding junior engineers
Me
KACHOW! Digest
Sometimes I write things, and no, I don't use AI (yet?). I write about mental health, web accessibility, technical recruiting, and about the tech industry in general. Sometimes I even write about random topics, too.
You can view all my articles and follow me on Medium.
- Jan 11th 2022 | Issue #10KACHOW!
Bipolar Disorder, Trauma, and Love
- May 5th 2022 | Issue #9KACHOW!
Powerful Strategies to Minimize Risk When Releasing New Features
- Jun 14th 2022 | Issue #8KACHOW!
How to Address Negative Thought Patterns and Rumination
- Oct 28th 2022 | Issue #7KACHOW!
Using the Implosion Method to Explore Everyday Objects
- Nov 1st 2022 | Issue #6KACHOW!
Late to the AI Art Party and Playing Catch-Up?
- Nov 8th 2022 | Issue #5KACHOW!
It’s Never too Late to Fulfill your Dream of Studying Abroad
- May 30th 2023 | Issue #4KACHOW!
How to Incorporate the Best Benefits of Pair Programming in your Interviews
- Jun 13th 2023 | Issue #3KACHOW!
Looking for a new hobby? Learn a Martial Art
- Oct 26th 2023 | Issue #2KACHOW!
Exploring the Psychology Behind Persona 5
- Jan 7th 2024 | Issue #1KACHOW!
Embracing the absurd in your design practices
“Screw the rules, I have green hair”