We were lucky to catch up with Jungmin Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jungmin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

When I was a child, I liked to spend time drawing on textbooks and behind of calendar papers. I liked to play with my younger siblings by taking videos of mock up news, music videos, singing, dancing, and acting in a living room as a family concert. At that time, this open mindsets and fresh way to see the world inspire the present version of myself want to keep this spirit of childhood, which I hope to share that energy with more people through my art. I enjoyed thinking in my head and imagine the fantasy world with characters. Dream is a big part to me where I feel free and curious about what happened during the sleep and past. From these interests, I wanted to pursue a creative path, such as television show producer, product designer, and animator. Today, I hope to explore diverse art and design fields as a maker.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born in a snowy day in Incheon, South Korea. I recently graduated with the distinction at ArtCenter College of Design, with major in Illustration Design, and minor in Creative Writing (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Spring 24).

What inspires my creative process are childhood, dreams, family, and writing. My work is about experimenting with found and mixed media, sharing stories from memories, and making 3d objects with hands.

I am currently working as a freelance illustrator, writing newsletter with my art projects, and I recently opened my online store to share my arts.

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

In a long term goal, I hope to make a school where all people can freely learn without social or financial pressure. I would like to study arts with therapy, mental health and education to research how my current practices can help people to express their emotions and support their unique voices. My dream is that people from all ages and backgrounds can start and restart their learning in the supportive environments. I believe that art can be the communication tool and language which one can express that is difficult to say verbally. I would like to share my studies in creative thinking process and how art can heal one’s minds.

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

I think there are some resources of inspiration that motivate me to learn new artists and to continue my study. For example, the websites of art/illustration awards or art platforms (American Illustration, World Illustration Award, Dexigner, or Art 21) shared me new ways to think about my practice and study the possibilities of creative. In addition, talking with mentors, professors, peers and family members help me to reflect my practices and how I could challenge myself in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jungmin-lee.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leejungmin1213/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jungmin-lee-5153a4204/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oBcX6V5eEA
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jm-713777457/a-shade-site-of-sound-jungmin-lee?si=9b73a3b9a9b84803b7362ef2165ca233&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
• Other: Jungmin’s Store: https://jungminlee.bigcartel.com/ Subscribe Jungmin’s Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/d3470a2a3c87/subscription