Meet Sung Jin Kim | Ceramicist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sung Jin Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sung Jin, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
As a full-time ceramic artist, finding a healthy work-life balance has always been important—but over time, I’ve come to see just how essential it really is. When you’re working independently, everything depends on you. That freedom is great, but it can also be risky. Without structure, the line between being a self-driven artist and just feeling lost can get pretty thin.

A lot of people envy the flexibility of a creative lifestyle, but what they don’t always see is how much discipline it takes. I try to stick to a routine—going to the studio in the morning, finishing in the evening, and taking weekends off like most people do. That kind of rhythm helps me stay grounded.

Of course, working with clay doesn’t always fit neatly into a 9-to-5 schedule. Sometimes I need to check the moisture of the clay over the weekend, or stay late to monitor a kiln firing. But I still believe consistency is key—not just in my practice, but in how I treat my time and energy.

When I was younger, I used to dream about becoming a breakout artist overnight. But now, I’m more focused on building something slow and lasting. I want to be able to keep creating for a long time, and that means taking care of both my work and myself.

Honestly, I sometimes think artists are kind of like athletes. We have periods of peak performance, and if we don’t take care of our bodies, we might not be able to keep going. That’s why health has become just as important to me as productivity—regular movement, good food, proper rest. I really believe that creative thinking comes from a flexible mind, and a flexible mind needs a healthy body.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Like many artists, I reflect my own story in my work and that’s something I’m truly proud of.
To me, my life has been anything but ordinary, and I draw from that experience.

I was born in Korea but moved to Jakarta, Indonesia when I was just six months old because of my father’s business. I lived there for 20 years before returning to Korea for university, served two years in the military, worked as a chef in Australia on a working holiday, performed as a rapper, directed music videos for other artists, and even ran a pottery studio called ‘Clayhood’ for about three years. Somehow, through all of this, ceramics remained a constant in my life. And now, I’m continuing my practice here in London.

One of the projects I’m most excited about is my most recent collection called, “The Lingering Taste Of Memories Squeezed In…”. This time, instead of sketching first, I began with writing. I collected my thoughts and turned them into a small book of essays, and from there, I developed the ideas into ceramic works. It was a very personal and organic process almost like having a conversation with myself.

I don’t treat my work as precious or untouchable. Of course, each piece is meaningful, but I see them more as creative “byproducts” evidence of where I was, what I was feeling, or what I was learning at the time. I archive each collection carefully, but I try not to cling to what I’ve already made. Instead, I keep moving forward. That momentum continuously creating something new is what allows me to sustain this work in the long run.

At the end of the day, I don’t want to make something to impress people. I want it to feel honest. It’s a record of my life, my thoughts, and my process as a maker.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve been lucky to have quite a few friends visit me in London from Korea, and every time, I think hard about how to show them the charm of this amazing city in just a few days. If they’re into art, I usually plan a route around some of my favorite museums and galleries—like the V&A, Tate Modern, White Cube, Saatchi Gallery, and the Hayward Gallery. Each place has a different vibe, so there’s always something new to experience. I especially love taking friends to the V&A for a teatime break—the scones and tea at the café are lovely, and the setting is beautiful. For Tate Modern, I suggest starting at St. Paul’s Cathedral and walking across the Millennium Bridge—it’s such a symbolic way to cross from old London to the new.

Outside of art, Soho is a go-to area for me. There’s great food, fun shops, and musicals almost every night that are easy to get into without booking far in advance. I also love sharing London’s unique sense of fashion and design with friends just by walking through the city.

Shoreditch is another favorite—full of vintage markets, food trucks, and creative energy. I always recommend grabbing a bagel from Brick Lane while you’re there. And when it comes to parks, I can’t leave out Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, or Primrose Hill. Each one is special, but watching the sunset at Primrose Hill with a beer is my ideal way to wrap up a visit.

Lastly, I like to end the tour at King’s Cross to show them my old school, Central Saint Martins. It’s such an inspiring space, and from there, catching a train to Paris makes for a perfect next chapter in the trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I feel deeply grateful for in my journey.
But first and foremost, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family.

Living abroad and building a career as a ceramic artist isn’t always easy. Still, knowing that my family supports me and believes in my path has given me the courage to keep going and the confidence not to give up. Their trust is what allows me to continue dreaming.

I’m also incredibly thankful for my fiancée.
As we begin to shape our future together, she’s the one who understands and shares the ups and downs of my life most closely. Her support, empathy, and constant encouragement mean the world to me. She helps me stay grounded and strong.

And lastly, I’d like to give a special thank you to my tutors from the MA Design program at Central Saint Martins.
The past two years of learning, discussing, and exchanging ideas with them completely shifted the way I think about design and creativity. That experience truly became a turning point in my practice, helping me find my voice as an artist.

All of these relationships (family, love, mentorship) have shaped not only who I am as a person, but also how I approach my work and why I continue making.
Their presence is felt in the clay I touch, and in the stories I try to tell through my work.

Website: https://www.sungjinkimwork.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sungjinkim.work/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sung-jin-kim-673067248/