Creative Spotlight: Artist Hyosun Hwang
‘Kitten Heels’ by Hyosun Hwang
Korean illustrator and animator Hyosun Hwang is an avid people watcher. You can judge by most of her works, especially the New York series were born from daily observations of all walks of city life. In particular, her illustrations are hopeful, but with a charmed reality since she sincerely draws what she sees and knows.
A graduate from the School of Visual Art, Hyosun hopes that her illustrations make you smile. With such good intentions, in this interview she talks about her life as an artist in New York City.
‘Nail Polish’ by Hyosun Hwang
Did you always want to be an artist? And at what age did you realize that this is what you were meant to do?
I have wanted to be an artist since I was 7 years old. But it wasn’t so serious until I started studying at SVA.
My top priority at the time was to get a job relating to medicine, a job that I could make enough money to support myself. But I realized it was not my interest and what I was good at. I thought if I have to go to a college, I wish it would be something that makes my heart beat rather than doing something I’m not confident at. It was art that made me happy to study and work. So, here I am!
WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT NEW YORK?
Diversity, unexpected moments, and parks.
WHO ARE OTHER ARTISTS THAT INSPIRE YOU?
Saul Steinberg, Paul Cox, Maria Kalman, and a lot of local and Korean illustrators.
DURING TIMES YOU LACK FOCUS OR INSPIRATION, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DO TO DISTRACT YOURSELF OR TO REFRESH YOUR OUTLOOK?
I look at the photos I took that I want to draw in the future. Looking at the past photos, bring back the atmosphere and feelings of what I felt at that time. It also helps me find new things that I didn’t catch before, which gives me a lot of inspiration.
Another thing I do is to go to vintage thrift shops. I really like their unexpected vibe. Each piece of clothing is unique and I get inspirations through imagining the past story of each item.
‘Musical Discovery’ Wepresent, 2022
AD Ailia Wilhelm, illustration by Hyosun Hwang
WHO OR WHAT BRANDS DO YOU DREAM OF COLLABORATING WITH? LET’S PUT IT OUT THERE IN THE UNIVERSE!
I want to work in the field related to children and making textiles. For example, Anorak Magazine and Urban Outfitters are my dream brands I want to collaborate with!
What was your backup plan if you weren’t going to be an illustrator/animation artist?
I’ve always wanted to be an artist, so I didn’t have any backup plan, but if I was not an illustrator, I think I might become a nurse or a teacher. I wanted to be a nurse when I was in high school for a bit. Becoming a teacher was the dream that my grandfather wanted me to be.
FOR YOUR RECENT COMMISSION BY LINKNYC, HOW DID IT FEEL TO SEE YOUR ILLUSTRATIONS ON THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK CITY?
I felt like it was given to me like my graduation present. LinkNYC was one of my dream jobs, so I never thought that this dream would come this fast.
When I first saw my illustrations on the sidewalks, I was so nervous to the point I felt like I owned this New York City.
WHAT’S YOUR MORNING ROUTINE?
I usually wake up at 9 am and read the Bible first thing in the morning. I then list my to-dos for today and send emails to art directors to promote myself.
AS AN ARTIST, WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT?
Warm heart, Imagination, and humor.
CAN YOU GIVE SOME REALISTIC ADVICE FOR A YOUNGER GENERATION WHO WANTS TO PURSUE ILLUSTRATION OR DESIGN?
Focus on your own voice and what you really want to draw rather than something hype. Keep practicing, communicate with many people, and share your story. Make yourself the only one that can’t be replaced with others by finding your color. Let’s get through this together!
*Originally published August 2022, updated January 15, 2024
MARC JACOBS
