Meet illustrator from Seoul, Ahra Kwon.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Ahra Kwon. I’m a full-time freelance illustrator from South Korea, currently based in Seoul.  I love working experimentally with different topics in various fields.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I live in Seoul. I love living here. You can find everything in this busy city.

I live in Seoul. I love living here. You can find everything in this busy city.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

For me, the best thing about Seoul is public transportation. It is really convenient and also very clean. The worst thing about living in Seoul is the cost of living. It’s higher than in other cities in Korea.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Think different, persevering, searching

How did you start your career in art?

I wanted to become an artist since I was young, but after taking up Fine Arts at university, I changed my mind. I think I liked the visual images itself more than making high conceptual fine artwork. I was pretty lost at that time. I did lots of other activities such as taking pictures, making short documentaries and so on. Then after realizing that I like making images, I changed my mind to become an illustrator.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

At first, my parents worried about me working as a freelancer, but as I got settled, they became more supportive.

At first, my parents worried about me working as a freelancer, but as I got settled, they became more supportive.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I want to become a global artist, who is able to collaborate in various fields.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Anyone with a great idea and an open mind.

How would you describe the women around you?

Most of them are really passionate. They have the willingness to achieve in their own fields.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

When I was young, there weren’t many, but as I became an adult, there are many ones whom I got to admire.

Comparing with other industries, the illustration field is open to anyone.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Comparing with other industries, the illustration field is open to anyone. No matter what gender you are, no matter how your academic background is, it’s not that important.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

I think this field is really open to anyone. Anyone who has a willingness to do their artwork can achieve being an illustrator. Just keep making your works well, don’t be afraid to show them to others.

Photos courtesy of Ahra Kwon.