Illustrator Moon utilises drawing as a means of understanding herself

“Through illustration, I am able to face up to my ego and be honest with my feelings,” says the Seoul-based illustrator who goes by the name of Moon. “I can be myself through illustration,” she says on her soothing drawings which candidly reflect what she is feeling at the time. After graduating two years ago, Moon felt frustrated and confused by her future job prospects. “I had to find a job, but I didn’t know who I am,” she says on the puzzling time in her life that many graduates face upon finishing their studies.

Growing up with a mother who is also an art therapist, Moon played with many art tools as a child and learned to comprehend the healing abilities of art through performance. After studying hard at university (not in the creative arts) Moon realised she still didn’t know what she really wanted in life. left with feel like she’d “wasted her feelings and life on unwanted things”.

But at this crucial turning point, she acknowledged the importance of knowing herself and embarked on finding a “real life” that really meant something to her. And, as a result, illustration has taken a strong precedence in Moon’s journey in getting to know herself. Influenced by the likes of Hockney and Botero, the illustrator notes how these artists seem to love and elevate nature within their work, a trait she also hopes to convey through her charming works.

By utilising drawing as a means of further understanding herself and her surroundings, for Moon the task at hand is simple. She draws because it is a source of happiness and an alternative route to fulfilment previously unexplored. Now an illustrator, drawing is no longer just a hobby for the Korean creative. Through drawing, she has learned so much about herself and “by understanding myself,” says Moon, “I can understand other people and learn to love the world and my life.”

In her illustrations that feel calming and serene, Moon depicts her peaceful moments. She illustrates picturesque quiet moments through green rolling hills or a peaceful figure enjoying the landscape outside the window. Ultimately, Moon hopes that viewers can also look inside themselves as they in turn, enjoy her drawings. “If people can love themselves a little more after looking at my work, I would also be happy” she says on her intentions.