Today we’d like to introduce you to Heewon Jeong.
Hi Heewon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
One of the oldest memories I could remember was watching the Winnie-the-pooh series with an old video player. That is where everything starts. I am Heewon Jeong, a storyboard artist working on a feature animated film at Laika.
Like many other artists, art has been always with me since when I was a child. I was born and raised in South Korea, where academic accomplishment is considered the best and right path. That was high school when I seriously decided that I would go to college for art. Storytelling and films are my things and at the same time drawing is also my thing. They led me on the path of animation coordinately. Animation is telling a story with a form of moving art; drawings.
I wanted to go to an art college in the States. LA is the city with the biggest animation industry in the world. That is in the U.S. However, the c reality does not always follow. My family could not afford the tuition and I was so eager to find any way that I can do that. Thankfully, I got a scholarship from KOSAF, Korean Student Aid Foundation and with help from numerous people in my life, I was accepted for 4 years of a college program majoring in Computer Animation.
I came to the U.S in 2017 for the first time in my life. Entirely new environment, a different country, language that I barely understand. It was not the easiest way in the world, but I still think I am privileged and lucky to have a chance to learn what I love. 4 years went so fast as time flies, and I got accepted into Laika’s story intern program. That was unforgettable memory as that was my first time working in “the animation” industry, which I longed to do.
Now I work as a storyboard artist. I love any kind of film, enjoy finding new artists, and try many different things every day. Some things changed a lot, but I still am the same girl who watched the Winnie-the-pooh series right in front of the television.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges for me was a financial problem. I am from a humble family, and usually, pursuing art as a career is considered not the very best choice for this environment. The tuition of the college I wanted to go exceed more than my parent could afford and back then, that was cruel to me. I tried my best to find any way to go to school in the States, and still, it is unbelievable, but I was accepted in a scholarship program which helped me a lot to go to my dream college.
Sure, even after getting accepted, there were lots of things I should prepare. From South Korea to the United States, was a huge change and there were always things I study more about. For me, it was moving to a completely new country, however, I think everyone in the world experienced something like this. For college, jobs, friends, and moving, we all have to get into a new chapter of life at some point.
Also, workwise, I realized that the world is big and there are ALWAYS things I can learn from others. For artist kids, most of the time, you are the only child who draws in your class. However, after you get into an art college or industry, you will realize that the earth does not revolve around you. That can be cruel and will take time for you to adjust. However, at the same time, isn’t it amazing that there is always room for us to grow?
It is never not perfectly smooth. There were always struggles, a lot. And there will be more. Sometimes everything goes South. However, I know all of the obstacles and challenges will stack up, and all of those experiences will teach you anything you need at that moment.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a storyboard artist. Sometimes we call just story artists. Drawing storyboards for any sort of visual media is what I do.
First, story artists get the script for films, animations, tv series, or any other visual media. After reading the script multiple times, it is time to imagine what the scene will look like. For example, there is a scene a guy eats an apple. The camera can go all the way up and look down at the guy eating an apple emphasizing how small he is and his loneliness. While the camera can go down and look up at him making him a huge figure that eats an apple. This is a simple example, but most of the time, story artists should think about how the shots will be and why they should be taken that way. The final product is the sequence of images telling the scene. Imagine comic strips. The final storyboard looks like that but mostly rougher.
Also, I am a director of a short film “Helicopter Mom”. It was released in 2021 and awarded and screened in a lot of film festivals. From college, I learn the whole process of 3D animation filmmaking. Though I am more specialized in storyboarding, I enjoy producing 3D artwork. It is like you create a whole new world that does not exist in the real world. When the 3D imaginary world meets the story, there comes 3D animation work. I love how those two factors merge and make new media. Directing a short, animated film was a huge challenge and a great opportunity. It was also great that I can make a film about the mother and daughter relationship which I always want to talk about.
There are many amazing artists that I learned from and there will be more always. However, I think the thing that distinguishes me from others is the way I see the world. Everyone has their special perspectives on things as do I.
I just always try to see things from different directions and focus more on details. For story artists or anyone who works in visual media, the subtle changes in visual language bring a huge impact. This idea always inspired me to work hard and see things with more attention. I am still learning, but so far, I am so proud of my work even all the processes and film that I worked for at Laika.
What matters most to you?
It sounds like a cliche, but honestly, everything. Like anyone in the world, I have a lot of different roles in my life. Alter egos. Artist, daughter, friend, and even tenant. We all play various roles in diverse interactions.
For my art, I get inspiration from music, film, books, conversation, etc., and after all, they all come from life. We can find inspiration from falling leaves or some cute words that your friend said. That is how everything matters. I get inspiration from life for art and art is the inspiration for life.
These days, I set a goal for more communication. Shy and introverted are perfect descriptions of my personality, but after all, everything talks about our life, and it cannot be detached from human interaction. I enjoy having me-time but always it takes effort to improve oneself. To widen our world, we need to do things we never expect. I am more like a “listener”, and I do get inspired a lot when I listen to the stories of others. Once you keep more focused on what others say, you will figure out there are amazing ideas and stories for everyone.
I love art, and that is the core of my life. Though, I have a side of life without. Always finding the balance is the hardest, but that is why it matters a lot. I am still figuring it out, too. These days, I am trying to read books and watch more films! It is somehow connected to work and art stuff; still, I am trying to empty my brain and not dissect everything there when I read or watch anything. Fully enjoying stories is the reason we love things first! Maybe it is too much information, but the book I am reading is The Plague by Albert Camus, and I watched Decision to Leave (2022) and The Green Knight (2021). All of them are truly amazing.
It feels like I rambled about all sorts of things. What I wish to say is that everything matters and we are always going to be okay. Let’s find the balance in our lives and embrace the people around us. Try new things, enjoy whatever you love, and have fun. Always!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heewonjeong.weebly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heedrawon/
Image Credits
Heewon Jeong
