By Honorary Reporter Daniela Astolfi from Italy
Photos = Kim Jam

The first time I saw Kim Jam's artwork was on a pack of Pepero, a famous snack traditionally given as a gift in Korea on Nov. 11 to friends and lovers like on Valentine's Day. 

My Korean friend sent me a limited edition Pepero box illustrated by Kim Jam, and I looked her up on Instagram to see her unique style in using simple messages in her illustrations. Kim also creates art for companies.

The following are excerpts from a Dec. 22 email interview with her.

Briefly introduce yourself.
I'm an illustrator who draws interesting pictures. I've worked as a designer for a long time and as a freelance illustrator for four years. I'm active in all fields by collaborating with companies.

What is the inspiration for your works?
Most of the paintings I draw are inspired by daily life around me. My life is pretty simple. Every day, I take a walk and draw with my dog Tori in the mountains. Most of my paintings include street cats, swaying trees and bread.

I saw one of your works on a pack of Pepero given to me by my best Korean friend. Where do you get the phrases or words for your works?
Before I draw, I tend to choose the main keyword first. When drawing with that keyword in mind, it's easy to draw in detail. Keywords are a summary of my thoughts that I usually think of and inspired by daily life around me.

Among your works, which is your favorite?
This is an old painting I drew almost in my early days of freelancing. I like this painting because it has a dog and a color I like. I've used it as an Instagram profile for a long time.

Which collaboration did you enjoy most?
Most collaborations are fun. A marathon festival is one collaboration I remember. It was fascinating to see so many people wearing my T-shirt and taking pictures with my illustrations in the background.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul recently produced a video of a winter festival's key visuals and countdown. I consider this an interesting experience. I work alone in a studio and find it a great experience for many people to enjoy my paintings and see them in large sizes.

What projects are in your plans?
I hope my paintings will be used in various fields. When getting a painting request in an area I haven't tried before, I tend to do it most of the time. I'm busy because I work on commerce but want to continue working on exhibitions and books. Above all, I want to keep drawing interesting pictures.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article was 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.