We recently had the chance to connect with Seung Yon Lee and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Seung Yon, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was on my birthday when I went hiking. Being surrounded by nature, breathing in the fresh air, and taking in the peaceful scenery made me feel completely alive and present. It wasn’t just about the hike—it was the feeling of freedom, the quiet moments to reflect, and the sense of accomplishment when I reached the top. Spending that special day doing something I love reminded me how simple experiences can bring the deepest happiness.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m a 3D artist working in the animation and gaming industries, with a passion for bringing digital worlds and characters to life. I had the incredible opportunity to work as a 3D modeler on the award-winning short animation Canary, which was a truly meaningful project both artistically and emotionally. In the gaming world, I’ve contributed as a 3D artist on published mobile titles like Home Design Makeover and Ellen’s Garden Restoration at Storm8. What excites me most about my work is blending creativity with technical skill to create immersive, visually engaging experiences that connect with audiences. Whether it’s storytelling through animation or designing interactive environments for games, I’m always exploring new ways to push my craft forward.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was an imaginative maker — always drawing, crafting, and inventing new worlds from whatever I had around me. I spent hours sketching characters, animals, and crafting paper artwork or sand sculptures. Making things wasn’t a hobby; it was how I expressed myself. That same drive to create is what eventually led me to 3D art, where I now get to build and bring stories to life for animation and games.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, the love and comfort of my family always helped me. No matter what I was going through, knowing they were there to listen, to reassure me, or simply to be by my side made everything feel a little less overwhelming. The love from my parents, especially, was the most important thing in the world to me. It gave me a deep sense of security and belonging that nothing else could replace. Their encouragement, patience, and quiet strength helped me grow through difficult moments, and that foundation of love continues to shape who I am today.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I am deeply committed to, no matter how long it takes, is that kindness always wins and that art has the power to make the world better. I believe that kindness is part of human nature, something we are all born with, even if it becomes buried over time. Acts of kindness, even the smallest ones, have the ability to create meaningful change in people’s lives. I also believe that art has the unique ability to heal. It reaches parts of the soul that words cannot touch, offering comfort, reflection, and connection. As a 3D artist, I aim to create work that carries emotional depth and purpose, something that resonates with people beyond just the surface. Through visual storytelling, whether in animation or games, I hope to remind others of the beauty, empathy, and imagination we all carry within us. Even if it takes a lifetime, I will keep creating with the belief that kindness and art together can help shape a more compassionate and inspired world.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I think one of my biggest regrets would be not giving back to the creative community that helped shape who I am. When I was starting out as a 3D artist, I relied so much on the generosity of others — artists who shared their workflows, gave feedback, answered my questions, or simply inspired me through their work. That kind of support made a huge difference, not just in developing my technical skills, but in helping me believe that I could build a career doing what I love.
Now that I’ve gained experience working on award-winning animation and published games, I feel a strong responsibility to pay that forward. Whether it’s mentoring younger artists, sharing knowledge and resources, or just offering encouragement to someone who’s still finding their path, I want to be part of that same cycle of support. The creative world can be challenging and competitive, but I believe it thrives when we lift each other up. If I never made the time to give back, to support the next generation of artists the way others supported me, that’s something I would truly regret.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yonleeart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3d_ylee/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yon-lee-96b32414a/
- Other: https://www.artstation.com/yonleeart
Image Credits
3D art by Seung Yon Lee (Yon Lee)
