We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Gyooyeon Kim recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley Gyooyeon, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Throughout the past period, I have been fortunate to engage in a series of profoundly meaningful projects.
During my time at school, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in various animation projects. I assumed the role of director for an animation project titled “Seed,” collaborated with students from Gobelins in France on a project named “Ponder,” and contributed to another student short film titled “Layla,” among other endeavors. These experiences not only honed my skills but also taught me the art of effective communication and collaboration, allowing me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds who shared a passion for learning.
My animated short film, “Seed,” gained recognition at the ArtCenter Film Festival in April. I was deeply involved in every aspect, from shaping the narrative to overseeing the animation process. During the summer, I dedicated myself to refining the film, making edits and adding an epilogue for submission to other prestigious festivals.
In that same summer, I had the privilege of presenting my work at a significant fair that I had been diligently preparing for over eight months. The emotional response from the audience was overwhelming. One viewer was moved to tears, connecting deeply with the message of growth in the face of adversity, while another observed the theme of discovering miracles amid limitations. These heartfelt reactions further solidified my commitment to my dream of creating art that inspires. Completing this project with my dedicated teammates and sharing it with a wide audience was a source of immense pride. It reminded me that I could begin to fulfill my dream of creating something that touches people’s hearts. This realization served as a powerful reminder that every journey begins with a single step, filling me with immense inspiration and motivation to continue creating more meaningful and impactful works.
Furthermore, during the school year, I had the privilege of working as a background designer on the animated series “The Boys Presents: Diabolical,” which premiered on Amazon Prime Video. I was honored to be part of the team nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Short Form Animated Program category for our work on this series. This experience allowed me to delve deeper into my dream career in the animation industry, acquire valuable skills, and expand my artistic abilities in various ways.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As a child, my world was filled with animated movies, books, and comics that ignited my imagination and inspired me to create diverse and enchanting worlds. Drawn to visionary artists, I developed a deep desire to express my own experiences and emotions through unique storytelling. My aspiration is to share a fresh perspective on community and the world through my art, infusing it with hope and encouraging others to see the beauty that surrounds us.
I am currently pursuing a degree in entertainment design and business at the ArtCenter College of Design, driven by the dream of becoming an animation art director. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve had the privilege of working on various creative projects that have strengthened my passion for storytelling. Whether it’s crafting compelling characters or weaving narratives that touch the heart, I’m dedicated to creating art that resonates.
What sets me apart in this field is my commitment to storytelling that transcends boundaries and connects with audiences on a profound level. I believe that animation has the power to inspire, uplift, and bring people together, and that’s at the core of my creative mission.
My ultimate vision is to graduate in Spring 2024 and present the world with a heartwarming story that imparts strength, encouragement, and support to its audience. I look forward to sharing this journey with you, and I invite you to join me in exploring the magic of animation and storytelling.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
If I were to distill my mission on this creative journey, I would categorize it into two major facets: one related to my career aspirations and the other connected to my life’s overarching vision.
On the career front, I am dedicated to steadily building a career in the animation industry, aspiring to progress from a background artist or visual development artist to ultimately becoming an art director. Recently, I watched the film “Elemental,” which not only impressed me with its compelling narrative and stunning visuals but also resonated with me as a fellow Korean due to Director Paul Sohn’s incorporation of his own immigration story and Korean culture into the film. This served as a significant source of inspiration. As someone aspiring to be a director, I hope to create animated shorts that encapsulate my own stories, experiences, and personal philosophy.
Once I graduate and gain substantial experience in the industry, my aspiration is to give back by becoming an educator. Currently, I am already teaching students ranging from 3-year-olds to high school students in private settings and academies. In the future, I aim to establish my own academy, with a particular focus on providing scholarships to financially disadvantaged students, and nurturing their dreams. Having experienced a similar situation in my own childhood, I have a vision of becoming a mentor who helps others cultivate their aspirations.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
One book that has been a significant source of comfort and inspiration in my life is the Korean fantasy novel “아나하라트” (Anaharat), which translates to ‘narrow path’ in Hebrew. It’s a masterpiece that, like the Narnia Chronicles, conveys Christian messages while delivering a captivating blend of comedy, action, and romance. Reading this book sparked ideas in me about how to communicate my own philosophy through engaging and effective entertainment. The story portrays the protagonist overcoming numerous risks and hardships to save the world, showcasing a wide range of human characters and the genuine light and darkness of our world. It passionately advocates for love and justice while addressing profound themes with warmth and a lasting impact.
In addition, Studio Ghibli animations have also had a profound impact on me. Director Miyazaki’s creations inspire dreams and instill hope while bringing out the inner child in adults. As I’ve grown older, I’ve begun to uncover the deep messages he intended to convey to the world. He masterfully combines fantasy, philosophy, and humor in his films. Following his example, I’ve made a firm commitment to producing films with heartwarming stories that move people to tears and smiles.
I’d like to conclude with a poignant passage from “Anaharat”: “Who can belittle our worth when even the heavens speak so highly of us? Though much may be amiss in the world today, this is not how it was meant to be. We are not beings meant to suffer and cry like this. The sky doesn’t deem a single person useless, and not a single life is devoid of meaning. So, I implore you all to love – to love the one who watches over us, to love yourselves, and to love each other. For it is then that this place will truly become a heaven.” This passage encapsulates the profound themes of the novel and has had a lasting impact on my perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleyorangekim.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gyooart/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-kim-b970781aa/