We recently connected with Roda and have shared our conversation below.

Roda, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful works I have created so far are “Roro Son and Iguana” (2024) and “Larvae Story” (2021). As these two works are closely connected, I will introduce them in chronological order.

“Larvae Story” actually originated from a somewhat silly poem I wrote when I was 17 years old, back in high school, laughing to myself in my room. The poem unfolds into two different scenarios starting from the middle.

– Larva –

It grew plump and healthy,
thriving well,
and became a larva.
The larva grew even rounder,
thriving even more,
and became an even bigger larva.

(1) For many more years,
it kept chewing on leaves,
chewing,
chewing,
and over a long time,
it only became more of a larva.

(2) One night,
the larva curled into a pupa
and fell asleep.

Upon waking,
shedding its old skin,
the larva found itself
still a larva.

And so, every night,
it became a pupa,
only to wake up each morning
as a larva again.

Anyway, the main point is that in both cases, the larva remained a larva despite the passage of time. Proudly giggling, I took this poem to my mother and read it to her for the first time. Contrary to my expectations, my mom felt deeply sad after hearing the larva’s story. She felt heartbroken for the larva that never became a butterfly, imagining how despairing it must feel to remain the same despite the passing years. I was shocked—how could this ridiculous and absurd poem sound sad to someone? That moment stayed with me for a long time, and I often revisited the poem.

Even after that incident, I found the poem funny for several more years—until I started feeling like a larva myself, growing bigger but never transforming. That feeling came from the seemingly endless years of being a student, repeated setbacks and failures in my attempts to establish myself as an artist, and the deep sense of inferiority that arose from not being fully self-sufficient as an independent adult.

One day, I suddenly realized how truly amazing and remarkable everyone is who continues to live despite facing countless struggles. What they endure in their own lives is something beyond what I can even imagine, and I realized how arrogant I was to think that my immature talent alone could make me shine in the world. I am no more special or greater than anyone else. So, I began to wonder: with this small ability I have, what can I do? After much thought, I decided to dedicate my life to honoring and showing through my work that people’s lives deserve respect. The piece that first carried this meaning is Larvae Story, and that’s why it holds such deep meaning for me.

“Larvae Story” is a 4.5-minute stop-motion animation depicting the struggles of life as a larva. The larvae inhabit a dust-filled world where they have built an advanced civilization. Though they lack wings, they have developed technology that allows them to fly. Despite the technology that they have achieved, the larvae are still searching for a way to beat perpetual dust storms that have plagued them for generations. One day, a massive storm strikes their town. In response, the larvae activate their machinery, using lights and fans to deflect the dust. What begins as a battle against the storm transforms into a ritual of sublimation—a celebration that feels like a lively, defiant dance party. ​ Larvae Story was screened at various international film festivals across the United States, Germany, Turkey, Switzerland, India, Korea, Nigeria, and Italy from 2021 to 2022.

Link to “Larvae Story” : https://www.rodana.love/larvae-story

The word “larva” is often used metaphorically to describe something underdeveloped, incomplete, or yet to achieve its goal. But before any societal interpretation is imposed upon it, isn’t a larva already a complete being in itself? Even if society and the world define butterflies as the ultimate symbol of growth and expect people to become butterflies, at least I want to stand firm as someone who can convey the thought that “life as a larva is complete in its own way, neither superior nor inferior to any other life. Regardless of the challenges each individual faces in their life, I deeply honor that you are enduring and living through it.” “Larvae Story” might have been the message I wanted to convey to myself. However, as someone who has spent a considerable amount of time as a larva, it was also a heartfelt desire to offer support and encouragement to everyone going through difficult times that require patience and endurance.

“Larvae Story” conveys my message in a rather symbolic and indirect way. However, I felt that this approach alone was not strong enough to actively encourage people to reflect on their own and develop a genuine sense of honor for others’ lives. How could I stir people’s thoughts and inspire direct action?

So, with the aim of encouraging more active thought through a more challenging and experimental approach, I planned the independent film project currently in pre-production, “Between 0 n 0.” The project, introduced with “Roro Son and Iguana,” involves creating the main character of “Between 0 n 0” in 3D.

The main character, Roro Son, began with the question: “How can people with different thoughts and positions be integrated into one mind regardless of the various conflicts that exist in the world? How can we open the way for humans to love each other?”

The human brain naturally tends to analyze and categorize whatever it perceives, striving to distinguish it from other things and define it. Discrimination in human society also essentially begins with ‘distinction’. I believe that this capacity to distinguish, classify, judge, and define is fundamental to human learning and serves as a defense mechanism that enhances survival chances. There are various standards of definition and distinction in the world. This is frequently the case with factors such as wealth, race, education, looks, and family background. However, before anyone is framed within the constructs of perception and labeled as “a certain type of person,” they are unique beings. Moreover, I believe that beyond that existing uniqueness, we always have “the possibility of becoming something new” and “the possibility of creating ourselves.”

Is it possible to reverse people’s thinking to a point before individuals are framed by societal perceptions? Or, could we consistently act in ways that break free from cognitive frameworks, making it difficult for others to categorize us as “a specific type of person?” Can we deconstruct concepts about things that have already been analyzed and defined, and create new ways of understanding them? How can we, in a world where we must coexist with others, voluntarily create ourselves and live as unique beings? Roro Son was born out of a desire to create video content that delves into various experiments centered around this concept.

