In the spirit of UX Teardowns, I’ll be looking at illustrators that catch my eye, and try to analyze what makes their work so compelling. Please note that all illustrations hereinafter, unless stated otherwise, are the express work of the artist I’m reviewing; I do not take any credit for their works! Also, I will try to be careful to post links back to the artist’s site — so if you click their image it will link through.
As someone who’s keen on a certain illustration aesthetic, I’m constantly curating my Instagram feed. A lot of times, it turns out, the best artists, are, well, known and followed by the other best artists. But, sometimes, you seem to accidentally find an artist who’s work you’re drawn to, and you just can’t believe they don’t have a bigger following. It’s like discovering that favorite unknown band before they “get big”; like you can call them your own. And that brings me to the work of an artist—I tell myself is my own such discovery—illustrator Junghyeon Kwon. Of course, I would love for her to get more recognition, and maybe this little article will help a bit to “get the word out” ✌
Junghyeon Kwon was born in Korea and came to USA to study art in 2007. She received a BFA degree from Academy of Art University in 2012.
And here’s some of my favorites pulled from her Instagram feed which I’ll caption as close to her’s original’s as I can:
Observations
Some observations on the illustration work:
- I see a bit of influence from Tom Haugomat’s work (not a bad thing at all in my humble opinion!)
- Excellent use of color—limited overall palette with one nice popping accent color that’s used sparingly creating just the right visual weight.
- Beautiful contrast between her hand drawn elements and the more geometric, graphical, and even architectural elements. She appears to have both drawing/illustration chops, and, a healthy bit of graphics-fu ;)
- Subtle use of light line-work on the figures to complement the slightly flatter shapes, also using subtle highlight and shadow to help give the figure a read and impression of form.
- Details in just the right places. Background elements aren’t overworked.
- Gorgeous foliage of varying kinds accentuate the light feel.
- Critiques: Sometimes she places her focal point on a rule of thirds sweet spot, but, sometimes she’ll place it dead center. That said, it usually still works. Also, I’m not particularly crazy about the “pink rouge cheek” thing she does on some of the faces…it is cute, but hey, that’s just me.
I really think Junghyeon Kwon’s work is absolutely outstanding and would find it hard to believe that creative directors won’t be hiring her and an AR won’t snatch her up very soon (if it hasn’t already happened) as her work gets showcased more. What do you think?
Update: Since writing this article I’ve been noticing Junghyeon’s work getting featured on #gfxmob, #graphicdesigncentral, etc. Unsurprising and well deserved!
Rob Levin is a freelance illustrator. Portfolio: https://roblevin.myportfolio.com/ For illustration work enquiries, collaboration, or to say hi: roblevinillustration@gmail.com.
Also, you may like to read more of the illustration teardowns articles.
Previous in series in series: Matisse Erwhere. Next in series: 5 Amazing Uni-Posca Artists. Also, you may like one of my other illustration teardowns.
