Meet illustrator from Seoul, Haein Jeong

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Haein, an illustrator based in Seoul. I studied nutrition and art history at university. I started to draw to visualize what I imagine in my head. I love the blue sky with clouds and summer. I enjoy surfing and snowboarding. As you can see from my Instagram handle, I’m easy-going and unfazed by almost any events.

 

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

This city is very busy, vibrant, and convenient to live in.

 

As you can see from my Instagram handle, I’m easy-going and unfazed by almost any events.

 

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

My favorite part of Seoul is Han river that runs through the city. I love riding a bicycle and chilling by the river.

I can’t really come up with the bad things about this city, but if I have to, the worst thing might be that Seoul is not a coastal city.

 

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

difficult, hard, tough (I assume this answer is not limited to my city)

 

How did you start your career in art?

I’ve always wanted to work in a creative industry, but I wasn’t sure what type of art I wanted to do or if I’m any good at it. I just wanted to visualize what I imagine in my head and drawing seems the easiest choice for me. I took only a couple of art classes at university but still, I gave it a try. I guess it worked out okay but needs much more effort to make it.

 

I’ve always wanted to work in a creative industry, but I wasn’t sure what type of art I wanted to do or if I’m any good at it. I just wanted to visualize what I imagine in my head and drawing seems the easiest choice for me.

 

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

My friends were supportive of me. They were happy for me that I found what I wanted to do. My parents were the opposite. They didn’t understand the nature of this job at first. They wanted me to get a stable job. I’m still struggling financially. Sometimes I think it might have been wise listening to my parents.

 

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

I sometimes doubt myself if I can keep this job but I sincerely want to stay in the creative industry and make it. There are so many things I want to do such as mural painting, making merch, etc. I also want to create an artist community supporting other female artists.

 

I want to collaborate with sports brand since I love working out, snowboarding, and surfing. A collaboration with Vans or Nike would be my dream project.

 

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

I want to collaborate with sports brand since I love working out, snowboarding, and surfing. A collaboration with Vans or Nike would be my dream project. Also, I want to work with musicians. I don’t like to work in a quiet environment. I always put music/movies on even if I don’t watch it.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

They are supportive of each other. They try to make the most of their lives and also want to enjoy their lives in their own way.

 

They are supportive of each other. They try to make the most of their lives and also want to enjoy their lives in their own way.

 

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

My mom. She is a quilter. She started quilting when she was pregnant with my older brother. It’s been more than 30 years since she has quilted. She was busy working when I was growing up. I always have been proud of my mom loving her job and working hard. Now, she is learning how to do Adobe Illustrator, Instagram, and blog trying to adapt to changes and still challenges herself.

 

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

I don’t think I have experienced enough to say it from the women’s point of view in this particular industry. However, the one thing I have experienced that I try to make changes for myself is that I feel pressured to behave too much. I find it hard to say no and demand what I deserve because I’m trying not to upset clients during meetings. There must be a complex reason behind this. I think this might be 90% attributed to my personality and attitude. But sometimes I feel like the social effect and education that we should all be good girls have also affected this. It has changed a lot and everyone, regardless of gender, has been told that way but that pressure is usually heavier on girls. I’m still learning how to communicate and build good relationships with clients. I want to speak up for myself without worrying and stop doubting myself.

 

They might think they are not ready but I believe they are and they already know what they should know.

 

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

I’m not sure if I’m the right person to give advice. They might think they are not ready but I believe they are and they already know what they should know.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Haein Jeong