Kia Rokni: Redefining Creativity Through Playfulness, Risk, and Legacy

In the latest episode of Cozy Corner with Hossein Nasiri, we explore the world of Kia Rokni, a multifaceted creator whose work continues to push the boundaries of music, advertising, and digital media. Kia is an artist who has transformed the landscape of digital content production, blending his playful nature with his intense passion for innovation. His creative journey is one of experimentation, risk-taking, and a deep desire to leave a lasting mark on the world. From his early days as a beatboxer to his rise as a creative powerhouse in advertising, Kia’s journey is one of reinvention, connection, and a constant drive for authenticity.

The Mischievous Spirit: From Childhood to Creative Visionary

Kia’s creative journey didn’t begin when he stepped into the world of digital advertising—it began long before that, in his school days, when his desire to stand out became evident. As a child, Kia was always the one trying to draw attention, not out of vanity but out of a deep-seated need to express himself and create something that would captivate others. “My mom would say to me every year, ‘Don’t make yourself stand out, okay? Don’t draw attention!’ And every year, I’d respond with ‘Sure, Mom!’ only to go ahead and do exactly the opposite,” Kia recalls with a chuckle.

For Kia, the need for attention wasn’t just about seeking approval; it was about pushing boundaries and exploring his creativity in new ways. “It wasn’t about being the center of attention for the sake of it; it was more about seeing the world differently and expressing that in a way people would notice,” Kia explains. As a child, he was already experimenting with different tools and skills—electronics, music, and, most notably, beatboxing. These early experiences would lay the foundation for his creative expression as an adult, helping him develop the unique style that would become his signature.

His drive to stand out wasn’t limited to performing in front of his classmates. Kia was constantly experimenting with technology and creativity. “When I was in school, instead of making a regular flashlight, I’d make a custom RGB lantern. I wanted people to look and think, ‘Wow, how did he do that?'” Kia recalls. His ability to use electronics, music, and creativity to surprise and engage people became a driving force in his creative life.

The Path to Advertising: Breaking the Mold

Kia’s entry into advertising was unconventional, just like the rest of his career. He didn’t take the typical route that many creatives follow—he didn’t simply jump into advertising because it seemed like the logical next step. Instead, he took a more personal approach, choosing to challenge the norms of advertising that were prevalent at the time. “I never liked the standard ads. The kind where everything is super polished, and it’s just selling a product without any emotional engagement. I wanted to create ads that were more than just advertisements. I wanted them to be a creative experience,” Kia says.

This desire to do things differently drove Kia to create ads that were not only visually appealing but also emotionally resonant. “It was about finding a new way to communicate with people,” Kia explains. His ads often incorporated elements of music, humor, and storytelling—elements that weren’t typically seen in the advertising world at the time. Whether it was turning a brand brief into a catchy song or using visuals that told a story, Kia made sure that his ads were always engaging, memorable, and different from the rest.

“My philosophy has always been simple: the right idea in the right place,” Kia says. For him, it’s not just about creating something creative; it’s about knowing when and where to share that creativity. Whether it’s a social media post, a commercial, or a music video, Kia’s creative process always revolves around finding the perfect platform to share his ideas.

Creative Collaborations: The Power of Teamwork

While Kia initially worked solo, he quickly realized that collaboration was key to his success. “At first, I thought I could do everything myself,” Kia says. “I’d write the scripts, make the music, handle the visuals—it was all on me.” However, as his projects grew, Kia began to understand the importance of building a team to support his creative vision. His team, including key collaborators like Amir Kiani (who handles visuals) and Pedram (who contributes to lyrics), played a crucial role in helping elevate his projects to new heights.

“When I started working with Amir and Pedram, I realized that having a trusted team around you is so important. They bring fresh ideas, they challenge me, and they help make the work even better,” Kia explains. Working with people who understand his creative vision has allowed Kia to bring his ideas to life in a way that he couldn’t have done alone. His collaborative approach has not only improved the quality of his work but has also allowed him to experiment and push the boundaries of what’s possible in his projects.

