Meet illustrator from Seoul, Hansol Shin aka Soruru

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello, I am Soruru. I mainly draw stories about ordinary characters in their 20s and 30s who are likely to be seen somewhere.

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

Living in Seoul is busy, but there are many convenience facilities around. Trends change very quickly and there are various of attractions to see. The streets are lined with various stores, and trendy designs and brands can be easily found.

Living in Seoul is busy, but there are many convenience facilities around. Trends change very quickly and there are various of attractions to see. The streets are lined with various stores, and trendy designs and brands can be easily found.

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

It is nice that there are many convenient facilities in Seoul. And thanks to having convenient public transportation, you can easily go anywhere in Seoul without a car. But It is difficult to find a place to live because the house price is too expensive.

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

Trendy, Various, Easy

How did you start your career in art?

I have been drawing as a hobby while working as a designer since 2015. But since 2020, I quit the company I was working for and I mainly work on illustration now.

I have been drawing as a hobby while working as a designer since 2015. But since 2020, I quit the company I was working for and I mainly work on illustration now.

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

My friends and my fans are always supporting me.

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

Creating a brand by making my own illustration style and focusing on the value that I pursue more firmly.

Creating a brand by making my own illustration style and focusing on the value that I pursue more firmly.

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

I’d like to work with various musicians.

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

Inspiring more people, and giving the next generation the courage and dream to continue drawing.

Inspiring more people, and giving the next generation the courage and dream to continue drawing.

How would you describe the women around you?

Most of them are living their lives hard while developing their careers.

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

Most of my teachers, such as art academy teachers and professors, were male. There are female teachers, but it seems that they were usually assistants to male teachers.

If anyone in the art field solidifies their brand and continues to work steadily, someday the time will definitely come.

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

I don’t want to limit my advice to women.

If anyone in the art field solidifies their brand and continues to work steadily, someday their time will definitely come.

What type of music do you like to listen to?

Hip-hop, R&B, Pop songs

What’s your favorite local food spot?

Hannam-dong, Seoul

Angela Wang asks: What has been the highlight of your artistic journey so far?

Quitting my job

Jun Chen asks: Which art piece would you steal at a museum?

Van Gogh’s painting

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

What else would you like to do if you’re not working in the art field?

Photos courtesy of Soruru