Meet New York-based illustrator, Haleigh Mun.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi. I am a New York-based illustrator, Haleigh Mun. I was born in Korea and came to America when I was 16. I find my happiness when I get to play with my dog, Ruby, eat all-you-can-eat sushi, cuddle with my family, binge watch shows on Netflix, and the last but not least, draw with colored pencils!

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

I have been living in New York for about six years now. I first came to NYC to study illustration at SVA and pursue my dream of being an illustrator. I guess what everyone says about the New York City is all true. It’s the city that never sleeps and it’s the city you love and hate. People I met here are all so intelligent and passionate. I have learned so much from them and I am still learning every day. It’s very cool to meet people you admire in person and become friends with them in real life. That’s what I love the most about this city. Downsides of living in New York is that many people come in and go out in your life easily. As much as I meet new people and build up relationships, I had to say goodbyes to my closed ones for their new journeys.

It’s the city that never sleeps and it’s the city you love and hate.

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

The best thing: artists you get to meet, museums, art galleries, food, parks, dogs

The worst thing: dirty subway, crowds, rats + roaches, racism

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

Passionate, Inspiring, Fun

How did you start your career in art?

My career slowly started from my promotions to my favorite art directors. It definitely took my courage to show my illustrations to them at first. I thought I wasn’t ready and I was worried about their refusal but, I soon realized that I would never be ready if I don’t start doing it and nobody will respond to me if I don’t knock on their door. Thankfully, AD SooJin Buzelli gave me my first editorial job for Plansponsor and her trust in me led me to open more doors of opportunities.

I thought I wasn’t ready and I was worried about their refusal but, I soon realized that I would never be ready if I don’t start doing it and nobody will respond to me if I don’t knock on their door.

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

I am lucky to be surrounded by people who are very supportive of me. I come from a non-artistic family, so me being a freelanced illustrator often makes them doubt and worry about my future. But they know that this is what makes me happy and they are always down for my happiness.

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

As a starting illustrator, I have so many goals and ambitions towards work. My biggest hope is to not lose the joy of creating and drawing.

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

I want to do a collaboration with any indie band for their album cover or their music video. It’s my dream!

I want to do a collaboration with any indie band for their album cover or their music video. It’s my dream!

How would you describe the women around you?

I’m surrounded by full of intelligent and warm-hearted women.

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

Not so much. Maybe because I didn’t have much interest in art when I was young. I do look up many female creatives now tho, including Yuko Shimizu and Julia Rothman.

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

Personally, I’ve never encountered any challenging or negative aspects of being a female in the illustration industry. I find that female illustrators are always welcoming each other with big supports and cheering.

My advice for you is to be ready all the time.

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

What is charming about being an illustrator is that there will be lots of surprises. You will have no idea what will come to you tomorrow. So, my advice for you is to be ready all the time. It may take some time for some of you and it may not. But I’m sure it will come to you if you keep trying and keep drawing.

Photos courtesy of Haleigh Mun.