Meet Haily Kim | Illustrator & Designer

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

Hi Haily, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
One of my friend showed me last year, my astrology reading for fun. 
There were both positive and negative sides about my current self or future. And that was the phase that I was really worrying if I am even talented at design.
I just graduated with BFA illustration degree and I just started to learn graphic design which was such a new thing for me. I was not confident at myself at that moment. I was more frightened even though I even volunteered to learn.

Hearing the astrology reading, I immediately focussed on the negative sides. But as some pessimistic thoughts were built, I began to realize that no matter what troubles I face, I won’t stop pursuing if I am having fun.
After coming to terms, I gained self-confidence little by little not only about myself but at my work as well.
I became more playful and experimental with my works. Then I was recognized by Communication Arts for 2022 Typography Competition.
I understand that creativity mostly comes from pain and suffering (at least for me).
 Yet, I know I’m never giving up if there is still enjoyment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always thought creativity comes from pains and suffering (in a somewhat positive way). Although designs have a committed promise to satisfy the client or the viewers, designers should have fun making them. (As I mentioned in the previous question, I understand that not all processes can be fun) There was a time when I only liked the outcomes of my projects.
Of course, there are always some spots to improve in our own selves’ works in all artists’ or designers’ eyes. Yet, I was glad to check how much I improved by seeing the end products. 
But in the back of my head, someone was scolding me for my shortcomings. Even though I was aware that I needed more practice, because I did not want to face my imperfection, I wasn’t doing enough practice and studies.

But as I pursue learning in graphic design, I was a little relieved about being less perfect for new skills. One of my respectable teacher recommended me to design experimental posters.
I pick a word that I like. It can be meaningful or sounds funny etc, There are no rules. Apply some effects and place them in a weird and cool position. If I have some pieces I like, then I develop them further. Then this became something I do periodically.
It’s just like having a sketchbook. And because I now know how fun it is, indeed, it helps me to do some illustrative sketchbooks as well.

Design work too but mostly in my illustrative projects, culture takes a huge role in my works. Fairytales or stories of great men. There was a stationary design project (personal project) that I was inspired by Marie Curie. I designed it specifically for customers to contribute decorating the letter by themselves.
I provide stickers with character designs, lab objects, etc,.
They can choose different designs of letter papers and envelopes.
My goal was to make people have fun learning and dream big.

They are all on my websites! Check them out if you are curious about how they look!

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 recently took my family to Huntington Library for the first time. Breathing fresh air and being surrounded by plants were so refreshing. I know the question is to talk about my favorite spots in the city but we all need a break from the city. There are galleries, cafes and pretty nature(although it’s manmade) in one huge place. And because it’s a humongous place, it honestly feels like the first time every time I visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course, I just want to thank my family first. Because they have faith in myself, I was able to get up and keep going when life is hard. I am thankful that they are willing to listen to me no matter what and always pray for me. They are the shield of my life.
And all of my supportive and creative friends deserve some credit. We are very honest to each others’ work. We point out the things that we missed from artworks while they are in progress. We also help expanding our ideas by talking out and recommending references.
Creativity sometimes lets us down. We think we are less than what we are capable of. It’s our job to let them know how far we got by ourselves. I believe that we’ve achieved that type of relationship. I am pretty sure they know who they are although their names aren’t mentioned.
Having someone encouraging and doing critique honestly helps a lot as a person and a designer.

Lastly, I believe it’s very hard and important to keep the heart of children. There is definitely a charm of children’s art.
They are innocent and creative. And they solely enjoy making art. And that’s the mindset and eyes that I want to keep forever for career path. And Reading fairytales and children’s book from the world is the easiest way to go back to my childhood spiritually. Therefore my current favorite children’s book is ‘Dear’ by Jan Deer. Her style of drawing is very delicate and sweet. The story made me rethink about happiness.

Website: https://www.hailykimdesign.com/

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

Image Credits
photo courtesy of junekorea.com