Conversations with So Youn Rebecca Jeon

Today we’d like to introduce you to So Youn Rebecca Jeon.

Hi So Youn Rebecca, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My life is an adventure book. Here’s the summary on the first cover.

It all began in H52, my high school’s yearbook room. That’s where I first launched into Photoshop, photography, layout, and InDesign. I set my sights on becoming Editor-in-Chief, and through hard work and persistence, I made it. I was known as the yearbook kid or as we proudly called ourselves, “yerds” (yearbook nerds).

Then came college, and things got messy. I knew I wanted to be creative, but school didn’t exactly teach you how to be a creative in the real world. I started as a general art major at CSULB, aiming for the design program until I discovered animation. Sophomore year, I pivoted and decided I wanted to tell stories.

With a clear goal in mind, I got to work. Our animation program was competitive and full of incredibly talented students, and imposter syndrome hit hard. But I knew how to work. I visited every professor I could—some I hadn’t even taken classes with—revised my portfolio with their feedback, and praise God, I got in.

The animation lab became my new H52. I pulled 4AM nights, slept in my car before 8AM shifts, and met friends who made the journey worth it. I directed my senior thesis film, GIREOGI APPA (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36596557/), which became my first big experience collaborating with composers, sound designers, and a team of animators. It was revised again and again—and eventually recognized in various film festivals. The story means a lot to me (No spoilers!) and I am eternally grateful for everyone who was involved to bring this story to life.

After graduation, I took a detour and worked at a medical clinic. It was a challenging chapter. I was under-equipped, but I learned to forge my own path. Even there, I got to make infographics, tutorial videos, and graphics for marketing. Every piece of that season shaped me into a better artist, communicator, and creator.

In Summer 2023, things shifted again when my mom began receiving treatment for a bone marrow transplant. I balanced clinic work, an art director role at a start-up, and caregiving. It was a pivotal time learning to care for someone I love while still holding onto my creative identity. Caregiving is a whole other story for another time.

Currently, I am still a caregiver and an artist:
Recent works:
-Volunteered as an editor for AIA’s 4P program pilot episode, Tea Leaf’s Last (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkmCAIchVGg).
-Brand designed for Anny’s Fine Burger in San Diego. Brand designed for a flower shop called Western Flowers in Ktown.
-Curated the merch line and currently leading social presence for a new café in Torrance, First Flight Coffee.
-Developed numerous graphic works with SOLA Network.
-Built my own brand, THEREBPEUTIC—designing stickers, apparel, and cute, relatable characters.
-Illustrated a couple album art for Vin.Chee.
-Participated in UX/UI hackathons to build my product design skills.
-Completed a coding course through Stanford’s program.

I guess you could call me a Jack of all trades. I do whatever it takes to bring both my clients’ visions and my own to life—constantly upleveling my skills and following my curiosity. So when people ask, “What do you do?” It’s always the hardest question to answer. I’ve got layers. I’m an ogre. :–)

Thanks for listening to my story.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing in my life has ever been “smooth”—but every boulder, detour, and narrow curve has shaped who I am today.

One of the most difficult chapters was watching a loved one endure multiple hospitalizations and stays in the ICU. I had to quickly learn how to be a caregiver while balancing my clinic job and creative freelance work. That season taught me resilience, compassion, and how to hold space for both grief and hope.

Another challenge was navigating the complexities of immigration. It’s a quiet, constant weight that influenced where I could work, how I worked, and what opportunities were even possible. But it also pushed me to stay adaptable, think creatively, and keep moving forward despite uncertainty. Thankfully, I’m now a proud resident and no longer carry that same weight.

And of course—imposter syndrome. I’ve often felt like I wasn’t “enough” to belong. But I’ve learned to let those doubts fuel growth instead of fear. I still feel it sometimes, but I no longer let it keep me from showing up or taking up space.

These struggles weren’t easy—but they’ve deepened my perspective, sharpened my work ethic, and grounded my creativity in empathy and lived experience.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a multidisciplinary creative—designer, illustrator, photographer, storyteller, and brand builder. I work across a range of mediums to help individuals and brands bring their visions to life, whether through visual identity, motion graphics, editorial design, or merchandise. I’m also deeply interested in user experience and continue to build my skills in product design and UI/UX through hands-on projects and hackathons.

One of the projects closest to my heart is Therebpeutic—a brand I created to bring “therapeutic” design and art to life through playful, expressive, and relatable illustrations. Most recently, I launched the Naneun series (naneun means “I am” in Korean). Each character in the series is a lighthearted yet empowering reminder that we can become whoever we want to be—whether that’s a piece of toast, a tired potato, or a brave little fish. It may seem silly on the surface, but the message runs deep: with intention and heart, we’re capable of transformation.

Alongside design and personal work, I have a deep love for the animation and storytelling industry. I studied animation in college and directed an award-winning senior thesis film. More recently, I’ve been exploring editing—especially in animated and narrative formats—because I find so much joy in shaping a story through timing, rhythm, and emotional pacing. I volunteered as an editor on Tea Leaves Last, a pilot episode through AIA’s 4P program, and I’m eager to keep growing in this space.

What sets me apart is how I approach creativity with empathy. I don’t just create—I listen. I strive to understand the emotions, stories, and goals behind every project, and I do my best to bring those to life with care and intention. I also believe in staying curious and adaptable. Whether I’m shooting product photos, illustrating a sticker sheet, building a brand system, or editing a film—I give it my all. To me, every project is an invitation to grow, connect, and make something meaningful.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’d love to connect with like-minded creatives, collaborators, and brands who are looking for a designer who can truly do it all—from concept to execution, storytelling to strategy. Whether you’re building something meaningful, need a visual problem-solver, or just want to chat about design, animation, or storytelling—I’m always open to new collaborations.

I’m also in a season of growth and would love to learn from mentors who resonate with my journey. If you know of any cost-friendly or free programs, workshops, or creative communities that help artists and designers level up their skills—especially in animation, editing, or product design—I’d be so grateful to hear about them. I’m passionate about continuous learning and believe that curiosity and humility are some of the strongest creative tools.

If my story speaks to you or sparks an idea, I’d be honored to connect and explore how we can create something meaningful (and maybe a little fun) together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jeonrebecca.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/therebpeutic
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soyounjeon/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cerebrityy
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/cerebrity