By Honorary Reporter Foteini Chatzoudi from Greece
Photos = Lee Hye-su 

After discovering the new website of the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in New York, I was captivated by the fresh, modern and uplifting doodles in its murals by artist Lee Hye-su.

An illustrator, cartoonist and muralist based in the Brooklyn borough of the Big Apple, Lee creates illustrations for brands, media and public murals including The New York Times and Washington Post.

She has spoken at events like Buzzfeed's Design Club and lectured on cartoon illustrations at the Abrons Art Center. This year, she painted a mural for the new KCC building in Manhattan featuring vibrant Korean cultural symbols.

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Lee from May 15-20.

These are murals at the KCC in New York painted by Lee Hye-su.

How would you describe your unique graphic style and creative process?
Thanks for describing my work as unique. My work is playful, whimsical and quirky. My process is free-flowing. I doodle until an idea clicks and create rough sketches in my sketchbook. I refine the standout sketch on my iPad, allowing for tweaks until it feels right. Working digitally offers flexibility and freedom.

How do you handle artist's block?
First, I remind myself that having a creative block is natural and always comes and goes. Afterwards, I take a break if I can because a block could signal the need for me to rest mentally and physically. If I still feel uninspired, I take a more extreme approach by drawing and painting continuously until I overcome the block. Sometimes you need to get the bad ones out of your system.

Lee is also the author of pocket guides to Korean street food (left) and slang (right).

Why did you also write pocket guides to Korean street food and slang?
I love food, maybe a little more than art. And I've always wanted to share my culture and this seemed like the perfect way to do it. So I made these little fanzines and lots of people liked them.

What advice do you have for other illustrators searching for a graphic style?
Finding your visual voice is challenging. I struggled with self-doubt and considered it elusive. My breakthrough came from focusing on what felt natural and enjoyable when I drew. Developing that instinctive mark making was key for me.

What are your plans?
I'm visiting Korea in August to launch the Korean-language version of my book "Self-Love Club," my first work as both author and illustrator. I'm excited to connect with people in Korea.

msjeon22@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.