Meet artist from Seoul, Yejin Park aka SHOTZE

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hey, I’m Yejin. I also go by the handle “SHOTZE”. I was born in South Korea and spent the majority of my early years growing up in the US. I’m perpetually between countries now, but my home base is still Seoul. I currently work as an illustrator.

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

My city moves at breakneck speed—fast, fast, fast. But it’s alive at night and it’s perfect company for someone like me who ends up working odd hours for several months out of the year.

My city moves at breakneck speed—fast, fast, fast. But it’s alive at night and it’s perfect company for someone like me who ends up working odd hours for several months out of the year.

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

One of the best things is being able to walk pretty much anywhere. You get to know an area better when you take your time navigating on foot. It may be one of the only ways to slow down here.

It’s also one way to observe the overlapping of modern and historical elements—like new skyscrapers that fold over traditional marketplaces. Daylighted waterways that run between developing neighborhoods. I like bringing this kind of overlap into my work too. In that way, you could say that I owe a lot to this place and walking in it.

This wild variation in pace and setting is both its best and worst point.

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

Complex, connected, evolving.

How did you start your career in art?

I started out as a gallery technician, then did a bit of curatorial work. Then it’s all just a big work-in-progress. Instead of a clear jumping-off point, it’s always felt like a slow climb with a lot of little detours. I’m still revving up, it feels like.

I started out as a gallery technician, then did a bit of curatorial work. Then it’s all just a big work-in-progress. Instead of a clear jumping-off point, it’s always felt like a slow climb with a lot of little detours. I’m still revving up, it feels like.

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

Not at first.

The most resistance came from my parents, despite both of them being artists. My mother is an art teacher and my father works with traditional Korean ceramics. Despite this kind of background, I was encouraged to look elsewhere for a profession. I was on track to go into a STEM-related field before I switched over. I’m still a big tech geek, and I’m happier with that title.

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

I’m happy if people want, you know, my visual language! Getting in touch for a project that starts off with a “hey, we want you specifically” is incredibly exciting.

I want to keep exploring what I can do with my work too!

I’m happy if people want, you know, my visual language! Getting in touch for a project that starts off with a “hey, we want you specifically” is incredibly exciting. I want to keep exploring what I can do with my work too!

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

Mads Mikkelsen. I don’t know what this collaboration would look like. All I know is that I want it to happen. I think I understand Hideo Kojima a little better now.

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

Balance! I always want to do more, and stretch a little further. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a voracious appetite but you do need to slow down sometimes.

So yes, get some sleep.

Absolutely terrifying! I’m surrounded by women who are smart, kind, and excellent at what they do. Willing to grow when they aren’t. I’m hoping to learn some of that tenacity.

How would you describe the women around you?

Absolutely terrifying! I’m surrounded by women who are smart, kind, and excellent at what they do. Willing to grow when they aren’t. I’m hoping to learn some of that tenacity.

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

It was difficult to find many local female creatives to connect with while growing up because of the cultural/language barrier that was in place for me during my time in both the US and South Korea. It wasn’t until entering university that I had many, many more people to look up to.

I’m now surrounded by peers who are a constant source of inspiration.

1. Go into everything knowing that you’re the only person who can do your work. The best projects and the most fulfilling creative relationships I have have come from knowing this is true of myself and those I create with. 2. Take as much responsibility for your failures as you do for your successes. They’re a package deal that come together.

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

1. Go into everything knowing that you’re the only person who can do your work. The best projects and the most fulfilling creative relationships I have have come from knowing this is true of myself and those I create with.

2. Take as much responsibility for your failures as you do for your successes. They’re a package deal that come together.

What type of music do you like to listen to?

A lot of rock, and then whatever decides to auto-play when my playlist runs out.

What’s your favorite local food spot?

There’s this cramped noodle stand with 2 seats with no air conditioning that I frequently used to pass by for work. It’s roughly 3 USD a meal and the owner is so mean to you. I’m pretty sure I’ve just been conditioned into going out of habit now.

Felicia Chen asks: What is the best reaction you get when others see your work?

Genuine interest! Curious questions are great.

From my AD? No notes is a good note sometimes. ;- )

Siqi Song asks: If you could choose a different career path, what would it be?

I wouldn’t have minded going into BME as planned. It just so happened that I liked the other option a lot more.

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

If you could tell your past self one thing, what would it be?

Photos courtesy of SHOTZE