We recently connected with Heewon Jeong and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Heewon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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?

The biggest risk I have ever taken goes back to my high school years. Full of youthful enthusiasm and eagerness, I decided to take on a journey into the world of animation, a passion that continues to drive me today. However, I was unaware of the realities of the practical world and had no idea of the challenges that awaited me. My decision to attend an American college and make a name for myself in the animation field must be a shock to my mother, who took the responsibility of caring for my sister and me.
It did not take long for me to realize that my financial background was nowhere near supporting my dream of studying in the United States. When my mother brought the subject with me, it left me deep in thought for days on end. Technically, there seemed to be no way for me to attend my dream school.

However, giving up was never an option for me. I did not stop exploring every avenue to bring myself closer to my goal. Eventually, I discovered the scholarship program sponsored by the Korean Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF), designed to assist students from humble backgrounds in pursuing their dreams abroad.
As someone with no prior experience studying outside my country, attending a regular school without any specialized focus on foreign languages, and without exceptional grades, my chances seemed low. Nevertheless, I chose to take the courage within me and made a step ahead.
Sometimes, even with limited possibilities or high risks, taking a leap of faith can lead to unexpected joy.

It is very natural to feel overwhelmed by the potential losses and fears. Nevertheless, every day of our lives, we need to face choices that involve risks unavoidably. While not everyone will follow the same path in life, if something means huge to you, I can confidently say that taking a risk and moving a step towards it will never leave you with regret.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Greetings, world! I am Heewon Jeong, a storyboard artist currently working on a stop-motion animated feature film at LAIKA. While some of you may be familiar with storyboards, others may not be familiar with the filmmaking process. A storyboard consists of a series of sequential images that help pre-visualize a motion picture. They are applied to various visual media, including movies, advertisements, and animation. Although the style may vary depending on the purpose, the fundamental principle remains the same: to convey a clear message to the audience while suggesting visual language, cinematography, and non-verbal communication. For me, in the feature film industry, achieving clarity should come first but also closely followed by the matter of cinematography.

Originally from South Korea, I spent the first two decades of my life there. Florida, with its always-sunny climate, became my next destination for college, and eventually, I came to Oregon to pursue my dream job. My deep love for movies, animation, and visual media comes from a lot of reasons; it works as a universal language that enables people from anywhere to connect. Despite our differences, we can always enjoy the conversations about the films we watch, fostering deeper connections. Animation, in particular, has the power to transcend language barriers and resonate with a diverse range of viewers. I can watch animated films with my non-English-speaking family, my 5-year-old cousin, or even my grandmother. Such inclusivity drives my persistent dedication to crafting storyboards that resonate with everyone.
Moreover, I believe that there is something to learn from everything and everyone. While my incredible team at work remains my foremost source of inspiration, watching movies provides me with personal lessons from legendary directors. Even individuals outside of the creative field give unique perspectives that can teach me valuable insights. Their objective viewpoint as the audience plays a crucial aspect in my growth as a storyboard artist.

I am always eager to learn. Ultimately, every creation we bring to life is a form of communication. Be graceful in the chances you get and the people around you. While skill surely plays a significant role, its true worth goes to our capacity to listen. With this mindset, we can truly connect with others and create impactful narratives that resonate deeply.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One of the lessons I wish I knew before is the importance of media consumption. Previously, I had a tendency to watch and read the same things repeatedly, limiting my exposure to new ideas and perspectives. However, expanding my world has allowed me to explore deeper knowledge and inspiration that exists beyond my content.

Take, for instance, the art of cinematography. When we think about dialogue in movies, we often imagine the traditional over-the-shoulder shot following the 180-degree rule. However, different directors apply various techniques and styles. Some prefer close-up shots, while others put multiple characters in the same frame or separate from each other entirely. Each approach serves a different purpose and contributes to their own mood and narrative. By exploring various ranges of films, you will get the reasons behind these choices and their effectiveness. Whether you aspire to become a storyteller or an artist, the understanding of such decisions becomes very helpful in crafting your own work.
Reading, too, offers a wealth of inspiration, even if you do not consider yourself a writer. Literature has fewer limitations and allows authors to convey ideas in diverse ways with their own writing style. Furthermore, reading enhances your imagination as you engage with the text, creating visual images in your brain.

Effective learning and finding inspiration are unique to each individual. However, our minds are most stimulated when exposed to unfamiliar settings and experiences over our everyday lives. I strongly believe that putting oneself in a wide range of media is one of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve this growth and enrichment.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I have a list of books, movies, sayings, poets, and art of things that shaped me, however, personally I would like to recommend “All the Young Girls” written by MARY H.K. CHOI. This poignant essay, published in 2010, chronicles her struggles and experiences as a young adult. While not everything about her life does not apply to my own, reading her writing made me realize that I was not alone. I was not the only one who faced challenges in finding their first job, making mistakes, and feeling overwhelmed by the world. In any creative profession, effective communication is essential. It works as the bridge between the creator and the audience. To achieve meaningful and profound connections, creators must have a deep understanding of how people feel, think, and relate to shared experiences. In that aspect, it was very helpful for me to understand myself and others deeper.

Another video that influenced my mindset as an artist is Bras Rushing’s interview with Film Courage. The creative industry can be highly competitive, often pressuring individuals to constantly bring superior results. Undoubtedly, the quality of one’s work is crucial, but true improvement takes maintaining consistency, which can only be achieved through a healthy and sustainable mindset. Rushing’s statement, “But I want this more than I want to be shy,” resonated deeply within me. This brief yet insightful interview offers valuable perspectives on artistic mindset and offers us a great source of inspiration.

These resources have played a significant role in shaping my perspective and inspiring me to navigate the challenges of life and creativity. Everyone would have their own piece of inspiration but I wish someday someone can read and watch them and feel something positive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://heewonjeong.weebly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heedrawon/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heewon-jeong-378252171/