Today we’d like to introduce you to Hyosun Hwang.
Hi Hyosun, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and grew up in South Korea. My journey as an artist began in my childhood. When I was seven years old, I started doodling on the freshly painted white walls my parents had just finished. However, they didn’t get mad instead, they were always my biggest supporters, nurturing my creativity. From that point on, my entire house became my own small gallery. Throughout my school days, I would consistently sketch during breaks, drawing the attention of my classmates who would come to see my work. Those feelings from those early moments still resonate with me today.
When I graduated High School, that was the moment I thought deeply into considering my future career, and I had no doubt about wanting to pursue a path as an artist. So, I enrolled in an art university in South Korea, where I majored in screen printing and fine art. However, by the time I reached my sophomore year, I changed my mind, redirecting my focus towards the study of illustration. I wanted to be in a field that’s more commercial, where I could easily connect with a diverse audience. This led me to apply to the School of Visual Arts in New York, an experience that not only fueled a deeper passion for my dream but also played a pivotal role in shaping me into a more professional illustrator.
As my graduation approached, I started worrying about my career. I wondered, ‘Will people want to work with me, and will they like my art?’ Surprisingly, a big opportunity came just a month after graduation – my first commissioned work from The New York Times. It was something I had always dreamed of since moving to New York City, and I felt incredibly grateful. Not only that, I was selected as one of ‘The Year in Illustration’- The Most Memorable Illustration in 2022 in The New York Times.
Following this, I had the chance to work on editorial and advertising projects with WePresent and Samsung. I was genuinely happy that my art was spreading positive vibes in society. Currently, I’m working on editorial illustrations, focusing on creating children’s books and planning to open my own store.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, throughout my time at SVA, my confidence in my work remained consistent. I think my confidence came from my deep appreciation for my art style and the direction I was taking with my work. I didn’t encounter many setbacks; it was quite a smooth journey. I believe my genuine love for drawing and enjoying school allowed me to focus on the present rather than constantly worrying about the future.
Right before my senior year, a crucial moment occurred when I had the chance to receive critiques on my portfolio from professional illustrators. During this period, I consciously set aside the fundamental drawing techniques and concentrated on discovering my unique drawing style. The critics pointed out this approach, humbling me for the first time. From that point on, my perspective on drawing leveled up.
Gradually, I transitioned from being an immature illustrator, focusing my efforts on experimenting with drawings that many people could relate to and find healing in.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I see people smiling and appearing peaceful, that becomes my greatest inspiration for drawing. My dad named me SUN because he wishes that I live up to my name—shining with energy and talent, bringing brightness to others. My biggest goal is to bring a big smile to everyone, regardless of age.
I specialize in drawing various people and animals, each with its own lovely story. Living in NYC has taught me a lot about different cultures, languages, appearances, and even food! My artwork is recognized for its ability to emanate bright energy and heal the hearts of both children and adults.
Moreover, when observing animals, I love capturing their uniqueness and translating it into my imagination. When drawing people, I often sketch random individuals I see every day. I particularly enjoy it when people find their own humorous experiences in my work. I love listening to their stories and illustrating them in my own imaginative way. It’s so much fun when I post my drawings on IG and people place themselves in my illustrations. It makes me incredibly happy to see comments from my followers tagging each other and saying, “That’s you! That’s us!” So, even if we’ve never met, I feel like I’m connecting to everyone through my art.
What sets me apart from others is that I always strive to illustrate things out of the ordinary. I believe that all created things should be loved and respected, whether it’s a girl with a hairy body, a man with long hair, a boy who loves floral patterns, or a grandma who loves rock and roll! I try to apply this philosophy to my artwork, always adding unconventional elements. My goal is to turn those raw and unconventional things into lovely and cute creatures.
Currently, my main focus is on illustrating editorial works, advertising, and creating various stationery items like key rings, stickers, posters, and postcards. I’m also trying to expand my career not only in children’s books but also in apparel, and I am proud that I am always trying new things.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
In the beginning, I believed that anyone could become a good illustrator simply by creating something visually appealing. However, in a world filled with countless amazing illustrations, I now believe that genuine art is something that allows you to feel the artist’s emotions and sensitivities more deeply the longer you gaze at the artwork.
As an artist, I’ve learned that my true style genuinely emerges from my own experiences and self-reflections. These experiences don’t have to be all fancy and mainstream, such as watching a lot of movies, traveling, and reading extensively. Instead, it’s about feeling, finding, and owning moments in my daily life. I believe that going through various emotions and circumstances allows me to imagine and draw in a broader spectrum. Discovering what makes me happy, understanding what makes me sad, and exploring new things within my ordinary daily routine are what define a true artist. In the end, my goal as an artist is to share joyful stories through my art for the rest of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hyosunhwang.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyosunhwang/
