Can you tell us more about you and what you do?

I am a visual designer and illustrator based in Seoul, South Korea.

Every artwork tells a story. What inspired your cover design, what narrative or message are you conveying through your cover design, and can you share the creative process that led to its final form?

This cover design was inspired by my daily life at the time of its creation. I used to end my day by dimming the lights and cozying up with my partner to read books in a comfortable setting. It was within this routine that I felt happiness and love, which motivated me to share my emotions with the public through the cover design.

How does creativity connect to self-expression for you?

This begins from perspectives. Each creator holds their own unique perspective on the world, and communicates this perspective to the public through self-expression. The audience, in turn, experiences viewpoints they may not have encountered before through the creator's self-expression, and this process soon manifests as creativity to the public.

How do you define your individuality as an artist, and in what ways does this uniqueness manifest in your creations?

I mainly draw inspiration from observing myself and the surroundings that constitute me. When I delve into my ordinary, everyday life just like everyone else, I receive the message that "there is happiness in small moments." To convey this message to the public, I express it through familiar elements such as dogs, flowers, and food, which resonate with the audience. It is by approaching with these familiar elements that I aim to evoke empathy from the audience, as empathy ultimately leads to the happiness of the public. I hope the audience receives the message that "there is happiness in small moments.”

In your perspective, what role does creativity play in empowering individuals and communities, and how have you witnessed this power in action?

I believe that the emotions the artist intends to convey are directly transmitted to both individuals and the local community. Among my works, there is a painting titled 'hug', depicting multiple dogs embracing each other tightly. When I showed this artwork to my friends and explained its meaning, they responded by warmly embracing me, just like the dogs in the painting. It was a case where the audience experienced emotions while viewing the artwork expressing the artist's personal feelings and returned those emotions directly to the artist. Witnessing how the emotions I expressed were returned to me, I saw firsthand how creativity influences both individuals and local communities.

Have you faced any challenges in maintaining your individuality in your work, especially in the face of trends or external expectations? How did you overcome them?

I endeavoured to find balance. While it brings me joy to see the audience enjoying my work, finding happiness in creating artwork that resonates purely with my own heart, even if it doesn't necessarily elicit a response from the public, is equally fulfilling to me. Ultimately, I believe that experiencing joyful emotions while creating artwork is the most important aspect for an artist.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who are trying to find and express their individuality through their work?

Try to recognise what emotions are awakened when you draw a picture. It will help you to continue your work consistently.

What’s the one thing you want to accomplish this year?

I want to find the motivation to continue my work consistently.

Where can we see more of your work?

Follow me on Instagram @gyoza_works