ILLUSTRATOR INTERVIEW: Kim Hye
I think one of the things that keeps me motivated as a fledgling illustrator is examining the impressive body of work from illustrators both past and present. It helps to center my focus on where I’d like to be career wise, keeps me up to date on new techniques and styles, and of course it enlightens and inspires me.
A few weeks back I got the opportunity to pose a few questions to one of my favorite illustrators, Kim Hye. We’ve been following each other on Instagram for some years, and so she kindly agreed to let me interview her about her process and journey as an illustrator.
Thank you Hye, for agreeing to talk to me about your path to becoming a successful illustrator.
There are so many illustrators that are self taught, and others that are trained formally. What kind of training have you gone through in order to become an illustrator?
Well, I took a fine arts performance test to study visual design at a university and I've been working as an illustrator for about 7 years. I knew I wanted to be a designer but it was only later that I found my path as an illustrator.
Have you always worked as an illustrator or did you eventually transition from a day job into working in illustration full time?
After graduation, I worked for a design company. I always loved to draw, but at the time I wasn't sure just how to transition into a career in illustration. I had little information about working at my disposal, so in the end I decided to challenge myself for 2 years to see if I could make a go of it. So far, I've lasted for 7 years now!
What an accomplishment! Seven years working fulltime as a freelance illustrator... That makes me wonder though, what drew you to illustration in the first place? Was it something you always wanted to do?
Well, I've always loved to draw and so I get a real sense of satisfaction whenever I complete a project.
I've often thought that drawing is like making a record of something. Pouring out my time and energy on paper, the emotions I feel,... those moments are mine.
What has been the most difficult thing about working in this field, as well as most rewarding?
When illustration becomes your career, it also becomes your main source of income. So the most difficult thing is when I have no income.
On the other hand, it's a wonderful feeling when I get to do a project. It's nice to draw things on my own, yet it feels most rewarding when I know that my illustrations are being put to good use somewhere.
I can relate. There's a certain rush you experience when you see your work out in the world!
For illustrators just starting out, what advice would you share? Something you wish you would have known when you first started (or even a message to your past self, from your future self)
I'd say don't give up everything (whether it be a fulltime job or what have you) from the beginning to make this your career. In reality, there is nothing guaranteed and it may take years before you actually get steady projects. So set a goal for your portfolio and keep practicing until you build your portfolio to that level.
That's so important. You have to be realistic in your approach to working fulltime as a freelance illustrator. Do you think it’s important for an illustrator to be represented by an agency in order to succeed? What was best in your case?
I heard that there are good agencies representing illustrators overseas, but that isn't the case in Korea so many illustrators work privately.
I don't work with an agency myself so it is difficult to say but if I had the chance to work with one, I think it would help to be part of an organization in the beginning for someone less experienced.
Yes, there seems to be arguments for both working with an agency and going it alone. When did you finally realize you could support yourself doing illustration fulltime? Early in your career or later on?
I remember reading an interview of an illustrator. I never thought of making it my career because I thought it was only for a select few.
That's why I gave myself 2 years to test it out and if I had no results, I planned on finding another career path.
They say that you should do the work you want to be hired for. Do you agree?
Oh, I definitely agree. Clients contact you based on your portfolio illustrations. Experiencing as much as possible the work you want to be hired for will help you improve your illustrations and, in turn, lead to more clients contacting you from that medium.
What are your favorite types of projects to work on?
I like working on fashion, portraits, and cosmetic packaging projects because I don't have to stray too much from my style of illustration and I can do my favorite illustration expressions in a real project.
And, of course, do you have a favorite artist? So many of us are inspired by the works of our fellow illustrators or great artists of the past.
Right. I don't limit myself to just illustrators but I like a wide range of artists. Filmmakers such as Godard, David Lynch, impressionist artists, and female novelists.
That's interesting! That being the case, how do you become inspired when you work?
I usually get inspired by watching a style of movie or photo that I like. I'm also inspired by the movement of nature. When I experience things that I love, it naturally makes me want to illustrate them.
And I always feel motivated when I see how other illustrators are doing their best in this field.
Yes, I agree. I'm especially inspired whenever I see you put out more work! So, how would you like people to feel when they look at your work?
I illustrate beautiful moments that are often overlooked. My work usually depicts things from nature, for example, flowers or animals, or a capture of a moment in people's lives.
And for anyone who may happen to see my work, I wish they would feel a moment of happiness.
Kim Hye is a South Korean-based illustrator. You can find her work and client list here.
