Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim-Hoa Ung.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a Chinese American author-illustrator and amigurumi artist. Amigurumi is the Japanese craft of crocheting small stuffed toys/plushies. I learned to crochet from my cousin about 15 years ago. The first thing I made was a scarf with just single crochet stitches. It wasn’t until one day, when I stumbled upon some cute egg amigurumi online that I became fascinated by the art and wanted to learn more. I had trouble starting because I didn’t understand what it meant to “crochet in the round.” Video tutorials online weren’t helping. One day, while sitting on the couch with my mom, she showed me what she knew from her home country. She did it! She was “crocheting in the round.” So, I asked her to show me again, and that was how my amigurumi journey started. I now crochet pieces for art shows, charity events, and as gifts for loved ones.
As for my journey in publishing, my children inspired me to become an author-illustrator. One day while reading with my daughter, she asked why there weren’t any characters like her. It made me think how nice it would be for my little girl to be able to identify with a character similar to her. That’s how my dream of publishing a children’s book came about. I was lucky to win a writing contest in which the prize was a critique with an editor at Macmillan. During the meeting, she expressed interest in working with me. After some revisions, my story was acquired, and I was able to secure an agent at the same time through a writing pitch event on Twitter. Now, my picture book will debut on December 5, 2023. Dreams really do come true with a lot of hard work and some luck. I am very grateful.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My creative journey has its ups and downs. Sometimes more downs, but I’ve learned to keep on creating. For crocheting, it is challenging to design something unique since there are so many amigurumi artists out there. I love kawaii style so that is my focus. It was tough getting into art shows in the beginning since nobody knew who I was. I worked hard on creating more amigurumi and posting on social media. I applied to a show one day and linked my Instagram as my portfolio. Luckily, I was accepted and am thankful that they gave me my first opportunity.
Traditional publishing has been challenging too. You write what you think is the best story ever, only to get rejected or your critique partners don’t understand your heart of the story or what you’re trying to say. Writing and illustrating are very subjective. All you need is your one “yes,” whether it is from an agent or an editor. It is tough but not impossible. There are always struggles along the way, but one saying I remind myself of is, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Sometimes I just want to reach the goal when things get very tough, but I tell myself it’s the people who you meet along the way and the learnings you realize that make that path worth every step of the way. Rooting for you all to be able to achieve your goals!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a children’s book author-illustrator and an amigurumi artist. I write and illustrate my own picture books. I enjoy creating stories that explore family relationships, friendship, empathy, culture and heritage, and immigrant life. I am a lover of all things kawaii and kind. One thing I’m very proud of is my debut picture book. It is about a little girl who wants to make a lucky hat for her grandma, but she struggles with crocheting. Through perseverance and their special bond, Lyn Lyn comes to realize that the perfect gift for Nai Nai comes from within. Kirkus Reviews calls it “a sweet story celebrating the special bond between a granddaughter and her grandmother.” I’m grateful to have written and illustrated it while being able to incorporate my love of crochet and crafting into the story. I’m not sure what sets me apart from others, but I do try my best to create cute and heart-warming art. I am thankful for all the love and support I’ve received so far and for the opportunity to create what I love.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the happiness and good health of those I love, especially my family and friends! In terms of my creative journey, it matters to me that I work on what I love. It would be a bonus if what I create can bring joy, hope, and inspiration to others. I also enjoy participating in art shows where a portion of the sales is donated to charity. Life is short and unpredictable. I like to live each day knowing I’ve tried my best doing positive things for those around me and the world. Best wishes to you all! Thank you for reading! And to VoyageLA, thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
Contact Info:
- Website: kimhoaung.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnleaflet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutumnLeaflet
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AutumnLeaflet
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@autumnleaflet
Image Credits
All photos and artwork belong to me, taken by me. Thank you!
