Meet illustrator from New York, Haejin Park

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am an illustrator working and living in New York City. My clients include The New York Times, Medium, VICE, BuzzFeed, WeTransfer, and more. I use watercolor for my client work and also run an online shop selling prints and stationery products. I am originally from South Korea and moved to the United States when I was 15.

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

I have always moved about every 4 years, and it is very hard to find a place that feels like a good home for me. But I have been living in Brooklyn, New York for the past 5 years. It is a very busy and active city. There are always exciting events and social gatherings around Brooklyn. You can meet anyone or join parties very easily here. Living here during the pandemic is a very different experience. There’s not a lot of events but a lot of people are still hanging out at the park.

Best is that there are always new people to meet, new places to go.

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

Best is that there are always new people to meet, new places to go. Worst is that it is very expensive to live as an artist in Brooklyn.

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

Fun, challenging, but always hustling.

How did you start your career in art?

I went to RISD, an art school in Rhode Island and I moved to New York right after my graduation ceremony. I worked for a few companies and have always been freelancing on the side. I always wanted to be a full-time artist but it has been very difficult with the high cost of living in New York. I always had a day job that gave me a sort of regular income. I am still trying to figure out how to make enough as an artist. Having an online store helps a lot and I am preparing to move to a different city so that I can fully focus on art and not worry too much about high living expenses in the city.

Having an online store helps a lot and I am preparing to move to a different city so that I can fully focus on art and not worry too much about high living expenses in the city.

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

Yes! I have very supportive family and friends.

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

I think I have a lot of goals and dreams. I would love to open a retail shop, that would be a dream. I also want to work on children’s books and have time to focus and write a manuscript. I also want to work on some large scale projects such as murals or huge installations.

I would love to open a retail shop, that would be a dream.

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

I think I want to collaborate with musicians. I want to art direct projects, do a fun photoshoot and animate music videos. It will be a really fun collab to add illustrations and see it live on stage. I don’t really have a list but I would of course love POC female-identifying musicians. I think I connect with their music a lot more and I am always so inspired.

How would you describe the women around you?

I think I would describe them as inspiring, caring, and patient. I am surrounded by very talented women.

I think I would describe them as inspiring, caring, and patient. I am surrounded by very talented women.

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

I think my first watercolor teacher was someone I looked up to. She had gallery shows and whenever she had a big show ahead, she didn’t allow anybody in the studio. I was very lucky and fortunate to have her as my first art teacher. It was just a local art school that accepted kids in the afternoon.

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

I think there are a lot. But most work is done online so it is safer and not as directly harmful.

Never compare yourself with others and keep doing what you are good at.

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

Photos courtesy of Haejin Park