Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Haejin Kang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Haejin, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Switching majors and attending a different university at the age of 25 was a significant risk for me. At 20, I pursued journalism at the University of Oregon, despite it being unrelated to art. I had a deep interest in world issues and communication, which led me to dream of becoming a journalist. However, as I delved into the field, I couldn’t find the passion I had hoped for. Instead, I felt myself shrinking, losing sight of my dreams and aspirations. Constantly comparing myself to other students, I realized I needed to rediscover my true self.

Interestingly, both my father and mother had connections to the art world, with my father being an art major and my mother an artist. Despite this, I never believed I had any innate talent for art. It wasn’t until I turned 25 and started engaging in artistic activities that I discovered how much joy it brought me. I may not have been the most naturally gifted artist compared to others, but I stopped comparing myself to them and focused on my progress and consistency. The revelation came that art was something that could stay with me throughout my life, even when I reached the age of 80.

Finding this newfound passion was an eye-opener for me. I realized how fulfilling it was to engage in something I truly loved. I have never regretted the decision to switch to art, and I am determined to lead a fulfilling life with art as my companion

Haejin, 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 spent my childhood in Seoul, where my father, an artist who studied art in Canada, had a profound influence on me. Growing up, I played with toys and my father’s art supplies, sparking a desire to become a talented artist and illustrator like him. With that dream in mind, I joined the art center and pursued a career as an illustrator.

Currently, I work as an illustrator, dividing my time between Seoul and LA. My artworks are heavily influenced by my childhood memories. To make my art stand out, I often use high-saturation colors, a reflection of the vibrant and colorful toys I cherished during my youth. I want children to be captivated by my illustrations when they see my books in stores, igniting a desire to own them.

Each of my books is a product of my own imagination, rooted in my childhood recollections. Whether it’s a story about a big dinosaur searching for a friend, a small fish finding a new home, or siblings encountering a nameless monster while looking for their way home, my books are filled with imaginative tales that I hope will delight young readers.

My ultimate goal is to create joyful and fun memories for children through my art. I aspire to leave a lasting impression on their lives, so that in the future, they can fondly recall their childhood through the pages of my books. I believe that my colorful illustrations and vivid imagination can contribute to the creation of beautiful and memorable children’s books.I also hope that my work can evoke nostalgia in adults and bring back memories of their innocent childhoods, eliciting warm and innocent smiles. I aspire for my art to be a source of joy and happiness, enriching their daily lives. Art holds a unique connection to people, touching them on an emotional level, and I genuinely wish to convey joy and warm memories through my paintings.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At the beginning of my artistic journey, my dream was to become an artist loved by everyone. I strived to excel in all aspects of art, aiming to be the best at drawing. However, as time passed, I came to realize that being the best at everything wasn’t the ultimate goal.

Instead, I decided to focus on maximizing my strengths and bringing joy to those who appreciate my art. Throughout my school years, I witnessed many talented individuals in the art field, constantly pushing themselves to improve and grow.

Observing my artist friends’ dedication and talent, I became inspired to envision a future where I could establish an agency to support and promote their work. I also aspire to be a patron of their art, buying and selling their pieces, as I have a genuine passion for collecting art, both from others and myself. Witnessing the creations of my fellow artists has been an essential part of my artistic journey.

Given the opportunity, I would love to open a small art shop, creating a space to showcase not only my own work but also the artworks of my peers to a wider audience. This dream of mine allows me to express my appreciation for art and the creative community that surrounds it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As an artist, what truly makes me feel valued is when people appreciate my creations. The greatest joy for me comes from knowing that others love my paintings, prints, and photographs, even dating back to my childhood. Crafting small bracelets and keychains for my friends back then was already so fulfilling, and that feeling remains with me today. I still find immense reward in the little things.

Teaching illustration to students at the academy is another source of fulfillment. Witnessing their attentiveness and witnessing them create their own work brings a sense of accomplishment. I believe my personality is intrinsically tied to finding happiness in the joy of others, and I aspire to continue living a harmonious life with those around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://haejean.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hae_jean_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haejin-kang-a05460217/

Image Credits
Photo credit by haejin kang