Meet illustrator from Seoul, Mikyung Lee.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Mikyung Lee, a freelance illustrator based in Seoul. As a person, I think I am easy going to hang out with but actually, I am like a cat person. It takes a bit of time to be friendly with. I usually like to be in a cozy and quiet place and think or listen to something that I like.

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

Seoul has a very high population density. It’s always busy and active. It’s like Seoul never sleeps. It’s a noisy and bright city even if it’s a late night.

It’s like Seoul never sleeps. It’s a noisy and bright city even if it’s a late night.

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

The best thing is Seoul is a really convenient city to live in. I can fast go or get whatever I want without a car. I didn’t realize this much before I had lived in the US. And I think the internet and Wi-Fi system is also the best.

The worst thing is the high population and competitive environment. I personally don’t much like to be around many people when I’m outside. Sometimes I even get some stress from this city without no reasons.

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

In my personal experience, It would be an aspiration, endeavor, and barrier.

How did you start your career in art?

I wanted to be in the art field since I was very young but I didn’t imagine myself as a freelance illustrator. After I graduated an art school in Seoul, I naturally started to draw what I want and I felt it was a lot of fun. And then I realized that I’m fit in for freelance work than corporation work. That’s my career start point.

I wanted to be in the art field since I was very young but I didn’t imagine myself as a freelance illustrator.

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

Yes. Especially My dad. He is always supportive of what I do.

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

I hope I can work more regularly with my dream clients. And I hope I draw, think and act better than yesterday.

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

It’s hard to pick but I’d like to collaborate with some novelist and poets to make illustrated short books or something like that.

How would you describe the women around you?

It’s hard to tell diverse aspect of the women around me but I think they are overall smart and independent!

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

I’m not sure. I didn’t have a specific local female creative who I looked up to.

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

I think gender doesn’t matter at all in the illustration industry. I haven’t had any difficulties to work in this field as a woman.

I think gender doesn’t matter at all in the illustration industry.

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

Do what you like steadily, know and care about yourself and also have a positive mind!

Photos courtesy of Mikyung Lee