Conversations with Hyejin(aedin) Shin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hyejin(aedin) Shin.

Hi Hyejin(aedin), it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a child, I loved copying manga, especially Japanese comics. I also enjoyed imagining my dream home and different spaces, then bringing those ideas to life through drawing.

I wasn’t the most naturally talented artist, but I loved drawing enough to keep practicing. Over time, drawing became the thing I felt most comfortable doing.

When I entered university, I majored in Fine Arts. However, the program focused much more on contemporary art and conceptual thinking than on traditional painting. Although I appreciated what I learned, I realized it was quite different from the simple joy of drawing that had first inspired me. For a while, I stopped drawing altogether.

After graduation, I worked in retail at a department store. Even then, I couldn’t let go of my passion for drawing. I continued sketching in my spare time, and eventually discovered that illustration could be a career.

I built my portfolio and began sharing my work on illustration platforms. Little by little, freelance commissions started coming in, and that became the beginning of my career as a freelance illustrator. I’ve now been working independently for over eleven years.

Even today, I still love drawing the same kinds of subjects that fascinated me as a child—spaces, environments, and places filled with stories. My goal is to create illustrations that invite people to slow down, explore, and discover something new every time they look.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Freelancing is rarely a smooth road.

When I first started, I spent about a year simply drawing what I loved. I enjoyed the process, but the work didn’t receive much attention. I realized I needed to rethink my approach, so I gradually changed my style and rebuilt my portfolio. Even then, I waited nearly six months without receiving a single inquiry.

Eventually, my first professional commission came from Citibank Korea, creating an illustrated festival map. That project became a turning point, and afterward I had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of illustration projects across many different industries.

As the years went by, however, I found myself losing sight of why I had started. Once the pressure of making a living eased, I also lost some of the urgency and excitement that had driven me in the beginning. Looking back, I think that change showed in my work, and naturally the commissions became less frequent.

At one point, I tried pursuing my original dream of creating webtoons. But I soon realized that writing long-form stories wasn’t where my strengths or passion truly lay.

So I returned to illustration.

It felt like coming home.

Illustration welcomed me back, and I rediscovered the joy that had first made me fall in love with drawing. Since then, I’ve worked hard to maintain a healthy balance between creativity and work, making sure I continue to enjoy what I do rather than simply chasing deadlines.

Today, after more than eleven years as a freelance illustrator, I can honestly say that my relationship with drawing is stronger than ever. I hope it continues to be a long and happy partnership for many years to come.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a freelance illustrator, and for the past eleven years I’ve worked on a wide variety of projects, including editorial illustrations, educational materials, illustrated maps, calendars, branding, and large-scale environmental graphics. I enjoy adapting my work to each project rather than limiting myself to one style.

If there’s one thing that has stayed the same throughout my career, it’s my love for spaces. Since I was a child, I’ve loved imagining homes, cities, and places that didn’t exist yet. Today, I still enjoy creating illustrations that invite people to explore those spaces and discover little stories hidden inside them.

Another part of my work that I truly love is color. I enjoy playing with color the way a child plays with toys. Experimenting with unexpected color combinations is one of the most exciting parts of the creative process for me. Sometimes those playful combinations create the strongest emotions, and I’m grateful that many people have connected with and appreciated that aspect of my work.

Rather than following a single signature style, I try to find the visual language that best fits each project. Every client has different goals, and I enjoy solving those creative challenges while still bringing my own perspective into the work.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a single project—it’s the trust I’ve built over the years. Many clients have returned to work with me again because they know I’ll carefully think through both the artwork and the message behind it.

I believe what sets me apart is that I never stop being curious. I still approach every project with the same excitement I had when I was drawing as a child. For me, illustration isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about creating spaces, stories, and colors that people genuinely enjoy spending time with.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice is simple: don’t be in a hurry.
When I first started, I spent months without receiving a single inquiry. There were many moments when I wondered if I had chosen the wrong path. Looking back now, I realize those quiet periods weren’t wasted—they were the time I was building the skills and confidence I still rely on today.
I also think it’s okay if your style changes. Many artists feel pressure to find a unique style as quickly as possible, but I believe your style grows naturally from your experiences, your curiosity, and the work you continue to make. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
The most important thing I wish I had known is that anxiety never really disappears. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been doing this for years, there will always be uncertainty—about your work, your future, or where the next opportunity will come from.
I think anxiety is like the waves in the ocean. You can’t stop the waves from coming, but you can learn how to ride them instead of fighting them. Once I accepted that, I stopped trying to eliminate uncertainty and started focusing on enjoying the journey.
And finally, don’t lose the joy that made you start creating in the first place. I still make time to play with ideas and colors simply because I love it. I believe the best work comes from artists who continue to enjoy the creative process, even after it becomes their profession.

Pricing:

• Every project is unique, so pricing varies depending on the scope, timeline, and usage
• Please feel free to reach out for a custom quote.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.behance.net/tkmsm609
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyejin010101?igsh=ZHJ1NnVjMGp5dGt2&utm_source=qr