Meet Iris Kwon | Artist & Designer

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

Hi Iris, what principle do you value most?
Above all else, I hold onto the belief that being true to who I am is the key. No matter how cliché it might sound, maintaining my self-identity is the compass that guides me. This means never forgetting why I fell in love with what I do in the first place and not letting trends or financial pressures steer me off course. Whether I’m an artist or a designer, I’ve realized that losing sight of my core identity leads to sameness. It’s like blending into a crowd, and that’s the opposite of what art and creativity stand for. The heart of creativity is in being different, in bringing something unique to the table. In a world where it’s tempting to chase trends or make decisions based solely on money, I choose to hold onto what makes me, me. This principle keeps my work fresh, meaningful, and genuinely mine. It’s a reminder that being authentic is more valuable than any temporary gain

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Looking back on my career feels like racing a car on an unfinished road. Graduating as a fine art major meant I spent four years immersed in canvas stretching and acrylic painting. Digital realms like illustration and graphic design were very foreign to me. But post-graduation reality hit hard, demanding more than fine art alone. Financial constraints pushed me to adapt quickly. Like there is no tomorrow, I delved into graphic design, self-teaching Adobe programs relentlessly for a year. As time passed, I embraced roles to expand my skills, progressing from Intern to Design Director in a branding agency over six years. The relentless pace offered unparalleled growth, exposing me to teamwork that contrasts with the solitary nature of painting. Yet, I’ve learned that maybe it was okay to go slow. When you run without looking left and right, you probably never know where your destination was. Now, I’m taking a much-needed break, focusing on my long-held genuine passions. Money remains an obstacle, but the chance to rise will persist. I want a lot of people to know that discovering what you love to do for rest of your life is far more important than career climb.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start by taking them to a local coffee shop called Enchanted, known for serving one of the finest Spanish Lattes. After that, our next destination would be Newport Beach, where we’d enjoy a walk along the coastal village nestled between Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove.Transitioning to Los Angeles, we’d explore Abbot Kinney in Venice, shopping around vibrant local shops and boutiques. Following this, we would get dinner around Mid-Wilshire at a place called Yuko Kitchen. At night time, we’d head to Dave and Buster’s, and win some toys with claw machines. Then as of final destination, I would take my friend to nearest Korean Pocha, and get some Soju and beer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My heartfelt gratitude extends to everyone who’s supported me on this journey, but I want to give a special shoutout to my life partner and husband, Sean. When the challenges of the pandemic hit, I found myself struggling in my design job. The demands were leaving me drained and frustrated. Despite my deep love for art and painting, I was held back by the weight of imposter syndrome. Taking that crucial first step seemed insurmountable.

That’s when Sean stepped in. Recognizing my struggle, he urged me to take a leap of faith. With his unwavering support, he gave me the courage to face the blank canvas of the unknown. He became my driving force, propelling me past the barriers of doubt and anxiety. I often tell others that starting is the toughest part; the anxiety can be overwhelming. But Sean’s encouragement provided the entryway I needed into the world I now thrive in.

So, my sincerest appreciation goes to Sean for being the spark that ignited this transformative journey. His belief in me was the foundation upon which I built the path to where I stand today.

Website: www.iriskwonstudio.com

Instagram: child_appetite

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bunniris0227/