We recently connected with Soo Ji Lee and have shared our conversation below.

Soo Ji , appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects for me is my book, “Dear Mom.” This work delves into the complex emotions of my childhood, emphasizing the love and sacrifices made by my mother. As a child, I often struggled with following her instructions, which sometimes felt overwhelming. However, as I grew older, I began to understand the depth of her devotion and the genuine desire behind her guidance. My hope for this book is to encourage readers to reflect on their own experiences and to appreciate the vital role family love plays in all our lives.
In 2018, I had the opportunity to collaborate with KDB Life Insurance on a captivating calendar project featuring a pig as the main character. Through this character, I was able to depict various seasonal activities alongside his animal friends, celebrating joyful moments such as kite flying in spring and watermelon-eating contests during the summer. Utilizing Eastern watercolors, I captured vibrant colors and a warm atmosphere, which resonated positively with many people who saw the work. The encouraging responses were incredibly fulfilling and reaffirmed my commitment to my craft.
The following year, in 2020, I embarked on a new journey with DB Life Insurance to create a second calendar that focused on human characters. With a theme centered around family love, this project aimed to illustrate everyday moments that families cherish together, including heartwarming scenes of families doing yoga and enjoying cozy game nights at home. Both projects have not only strengthened my artistic voice but have also allowed me to convey the essence of family connections in a profound way.

Soo Ji , 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?

My journey starts in a conservative family in South Korea, where I discovered my love for drawing and coloring at a young age. I could easily lose track of time as I immersed myself in the joy of creating. My mom saw my passion and enrolled me in an art academy even before I hit kindergarten. Those colorful classes helped me nurture my creativity, giving me countless fun moments with friends.
As I grew older, though, the pressure from my parents’ expectations began to weigh on me. They always encouraged me to pursue a stable career, which sometimes made me lose sight of my dreams. Still, my love for art stuck around, no matter how hard things got. In 2013, I took a leap and enrolled at Parsons School of Design in New York, diving into graphic design. The vibrant energy of the city and the diversity of experiences shaped my growth as an artist.
After graduating in 2018, I had an amazing opportunity to work with KDB Life Insurance on a calendar project featuring fun animal characters. I chose a pig as the main character, celebrating childhood joy through various seasonal activities with its friends. This project let me convey themes of family love and connection, and I was thrilled by the positive feedback I received from many people.
That achievement sparked a newfound confidence in me, motivating me to explore my path again. In 2021, I was excited to be accepted into the Master’s program in Illustration at FIT, which broadened my artistic direction even further.
Now, after going through some rough times in China, I find myself setting new goals for the future. During those challenging months, drawing became my saving grace, a way to express my feelings through anthropomorphic animal characters. Currently, I’m busy working on the 2026 calendar and preparing to publish a picture book focused on themes of family and love. Balancing this with my role as an art teacher has been incredibly rewarding, as I get inspired by my interactions with my students.
As both a Korean and now an American, I’m eager to see how I can make meaningful contributions to the world. I want to use my cultural background and experiences to express creativity from different perspectives and create works that resonate with others. I hope my story can inspire others, and I’m excited for the adventures that lie ahead in my journey.

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

Yes, a particular goal driving my creative journey is to express the significance of family love and connection through my art. Growing up in a conservative family in South Korea, I often felt pressured to conform to traditional career expectations, which sometimes clashed with my passion for creativity. Fortunately, my mother recognized my love for drawing and enrolled me in an art academy before I started kindergarten, nurturing my artistic talents from a young age.
When I moved to New York to study at Parsons School of Design, it was a transformative experience that further shaped my identity. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and diverse cultural landscape inspired me to explore my creativity more deeply. Throughout this journey, I encountered various challenges, including adapting to a new lifestyle and navigating the pressures of pursuing my dreams. These experiences heightened my appreciation for the invaluable bonds of family.
This realization found its expression in my work, particularly in my book Dear Mom, which delves into the complexities of my childhood and highlights my mother’s immense love and sacrifices. It reinforced my belief that family extends beyond blood ties; it encompasses the meaningful connections we cultivate over time.
Through art, I strive to share relatable stories celebrating joy, love, and understanding. Ultimately, I aspire to inspire others to cherish their relationships and recognize these connections’ profound impact on our lives. I am excited to continue my artistic journey, embrace new challenges, and foster deeper connections through storytelling.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the extraordinary ability to connect with others through my work. Art has this unique power to evoke deep emotions and spark meaningful conversations, allowing me to express ideas and feelings that words often struggle to fully convey. Each brushstroke and color choice becomes a gateway for dialogue, creating a bridge between my inner world and the hearts of those who engage with my creations. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that my work can resonate on such a personal level.

When I receive heartfelt responses from people who share how my artwork resonates with them or evokes fond memories, it fills me with immense joy and a profound sense of fulfillment. Knowing that my creations can touch lives and foster a sense of community is incredibly gratifying. It’s a reminder of the shared human experience we all navigate, and how art can be an uplifting companion during both joyous times and life’s challenges. The simple act of creating can transform not just my emotions but also reflect hope and resilience in those around me.

Moreover, the creative process itself is an enriching journey filled with discovery and growth. Engaging in art not only allows me to delve into my thoughts and feelings, but it also pushes me to challenge my own limits and embrace new techniques. Each project is not just an opportunity to express myself but also a chance to learn and evolve as an artist.

I often find inspiration in the successes I achieve, as well as in the lessons learned from the challenges I face along the way. The beauty of art lies in its imperfections; sometimes those unexpected moments lead to the most profound outcomes. Ultimately, the capacity to inspire others and share my narrative through art fills me with hope and excitement for what lies ahead.

I envision a future where my work continues to spark joy, reflection, and connection in others, encouraging them to embrace their own stories. Through my artistic journey, I strive to create pieces that not only celebrate beauty and love but also serve as reminders that we are never truly alone in our experiences. Art has the power to connect us all, weaving together the fabric of our shared humanity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soojileestudio.com
• Instagram: soojilee.studio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sooji-lee-111476296

Image Credits

Soo Ji Lee