Meet visual artist from Seoul, Yul Bae aka Yulri

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello, my name is Yulri. I am an artist living in Seoul, South Korea. I draw mostly scenes of people in love. My dream was to live my life drawing, and I’m happy to be doing that now.

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

I lived in Seoul, but spent my childhood in the countryside. I came back to Seoul for university. There are many people in Seoul, with buildings of all shapes and sizes, and endless situations. Seoul is a very fast-paced city. It changes as you grow, and is a city you can see grow before your eyes.

I lived in Seoul, but spent my childhood in the countryside. I came back to Seoul for university. There are many people in Seoul, with buildings of all shapes and sizes, and endless situations. Seoul is a very fast-paced city. It changes as you grow, and is a city you can see grow before your eyes.

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

As Seoul is a fast-paced city, you can feel the people change just as quickly, with shifts in their minds and lives. The trends and things people seek appear almost instantaneously. Transportation is very convenient, and Seoul is a hub of culture.

The downside is the high cost of housing and air quality, and finding a place of comfort. As much as people gather here, the environment changes constantly, so relationships are harder to maintain. I love that there are those who continue to find those to cherish even among this energy.

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

Brave, Challenge, Nervousness

How did you start your career in art?

I started uploading my drawings from my travels to Chiang Mai, Thailand on social media. Many friends, then strangers, showed interest in my work, and I later released a book as a writer.

I started uploading my drawings from my travels to Chiang Mai, Thailand on social media. Many friends, then strangers, showed interest in my work, and I later released a book as a writer.

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

Yes. I loved writing and drawing as a child, and those around me enjoyed my work as well. As a child, my textbooks were full of doodles. My parents have always shown me support as well.

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

I’d like to be able to live and maintain my life in a stable way.

I’d like to be able to live and maintain my life in a stable way.

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

I would like to continue working with my husband. I would like to collaborate with my brother as well, who works in animation.

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

To find the middle ground in telling my stories, and the stories our fans expect.

They are independent and live their lives to their own standards.

How would you describe the women around you?

They are independent and live their lives to their own standards.

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

I had none. I wasn’t as interested in creatives when growing up.

Whether it’s a female or male, you should choose something you want to do, and feel like you need to do.

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

Whether it’s a female or male, you should choose something you want to do, and feel like you need to do.

What type of music do you like to listen to?

I have an eclectic taste, so I listen to everything from classic, jazz and songs from animation.

What’s your favorite local food spot?

I don’t eat out often.

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

The owner of a local inn in the countryside.

Nadya Noor asks: What’s the craziest thing you do with your own art?

Draw something I know won’t be popular.

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

What’s the hardest obstacle you face as an artist?

Photos courtesy of Yulri