How Kent Wood moved from kinesiology to motion-brand design and launched Kwoo Studio in Manchester

# Overview

# Background and why he changed course Wood grew up in the Caribbean, moved to Florida for university and studied kinesiology. He later ran a wholesale business supplying hotels and restaurants. That business required long hours and constant adaptation amid shrinking margins, rising costs, and supply-chain disruption. Those pressures prompted him to reassess his long-term future in that sector.

The move to the UK coincided with his partner accepting an academic role. The relocation presented an opportunity to begin a new professional chapter and pursue design full time.

# How his prior experience informs his design work Running a business exposed him to many creative and marketing tasks: naming, logos, colours, typography, photography, copywriting, radio ads and building websites. He taught himself to use a DSLR and handled brand and marketing execution hands-on.

He describes this mix of practical marketing and brand work as the foundation for his motion design practice. Those earlier responsibilities gave him direct experience with brand systems that he now extends into motion.

# What Kwoo Studio does Kwoo Studio focuses on "Motion Brand Design": converting a brand's existing static identity into a motion identity. That means building motion systems so logos, typography and visual elements move consistently across platforms, rather than relying on static guidelines.

# Promotion, audience and community

# Practical takeaways for someone considering a similar pivot

• Leverage transferable skills: hands-on brand work, marketing, photography and copywriting translated into motion design capability.
• Use social sharing: posting case studies and personal progress can generate connections and client interest.
• Treat relocation as an opportunity: moves tied to personal relationships can create the space for professional reinvention.
• Focus your offer: defining a clear service (motion identity systems) helps position a small studio in a crowded market.

# Final note Kent Wood's path is an example of a layered career change that built on past business responsibilities and personal decisions. He has turned those experiences into a specific studio practice and is integrating into the Manchester creative scene.