By Honorary Reporter Fotini Chatzoudi from Greece
Photos = Glimja

Lee So-yeon, who uses Glimja as her pen name, is a professional artist whose illustrations feature traditional Korean clothing, hairstyles and accessories. 

The following are excerpts from an interview with her.

Why did you become an artist?
From a young age, I loved drawing in sketchbooks. After entering high school, I decided on a career path as an illustrator, so I majored in visual design at an art college.

Why do you draw traditional Korean costumes and accessories?
I've enjoyed drawing Hanbok since childhood and been interested in dresses from other countries. Clothing is the most basic and important element showing a nation's culture, and I hope that my drawings raise understanding and knowledge of traditional costumes, including Hanbok. I also write cultural and historical information on my drawings. 

What materials or programs do you use in your illustrations?
I initially used a computer only for coloring after hand sketching, but now all my work is done on a computer. I use several programs such as Clip Studio and Photoshop.

Tell us about your published books featuring your illustrations.
I've published four books so far: three volumes of "Hanbok Story" and one coloring book. In addition, I draw covers for web novels based on Korean history.

What do you like most about your job?
I would say learning about culture. I like how people worldwide who love my illustrations will also come to love Korean culture, and Koreans can understand and respect the cultures of other countries while also appreciating Hanbok.

What projects are you working now?
I'm preparing new illustrations of traditional costumes from China, Japan and Turkey. And I still have many stories of traditional Hanbok to publish.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.