Today we’d like to introduce you to Heji Joo.
Hi Heji, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I’m Heji, a motion designer and illustrator. I was born and raised in South Korea and later moved to the Bay Area, where I lived through high school. Growing up in a highly academically driven environment, art was something I did just for fun. I spent most of my free time watching cartoons, movies, and playing games. I’ve always loved all kinds of genres, but fantasy especially stuck with me. It felt like anything was possible there, free from limitations, which I found incredibly liberating. But more importantly, I was drawn to the people behind them and how someone could imagine and create entire worlds from scratch. I remember every time the ending of a story deeply resonated with me, I would look up interviews about how those worlds were built. That curiosity has never left me.
Back then, art felt like a form of escapism, or a small break from the constant pressure of academics. I never imagined it would become my career. But once I found myself studying design, I realized it shared the same spark that drew me to those stories in the first place. Now, I try to bring that same curiosity into my own work, turning ideas into visual experiences, playing with colors and shapes, and bringing stories to life through motion.
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?
The transition from an academic mindset to a creative one wasn’t easy. Art had always been an outlet for me, something I did purely for fun. But when I chose to pursue it as a career, I had to bring a new level of discipline to it. In a way, it stopped being an escape and became something I needed to approach with structure and responsibility… while still finding ways to keep it enjoyable.
Work-life balance was another struggle, especially during my time at ArtCenter. Coming from a high-pressure culture, I found it hard to step away from work. Even when I clearly needed rest, I’d tell myself I was fine, only to burn out later. Over time, (and many many all-nighters,) I’ve learned to take my mental health seriously and make space for intentional breaks.
Running has helped a lot; it gives me time to reset and return with a clearer head. The irony is, I’ve always hated exercise. I still hate running. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that taking care of myself is something I have to actively choose. I guess I’m still in the process of fine-tuning the balance between work and life. It’s easy for the lines to blur, especially when you’re doing something you love… But finding moments to pause, reflect, or just enjoy something outside of design has helped me stay grounded (and ultimately made me a better designer, too.)
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is rooted in a love for character and story-telling. Whether I’m crafting a visual identity, building a 3D environment, or editing a concept reel, I approach every project as if it’s a living, breathing world. Everything has its own unique story and personality to uncover, and it’s my greatest passion as a designer to bring that into the world for others to see. My ultimate goal is to create works that resonate and stir a response in audience… just like the masterpieces that moved me as a kid.
That philosophy has shaped not just how I work, but the work itself. I’m proud to say my projects have been recognized by the 2025 PRINT Awards, including Fungal Fantasia, a collaborative 3D animation project in the Motion category, and style frames for Sci Channel in Illustration. I’m grateful for the recognition and hope to keep refining this approach in my future designs.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about the city is its rich and diverse culture. Especially with the current political landscape, it’s easy to fall into cynicism. But being surrounded by so many different voices, communities, and creative energy, I am reminded that there’s still so much to appreciate and love.
I also have to shout out the amazing animal shelters and foster communities here. They work tirelessly to give animals a second chance at life. Recently, I adopted two kittens from different shelters, and it’s been eye-opening to see how much they’ve transformed just through love and care. I’m so grateful to the people and organizations in this city who make that kind of change possible: for my cats, and for so many others who’ve found their forever homes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hejijoo.info/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heji-joo/