His ability to collaborate effectively with others has also helped him build a reputation for consistency. “Even when I’m not physically involved in every detail, you can still tell that it’s my work. It’s got my signature on it,” Kia says. This consistency is one of the reasons Kia’s creative projects have resonated so deeply with his audience.

The Challenges of Advertising: Convincing Brands to Take Risks

Despite his success, Kia acknowledges that convincing brands to take risks with his unconventional ideas is not always easy. “One of the biggest challenges I face is getting brands to trust my ideas,” Kia admits. “The advertising world can be resistant to change. There are a lot of people involved in the process, and it’s a constant struggle to get them to see my vision.”

Convincing brands to step away from predictable, formulaic ads and trust Kia’s unique creative approach is a battle he faces with every new project. “It’s exhausting. But when I see the result, when I see that people connect with the work, it makes it all worth it,” Kia explains. He is willing to fight for his ideas because he knows that taking risks is often the only way to create something truly original.

A perfect example of Kia’s ability to convince brands to take risks is his work with ActiDent toothpaste. “The views weren’t as high as some other comedic ads, but the brand really liked the creative approach we took,” Kia recalls. The ad’s memorable slogan, “My teeth are always clean,” stuck in people’s heads, proving that creativity and originality can sometimes have more impact than sheer numbers.

The Pursuit of Recognition and Legacy

Kia’s drive for recognition has always been an essential part of his creative journey. “I’ve always wanted to create something that people remember,” Kia says. “What makes you immortal is the legacy you leave behind. That’s what I want—my name to be remembered, even if I’m no longer here.” His desire to leave a lasting impact is not about fame or money; it’s about creating something that endures.

“I want to be remembered for creating something that will stand the test of time,” Kia explains. This desire for legacy is a driving force behind much of his work, whether it’s through music, advertising, or digital content. He wants his work to be more than just a passing trend—it should be something that people continue to talk about and appreciate for years to come.

Playfulness and Creativity: The Core of Kia’s Work

One of the most defining traits of Kia’s creative process is his playfulness. Whether he’s experimenting with beatboxing, creating memes, or exploring new platforms like Twitch, Kia’s work is always infused with a sense of fun and experimentation. “Playfulness is at the core of everything I do,” Kia says. “It’s about finding new ways to engage with my audience, to surprise them, and to keep things fresh.”

For Kia, playfulness isn’t just a tool for entertainment; it’s an essential part of his creative identity. “I love taking risks and experimenting with new ideas,” he says. “Whether it’s through music or advertising, I’m always looking for ways to surprise myself and my audience.” This playful approach has allowed Kia to create content that stands out in a crowded digital space, keeping his audience engaged and coming back for more.

The Fear of Loneliness: The Power of Connection

Despite his outward confidence and playful persona, Kia admits that he has a deep fear of loneliness. “What I fear most is being forgotten,” he says. “I constantly think about it—especially now that I live alone. If I were to die today, who would remember me?” This fear is not just about fame or recognition—it’s about connection. For Kia, maintaining strong connections with people is what gives his life meaning.

“Connections give me power,” Kia explains. “When I’m connected to the right people, I feel like I’m never alone. I’m never stuck.” These connections, whether they are personal or professional, give Kia the strength to continue creating and pushing boundaries. They also provide him with a sense of fulfillment and purpose that extends beyond the success of his work.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Kia Rokni

As Kia reflects on his career and the journey ahead, he remains focused on his passion for creativity. “I don’t know where this journey will take me,” he says, “but I know that I’ll continue to create and experiment. That’s what keeps me going.” Whether it’s through music, advertising, or new forms of digital content, Kia is committed to continuing his creative exploration and leaving a legacy that will be remembered long after he’s gone.

“I don’t know where this will all lead, but I’m excited to find out,” Kia says with a smile. For him, the future is full of possibilities. He remains driven by his desire to create something meaningful, something that resonates with others and leaves a lasting impression.