Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Han
Hi Joy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always loved to draw and paint, but I was always told that it wasn’t possible to make a living off of art. I didn’t think I had other options; in my mind, I knew I had to be doing something artistic in order to feel fulfilled. As a result, I studied animation in college and ended up working as a background designer for animation right after. During my few years in animation, I learned a lot and am extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work on different animated shows. But in the back of my mind, I’ve always wondered what else was out there for me.
I came to realize that I’ve always wanted to create my own brand—something that was completely mine and no one else’s. However, I wasn’t brave enough to truly pursue my dream until the last couple of years when job opportunities started drying up and many people became unemployed. I became one of those people sometime last year and decided that, instead of desperately looking for another job in animation, I would take a break from the industry and really focus on starting my own brand before thinking about taking on a full-time position again.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve been immensely grateful for this opportunity to explore, but it has been a tough journey. When I first started last year, it wasn’t as simple as just getting started. I battled my lack of confidence and faith in myself, wavering back and forth on whether I should keep trying or just continue looking for jobs. I often felt insecure about my art and had a hard time believing it could make an impact. However, after consistently working on designing new products and sharing my progress, I am slowly finding a path that is unique to me and realizing that I don’t need to be the most skilled artist out there. I just need to know enough and use my knowledge creatively to express what I want to express through my art.
I am still going through some of those same emotions, but in just a few months, I already feel a lot less insecure. During this time, I’ve acquired so many new skills that are helping me move my business forward, and I’ve made some sales with those new skills. I started 3D printing and hand-assembling some lamps, drawing comics, and posting regularly on social media—all things I had previously thought I would never end up doing. Although I am not yet able to make a living doing these things, I will keep working on figuring them out because this journey has been so tough but so fulfilling, and I would love to keep going.
This journey has become more than just a process of figuring out how to make a living; it has also allowed me to truly explore what feels meaningful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently design 3D-printed lamps and draw comics and other illustrations. I am most proud of some of my lamp designs as well as some of the comics I’ve illustrated. I’m also proud that I am finally starting to tell more stories through my own products. What sets me apart is my desire to move people emotionally with my product/art form. Most of the products I create are meant to evoke feelings of love and laughter, and people who see that in my work are truly able to appreciate it.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Los Angeles is a big city, and because of that, there is such a variety of people, culture, scenery, architecture, and other art forms. It’s so interesting to me that when I leave Pasadena to explore the rest of LA, I sometimes feel like I’ve traveled to a completely different place. I always enjoy these new experiences when I’m out and about. Since LA is so big and spread out, however, a long commute before reaching my destination is a frequent occurrence. I’ve gotten used to it over the years, but sometimes I can’t help but feel like I could be using that time for better things. I suppose the wonders of LA make it all worth it, though.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://playhauscreation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joysplayjournal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlayhausCreate
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoysPlayJournal
