Today we’d like to introduce you to Jae Yun Kim
Hi Jae Yun, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Having lived in six different countries, I grew up as a third culture kid. While my multicultural background made me adaptable and optimistic, I struggled a lot to express myself in foreign environments. So instead of using words, drawing became a safe place where I can share my inner thoughts more effectively. I loved drawing but I never intended to pursue an artistic career until my father encouraged me to study graphic design, believing it would be a path I would enjoy. As I attended the School of Visual Arts as a design major, I found graphic design enjoyable but couldn’t see myself passionate about it as a lifelong career. Thankfully, the design program had a multidisciplinary system that offered various sub-majors, including graphic design, interaction design, motion design, and 3D design, which students could explore starting from their junior year. Out of the sub-majors, I was especially drawn to motion design. The idea of bringing static design to life fascinated me, as it allowed for more fluid storytelling and dynamic movements that can bring more engagement to the audience. Motion design also allowed me to freely express myself with more fluidity, giving life to illustrations that can convey a story. I’m grateful for choosing a career in motion design, as it gives me the opportunity to explore diverse styles and techniques through exciting projects like title sequences, music videos, infographics, visual narratives, and more.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a journey! With 2 years left till graduation after my introduction to motion graphics, I didn’t feel prepared at all to be exposed to the job market with so little experience as my original career path was meant to be for graphic design. While the motion classes sparked my interest, my work didn’t feel professional enough and I knew I needed more training. With this in mind, I chose to take a gap year after my third year to deepen my studies in motion design and returned to my hometown of Seoul to focus on my growth. During this time, I immersed myself in advanced courses, including After Effects and Cinema 4D, and produced four portfolio pieces that showcased my refined skills and growth. I also took the time to freelance which helped me gain animation insights from the industries in South Korea. As I returned back to New York for my final year of college, my new portfolio rewarded me with a scholarship and I felt accomplished with the progress I have made. Additionally, I had the honor of creating the opening sequence for the SVA motion graphics portfolio screening for the class of 2022, which was a rewarding experience for my growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My personal work is mostly focused on using pastel colors to create dreamlike content that explores the theme of the interplay between our current reality and our inner daydream desires. Working with both 2d and 3d elements, I aim to explore different illustration styles and give a unique universe to each piece. In this busy society, I seek escapism, which becomes my safe place, and my motion work serves as a portrayal of my inner thoughts. Some of the themes from my work feature escapism, as seen from “Far Away”, and perception, as seen from “Perspective. My process allows me to express not only my creativity but also share with the audience the beauty and the complexity of our inner emotions.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I have lived in New York for 6 years so far and I love the diversity and inclusivity in this city. As a third culture kid, the multicultural environment makes me feel a sense of belonging and connection. The city shares a rich mix of culture and I love exploring diverse cuisines and meeting people from different parts of the world. Moreover, New York includes amazing art museums and galleries that constantly inspires me every time I visit. I enjoy visiting the Museum of Modern Arts especially as each artwork fuels my creativity and motivates me to explore new artistic directions and concepts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jaeyunkim.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_yunkim/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user123167893
