We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Soo Kim. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Soo below.
Soo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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’ve had a corporate job as a designer/art director in the fashion and beauty industry for over 10 years. The creative part was absolutely fun. Planning campaigns, photoshoots, all the glitz and glam that came with the job. However, politics were always involved and my creative juices withered away quickly. I’ve realized I no longer wanted my manager’s position or job as she/he always seemed so miserable. I am now my own boss and I absolutely love it. I get to create my own schedule, my own workload, and get to create beautiful, soulful artwork that only I can create with my own hands.
Soo, 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 was fortunate enough to attend a prestigious art school at a young age in Korea named Sun Wha Arts. The training was intense but I was trained to be great in all sorts of mediums from watercolor, oil, photography, design, sculpting, and even photography! I am forever thankful to my parents to have done the extra mile to send me there as the intense program led me to be resilient in my craft. I came to New York City as a transfer student to Parsons School of Design not (the New School) where I studied graphic design and eventually worked as an art director for many years.
I’ve always wanted to create my own art and during the pandemic, I was able to find time to express myself. I stumbled upon alcohol inks while browsing through the web and had to try it myself. I immediately fell in love with the vibrant colors and I was obsessed with creating more. I eventually developed my own style of work and started creating collections.
I’m proud of my past life as being trained in fine arts and design as this all comes to life in my collections. I love working with interior designers and clients and use all my skills to build my own business as an artist/teacher now.
I currently teach young students to adults in mixed media in my studio in Glen Rock, NJ. My focus is to open their creative minds and solve problems through creative storytelling. I’ve learned that was essential in any job as a creative and I hope to inspire others.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
During the pandemic, I had to juggle way more than I can handle and I’m sure everyone with young children had to go through the same! I was still working full time (remotely) where I had loads to do with a high demand to turn things around daily. Both kids had to be fed and taught and entertained to some level, and this was the time I had to find time to create a new collection. I was losing my mind. However, I somehow managed to find 5, 10 minutes a day or more, to create! I have created some of my best works yet during this time. I think creating art definitely kept me sane. I now look forward to my studio time and treasure every moment to create something soulful and beautiful. I truly believe art heals the soul of many as I have experienced that myself.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that you can share yourself, your journey, and your life through art. It is the most beautiful thing when someone else can connect with your creation and they feel the same feelings that you went through when creating a piece.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soosoostudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soosoostudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsoosoostudios
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soo-kim-0aaa488/
Image Credits
Bo Shim – Photography