Meet Carolyn Yoo | Artist & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolyn Yoo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolyn, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Rather than viewing work and life as separate elements to balance, I see them as part of a holistic cycle that ebbs and flows. I look toward nature’s cycles and seasons as models for managing my energy and time. I am learning to accept that I will have periods of high output and periods of rest, just as there are different phases of the moon or seasons with varying moods. Thinking of my energy management in cycles helps me work with my natural tendencies rather than fight them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up as a shy kid, I found my voice through writing and art. Journaling and creative expression became my refuge for processing and reflecting on experiences. My Korean culture and how it intersects with my experience as a Korean American deeply influences my work. Growing up, I spent countless hours in Asian stationery stores, falling in love with the simple character designs I’d see on the shelves. This whimsical aesthetic, combined with my appreciation for folk and naive art, influences my work today, retaining that sense of childlike simplicity and playfulness.

My journey wasn’t straightforward. After years of trying to force myself into specific creative directions, I realized I needed to build something that honored both my art practice and my desire to support and serve others. Having a stable software engineering job initially gave me the freedom to develop patiently. While I sometimes lamented this job taking time away from my art, it ultimately allowed me to develop my creative work authentically and at my own pace.

My career path and creative business has evolved organically from my own needs as a self-taught artist. I started writing my creativity newsletter SEE YOU to document my art practice, which eventually morphed into supporting fellow artists and encouraging self-discovery in the process. Along with this, I developed my illustration work, showing in galleries and working with clients. I realized I was building both a library of writing and frameworks that could help others navigate their creative challenges, while developing my own artistic voice through visual storytelling.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that when something feels deeply resonant and transformative for yourself, trust that it will find and impact others in meaningful ways. Creating from a place of love and authenticity might not get you quick wins, but it is everything when creating a sustainable career and creative practice. I’m grateful to be building something sustainable and aligned rather than chasing fleeting trends or getting swept up in institutional validation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I grew up in Los Angeles but have lived in Brooklyn for 10+ years, so I will include itineraries for both!

In LA I would love to start the morning with a friend by bringing them on a hike to Dante’s View in Griffith Park, heading down to Los Feliz and grabbing tacos at Homestate and a matcha latte from Maru Coffee, then stopping by Blue Rooster Art Supplies and Skylight Books. My primary form of leisure is to peruse bookstores and stationery/home goods shops, so I would also want to bring them around town to my favorite spots—Heavy Manners Library, The Last Bookstore, Giant Robot Store, and Crush & Touch Art Supply. Dinner would definitely be had in Koreatown, either at Kobawoo for boiled pork belly or the original BCD Tofu House on Wilshire.

In NYC I would start the day in Brooklyn Heights and meet my friend for an early coffee and croissant from L’Appartemente 4F, take them to the labyrinth in Brooklyn Bridge Park for a walking meditation, then spend some time at the beloved local bookstore Books Are Magic before hopping on a train to Manhattan. After grabbing some pasta or pizza at Il Corallo Trattoria where they have an amazing lunch special, we’d head to East Village to grab a cardamom bun and espresso at La Cabra Bakery and shop at the precious stationery shop niconeco zakkaya. Then we’d head up to Metropolitan Museum of Art (an absolute NYC must, one can never get tired of it!) and grab a late afternoon drink at Bemelmans Bar, marveling at the Carlyle Hotel murals made by Ludwig Belemans, creator of Madeline. We’d finish with dinner at Orion Bar back in Brooklyn, where my sister would make us a mean kimchi carbonara!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to dedicate my shoutout to my sister, Irene Yoo, a chef, recipe developer, and author. She’s been instrumental in every part of my creative journey, from teaching me how to read as a child to encouraging my early artistic endeavors. She was the one who gave me the courage to pursue my creative dreams, and to this day, she remains my #1 champion. Having her as a sounding board for feedback and unconditional support has been invaluable. The success I’ve found in my art practice and business wouldn’t exist without her early mentorship and ongoing encouragement.

Website: https://carolynyoo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynyoo/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carolyn_yoo

Other: https://cyoo.substack.com/