When we observe an image, we tend to equate it with concepts we already know. If we interpret it in an unconventional way, people call it a “shift in perspective.” However, this is merely assigning what I perceive to another category and definition, rather than an act of liberation from the framework of cognitive abilities. To break free from the constraints of recognition and classification, one must dismantle the linguistic structures built within the mind. Yet, even if we act as if there is no language, in order to communicate with others again, one must establish a new system of signals—a shared language through which mutual understanding can occur. Whether it’s an improvised expression of emotion, a gesture or sound representing an object, or an image, the very act of conveying something inevitably leads to the birth of language. Here, Roro Son faces a dilemma. Confronted with this paradox, what actions will Roro Son take?

I intend to focus on the various experimental attempts and thought processes that humans inevitably encounter in the journey of creating themselves as unique individuals. Through these attempts, I want to delve into the reflections Roro Son arrives at. I hope that this fundamental topic will encourage people to explore themselves and, furthermore, provide a space where they can recognize and appreciate the diverse intrinsic natures of others.

Link to “Roro Son and Iguana” : https://www.rodana.love/roro-son-and-iguana

Roda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Roda Na, a character artist based in San Francisco, USA, and I’m from Korea. I studied visual communication design at the Korean National University of Arts, where I gained experience in graphic design, branding, and project planning. Later, I earned a master’s degree in 3D Animation & VFX from the Academy of Art University, specializing in 3D modeling, texturing, and grooming. Before studying 3D Animation, I worked as a designer in both LA and Seoul. After graduating, I began my career in character design and 3D modeling, collaborating with various companies. In the coming years, I plan to continue working in the CG industry while creating my own 3D graphic novel, 3D fairy tale books, short video contents, and independent films.

I started drawing when I was about two years old, and by the time I graduated from university, I realized that my work had always been inspired by living beings—both humans and animals. Since then, I’ve been determined to master character creation, exploring diverse concepts and various media to bring unique characters to life.

Looking back, I’ve always been drawn to living, moving creatures. Growing up, I had a deep attachment to animals, having cared for a wide variety—including three squirrels, three dogs, around 30 parrots, 15 hamsters, a rabbit, a cat, a prairie dog, five chicks (which were later sent to a farm), and countless fish. Their unique quirks, along with many funny and bittersweet memories, deeply inspired and motivated me to pursue character art.

Observing animals and discovering their cuteness and playful quirks helped develop my sensitivity to recognizing these traits in various subjects. This eventually expanded into a deep interest in humans. I find great joy in noticing the unique characteristics of people, such as their desires, movements, and personalities, with affection and curiosity.I believe this ability to appreciate and understand others is one of my greatest strengths.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Through my future art, I want to create a culture where people around the world can respect each other’s lives and, beyond that, honor them. I aim to convey fresh works and messages through various visual and conceptual experiments using characters as a medium.

There are countless definitions of ‘character,’ but some common dictionary definitions include ‘one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual’ and ‘a person or other being in a narrative such as a novel, play, radio or television series, music, film, or video game.’ However, as an artist, I define ‘character’ as ‘a form of art that allows people to recognize beings in the world as complex, dynamic, complete, and unique individuals.’

Though I began to define characters this way, this concept is not entirely new. We’ve experienced something similar through many films or novels. Through excellent storytelling, characters are freed from prejudice and preconceptions, allowing audiences to see them not as figures trapped within a framework, but as dynamic, multi-dimensional, and complete beings.

I had a profound experience watching Kiss of the Spider Woman at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. On the surface, the protagonist, Luis Molina, is judged, labeled, and controlled by society’s many definitions. Throughout the film, he faces heavy criticism and condemnation. However, his deep desire to love and be loved, his passion for taking control of his life through his own choices, the anxiety and anguish that follow him like a shadow—yet, at the same time, his undeniable warmth, his care for others, and his dynamic, spirited nature that longs to dance and sing—all of these qualities ultimately made him feel like a truly free and unique soul. By the end of the film, his social status or physical existence no longer mattered. I hope we can all experience breaking free from frames and prejudices, allowing ourselves and others to be recognized as free and whole beings.

The ability to distinguish, classify, and define is crucial in society. It helps us make everyday decisions, such as choosing what to eat, what to pick up, and which path to take. Beyond that, it plays a vital role in more complex matters, like making career choices or signing contracts, where sound judgment and categorization are essential. While some people contribute to society by helping us make efficient and rational decisions, I want to create a space—through my own unique approach—that encourages us to view ourselves and others with an open mind, fostering new discoveries.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In fact, there’s nothing particularly remarkable about my resilience. However, I can talk about the values that have helped me maintain a positive and active mindset during difficult and disappointing times in my artistic journey.

First, it’s the belief that if I don’t overcome a situation, no one else can help me break through. When trapped, I must struggle to escape—giving up is the same as collapsing. I’ve realized that stagnation affects not only me but also my relationships. By maintaining a positive mindset and an active attitude, I can inspire others and bring my life back to a cycle of positive energy. Recognizing this and enduring to maintain my mental strength is, to me, an act of saving myself.

Secondly, it’s about having a sense of gratitude. People generally live for themselves and want to protect themselves from harm. Once I accepted this as a natural fact, I realized that if someone helps me when I’m in trouble, that person is courageous and generous, and I should be grateful to them. I learned to appreciate the person who is willing to help me. In doing so, I live with deep gratitude for everyone who supports me. This allows me to be grateful for everyone on my journey. Even when alone, I’ve found that gratitude helps me hurt less and walk my path more boldly.

I hope everyone finds their own way to get through tough times and achieve happiness. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rodana.love/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/na _roda
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roda-na-hyemin-kim-049433226/
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

– Photographer of “Between 0 n 0” Cinematic Concept Shots: McNair Evans
– Jake Model in “Between 0 n 0” Cinematic Concept Shot: Tom Adams