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

Alright, Jisoo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I love being a creative artist and am grateful that people feel various emotions, such as sadness and happiness, while watching my artworks. I have studied Fine Arts since I was a child, and I never doubted that I would want to do anything else for my future other than painting. However, there was a period when I was overwhelmed and burnt out, trying to figure out if I really wanted to keep drawing for the rest of my life. The answer was no. There are many different ways to express art, and I decided to explore some other fields that I love more. I tried holding an exhibition, teaching students in art class, working in graphic design, and even creating sculptures. That’s how I became a production designer now. So if you are feeling the same way and questioning yourself about whether this is the right path, I’d say take a break and consider trying out some other similar fields that you can enjoy. Don’t stress yourself too much; get confidence, be patient, and keep pursuing your art, and people will love it!

Jisoo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have had a strong interest in making miniatures since I was very young. I used to watch films like ‘Corpse Bride,’ ‘Wallace and Gromit,’ and ‘Coraline’ repeatedly. Since then, I have spent most of my time creating small miniature sets and painting. My parents recognized my talents and generously supported me in attending Sunhwa Art School in Seoul, Korea. I have always embraced various challenges in pursuit of my dream. I studied and taught Fine Art and Stage Design for about 15 years, exploring various fields of art as well such as graphic design, sculpture. In 2021, I came to LA to study production design at the American Film Institute, and now, I am participating in the ADG Production Design Initiative Program.

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

As a production designer, I derive the greatest satisfaction from knowing that my work brings complete enjoyment to the audience when they watch my films. Production designers have the unique opportunity to breathe life into their creative visions on a grand scale. They bear the responsibility of crafting the visual aesthetics and atmosphere of a production, encompassing everything from designing sets to selecting color palettes and props.

One of my recent endeavors was a short film titled ‘Lola.’ The story revolves around a teenage girl coping with her grandmother’s struggle with dementia. When I first laid eyes on the script, it evoked a powerful mix of emotions within me – grief, acceptance, and a profound appreciation for the fleeting nature of time. These were the exact sentiments I aimed to convey through my work. It’s worth noting that the role of a production designer can be demanding, often entailing long hours and tight deadlines. However, the ultimate reward comes when I sit in the audience, watching my film unfold on the big screen alongside others, and witnessing their emotional reactions.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Set is a place that shows the character’s personality, and their life. Even if there is no person on the screen, set should be able to show the character’s age, personality, and behavioral style of the person who uses the space. I’d like to become a skilled visual storyteller capable of effectively conveying characters and emotions. Also, like all aspects of filmmaking, production design revolves around problem-solving. Many crew members often find themselves under pressure to swiftly tackle these challenges. Nevertheless, my aspiration is to be remembered as someone whom others wish to collaborate with again after the production concludes, and as an individual who has had a positive impact on their experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jisoojeong.creatorlink.net
• Instagram: jisoo_art_o_o
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jisoo-jeong-pd