Meet Iver Kim | Musician & Visual Artist

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

Hi Iver, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It felt quite natural for me to pursue an art-related career, since I’ve been involved in art my whole life. I think I started freelancing when people around me began asking for creative help—whether it was shooting profile pictures, creating audiovisual content for their shows or promotional videos, designing album covers, composing music for performances, or doing sound design for reels, and so on.

Opportunities started coming my way as I shared my work on social media. I took them on because they seemed interesting, even if they were new to me. Looking back, I often accepted jobs before I felt fully ready—but that’s what helped me grow.

I’ve also naturally built a network with fellow artists across different fields. I think it’s partly because of the variety in my work—it allowed me to connect with people from all kinds of creative backgrounds.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a composer, sound artist, painter, audiovisual artist, creative coder, and more. As you might have noticed, the spectrum of my work is quite broad. I’m interested in blending different elements, both in terms of mediums and concepts. I’ve worked on various projects, but these days I’m mostly focused on graphic notation and interactive sound installations using conductive thread and bio materials.

My art is deeply rooted in exploration. I don’t believe in sticking to a single medium or style for the sake of comfort. My journey has taken me from painting to video art, from video art to interactive art, and now into sound art. I see these shifts not as giving something up, but as adding more languages to my creative vocabulary. I’m most excited about the way I can merge different art forms, whether it’s bringing visual elements into sound work or infusing interactive elements into what’s traditionally a visual medium. It’s not just about creating in one field; it’s about using multiple forms of expression to communicate deeper, more nuanced ideas.

What sets me apart, I think, is the willingness to take risks and challenge myself to step beyond the familiar. For me, risk is at the heart of creativity. It’s in those vulnerable, uncertain spaces where real artistic growth happens. I’ve always been open to new ideas, even when they seemed strange or unsettling at first. This mindset has allowed me to grow and expand my work, and it’s what I’m most proud of—being open to experimentation and pushing boundaries.

My path to where I am today has definitely not been easy. There were moments of doubt, especially when I was switching between fields or felt like I was leaving behind what I had worked so hard to build. The fear of not belonging to any one specific category of artist was real, but I always tried to follow my gut and trust that everything was part of a bigger journey. Early on, I had to face the challenge of balancing motivation and anxiety. I used to push myself to the point of burnout, but it was only after that burnout that I realized the importance of learning with joy, not fear.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is the importance of self-awareness and authenticity. Understanding who you are as an artist, what excites you, and staying true to that is crucial. It’s easy to get swept up in trends or external pressures, but I’ve learned that what makes my work resonate with others is the authenticity behind it. It’s not about being louder or more polished; it’s about being true to myself and creating something that feels genuine.

My work is a reflection of my journey—an adventure that doesn’t follow a straight path but meanders through different mediums and ideas. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that growth happens when you embrace uncertainty and push yourself out of your comfort zone. I hope my work inspires others to do the same.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, Utrecht is not just the city I live in, but also one of my favorite cities in Europe. The central areas are so beautiful, with the canals running through the heart of the city. You can rent a bike or even a canoe to explore and take in the views. What I especially love is the city at night, when the lights reflect off the water. I’d definitely bring my friends to a restaurant along the canal to enjoy the atmosphere.
But I think what I love the most is spending time in random spots surrounded by nature. I live near a vast green field, and I absolutely enjoy walking or cycling around. Often, I just like to relax in peaceful areas where not many people come around. On a sunny afternoon, I’d grab a bottle of wine, some good Dutch cheese, and snacks, and spend the afternoon on the grass.
Zeist is also a great place to hang out, with its beautiful forests and natural surroundings. It’s perfect for a day out in nature.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I don’t think I can name all the people who’ve influenced and supported me—there have been so many. But if I had to choose, there are a few figures who’ve shaped my artistic identity. Over the past few years, the artists who’ve influenced me the most are Eliane Radigue, Hilma af Klint, and Steve Roden. I’m endlessly inspired by how they’ve always pushed the boundaries and pioneered the values they believe in.

I also have to acknowledge my mentors—Bart Jilesen, who taught me sound design and mixing, and Chung Zuyoung, who guided me in painting and contemporary art. There are also my fellow artist friends, who continue to impress me with their work and creativity.

And of course, my parents, whose unwavering support and love have been fundamental in getting me to where I am today. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.

Website: https://kimiver.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/h.iver.h

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kimiver

Other: https://kimiver.bandcamp.com
https://deepdronedreamer.bandcamp.com

Image Credits
Iver Kim
@mu_gung