Meet Kim Dong Hoon, an illustrator with purpose

Kim Dong Hoon is an artist based in Sejong City, South Korea. Originally trained in mechanical engineering, he worked in the field before ultimately returning to his lifelong passion for painting. He now pursues art full-time, drawing inspiration from movies, animation, the work of other artists, and the beauty of nature.

Kim is known for his digital illustrations that often feature children, adorable animals, and whimsical, humorous scenes. His work reflects a deep appreciation for storytelling and a desire to bring joy to young audiences. As he continues to grow as an artist, Kim finds increasing fulfilment in the simple pleasures of walking, observing the world, and creating artwork that brings smiles to children’s faces. He shares his life with his wife, two children, and a beloved Persian cat named Monchi.

Let’s find out more about what he’s been working on and the inspiration behind his work:

What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why?

I would say my best work so far is a fairytale picture book for children aged 5 to 9 that I worked on some time ago. It had all the right elements coming together; an engaging and well-written story, the chance to illustrate themes and scenes I truly enjoy, and thoughtful project management. I believe the harmony of these factors allowed me to create a picture book I'm genuinely proud of.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I like to take inspiration from other artists' works, famous paintings, and photos, and try to see if I can apply those emotions when I have the right opportunity.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.

What sets me apart is my focus on creating illustrations that are not only visually engaging but also emotionally persuasive. Like many illustrators, I aim to reach a universal goal of communicating meaning effectively, but I place special emphasis on making each composition both fun and impactful, so that it leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)?

Clients usually come to me for illustrations that clearly serve their intended purpose. What they’re looking for is simple: work that meets their needs effectively. What keeps them coming back is when the illustration not only fits the brief but also leaves a strong, memorable impression.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as round, soft and quirky.

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would that be?

I would like to illustrate a book about the Korean painter Lee Jung-Seob. I can't forget the shock of seeing his paintings in textbooks when I was young. Later, when I learned more about his difficult life, I felt deep compassion for him. I’d like to express the story of this genius artist, who struggled between the ideal and the reality of life, with a sense of empathy and comfort.

If you’d like more info, please contact [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.