We recently connected with Juni (Junhee) Kweon and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Juni (Junhee), thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I find that my childhood holds a special fascination for me. Some of my friends have even remarked that I seem to dwell in the past, and I can’t entirely disagree. Back when I was in elementary school, my personality differed significantly from what it is today. I used to be bold, cheerful, and full of energy. Nowadays, I feel more timid, often held back by fears that never used to bother me. Take my fear of flying, for instance; it’s become a significant hurdle for me when it comes to travel. Yet, in my youth, I reveled in the excitement of turbulence during flights and had no fear of taking to the skies. I believe this change stems from the inundation of news about plane crashes as I’ve grown older. As we mature, we become more aware of the harsh realities of the world, and this awareness can stifle our adventurous spirit. While I recognize this as an excuse, it remains true that I long for the carefree days when my world was filled with innocence and boundless optimism about the future.

If I were to choose a role model, it would undoubtedly be my younger self. My perspective on the world has shifted over the years. I find myself hesitating to take on challenges, always questioning whether something is feasible rather than simply diving in with enthusiasm. I yearn to reclaim the bravery and purity of spirit I possessed as a child and to broaden my horizons with the dreams I once held dear.

In my artwork, the giraffe serves as a symbol of my childhood. The choice may seem peculiar, but as a child, I harbored a dream of becoming a giraffe. This whimsical aspiration reflects the innocence of my youth, untainted by the harsh realities of the world.

The giraffe character I’ve created embodies bravery with its towering stature that dwarfs even the tallest skyscrapers in the city. Its elongated neck reaching toward the heavens signifies the boundless curiosity and fearlessness I once possessed. For me, the act of creating art is a journey back to my childhood essence, and giraffes play a pivotal role in that process.

Juni (Junhee), 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’m originally from Korea but moved to the US when I was 17, settling first in Maryland and then heading to California for college at the ArtCenter College of Design. Now, I’m diving into the world of motion design, figuring out where my talents lie in this field.

My creative journey began with a childhood favorite: ‘Pat and Mat,’ a clay animation series from the Czech Republic. Watching these two friends solve everyday problems sparked my imagination. I loved the stories, characters, and attention to detail. The city backdrop felt so real, I wanted to explore it myself. That’s what inspired me to learn 3D animation—to create my own worlds filled with stories, characters, and vibrant cityscapes, just like ‘Pat and Mat.’

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

At the heart of my creative journey is a simple yet profound goal: to build a virtual world that feels like a dream come to life. Imagine an empty cityscape with surreal touches, much like the landscapes I encounter in my dreams. My dream is to bring this world to life visually and then step into it, exploring its wonders firsthand.

In essence, I want to turn my imagination into a place I can physically experience—a place where the fantastical meets the familiar. It’s about creating a space where I can let my curiosity roam freely and uncover new adventures at every turn. This goal drives me to push the boundaries of my creativity and turn my dreams into reality, one surreal cityscape at a time.

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

Recently, I had the opportunity to watch ‘Monster’ by Hirokazu Kore-eda, and it profoundly altered my perspective on the world. Prior to seeing this film, I realized that I often judged individuals based solely on initial interactions or isolated incidents. For instance, if someone accidentally bumped into me on the street and didn’t apologize, I would hastily label them as rude or inconsiderate. While this reaction seemed justified at the time, ‘Monster’ introduced me to the notion that everyone carries their own burdens and experiences.

This realization prompted a shift in my thinking towards a more empathetic outlook. I began to understand that individuals are complex beings with their own struggles and challenges. Perhaps the person who didn’t apologize was preoccupied with personal matters or simply overlooked the incident. ‘Monster’ reminded me that misunderstandings are a common occurrence in human interactions.

As a result of this newfound understanding, I have become more compassionate and open-minded in my interactions with others. I now recognize that we are all navigating our own journeys, and empathy is essential in fostering genuine connections. ‘Monster’ has empowered me to embrace the diversity of human experiences and to approach the world with a greater sense of understanding and acceptance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.junikweon.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juni.kweon/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juni-kweon/