Meet artist and illustrator from Seoul, Younsik Woo

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a creator living in northside of Seoul. I illustrate images inspired by human interaction and cause and effect of events.

 

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

It might not be easy to live peacefully, but I like it that way. I’m a kind of person that has opposite characteristics compared to Seoul, but I learned to live as a slow observer in this ever-changing city.

 

It might not be easy to live peacefully, but I like it that way. I’m a kind of person that has opposite characteristics compared to Seoul, but I learned to live as a slow observer in this ever-changing city.

 

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

Best thing about living here is that people improved inconvenient things with technology. Worst thing is that I sometimes feel momentary fear that if I don’t do what others are doing, I will fall behind.

 

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

Multicultural, virtual, sense of identity.

 

How did you start your career in art?

I started drawing at a young age, so I naturally went to art related major. But it took a long time to have the identity of a creator after graduation. While working at a company or doing part-time, I tried to create and increase the proportion of my personal work.

 

I started drawing at a young age, so I naturally went to art related major. But it took a long time to have the identity of a creator after graduation. While working at a company or doing part-time, I tried to create and increase the proportion of my personal work.

 

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

They usually were.

 

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

I don’t have a specific picture of a final destination or an influence. I believe that adequate fulfillment will come if I continue making images.

 

I don’t have a specific picture of a final destination or an influence. I believe that adequate fulfillment will come if I continue making images.

 

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

I want to collaborate with 3D, artificial intelligence, animation, and public art sector.

 

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

I sometimes feel like my intrinsic characteristic in my creative work is stubborn. I tend to think this way when money is scarce in my account, and when commissions don’t come easily. I recently had that slump once too. But my slump went away as soon as I finished my work that I’ve been putting off. Emotional pitch comes in different ways every time, and I need to find the answers as they come.

 

As time goes by, I seem to meet people who have similar characteristics. There are many people who generally want to continue working, pioneer new territories, and want to grow constantly.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

As time goes by, I seem to meet people who have similar characteristics. There are many people who generally want to continue working, pioneer new territories, and want to grow constantly.

 

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

Yes. There were many female creators who are pioneering new areas not far away. The experience is still vivid in my mind, of how refreshing and sometimes shocking it was. Their influences still remain with me now. But thinking about it now, I don’t know what most of them are doing these days.

 

I want to advice to be both be aware and don’t mind being a woman. The most important thing is being able to choose and act as an individual, regardless of gender.

 

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

I want to advice to be both aware and don’t mind being a woman. The most important thing is being able to choose and act as an individual, regardless of gender.

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What type of music do you like to listen to?

According to Spotify, I’m K-indie and experimental instrumental music lover.

 

What’s your favorite local food spot?

There’re so many foods to eat in Seoul, so it’s hard to choose one. I just want to suggest places near Bulgwangcheon, which is near where I live. There are unique shops and cafes, and it’s perfect for a walk after a meal.

 

Celestial Fang asks: How has your art changed since the start of your journey?

I majored in animation, so I called myself a cartoonist for a while, but now I’m concentrating more on illustration. I think I’ve come to express the same topic in a more implicated way. I also realized that I’m a storyteller who is closer to using signs and symbols instead of making fiction. I sometimes wonder why I had to go through this process, but it was an essential trial and error for me.

 

Jenn Liv asks: Are you happy?

Yes.

 

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

Do you have a ritual to live a more routine life?

 

 

Photos courtesy of Younsik Woo