Kent Wood Pivots to Motion Design at 30, Launches Kwoo Studio in Manchester

Kent Wood, founder of Kwoo Studio, has made a significant career pivot from business to motion design, relocating from the US to Manchester, England. Wood, who grew up in the Caribbean and studied kinesiology in Florida, previously ran a wholesale distribution company. He moved to Manchester to support his partner, who returned to academia. His studio creates motion systems for brands, transforming static identities into motion identities, a practice he calls Motion Brand Design. He has shared his journey and work online, including a concept case study for fictional furniture brand Belo, which gained attention. Wood emphasizes the importance of self-promotion and digital presence for creatives, noting that sharing his story has led to networking opportunities and a meeting with a studio. He also praises the welcoming Northern creative community and hopes to engage more with events like Process, The Northern Design Festival, and Motion North. His pivot reflects broader trends of career changes amid AI and economic pressures, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.