Ensee’s creative journey took off after winning an art contest, marking the beginning of their path as a self-taught artist. Continuously evolving through dedicated practice, they blend traditional hand-drawn and digital techniques to craft a captivating collection of still life images and portraits, all brought to life with their signature colour palette.
What sparked your initial interest in illustration, and how has your style evolved over time?
When I was in school, I was one of the "kids who could draw well." Originally, I wanted to become an interior designer, but my health wasn’t great (I’m very healthy now!). I realised that being an interior designer, a job that involves working at construction sites, wasn’t something I could do. During middle school, like many other kids, I spent a lot of time wondering what I should do when I grew up. It was then that I decided to pursue a career in art after being inspired by the lives of illustrators, and seeing that they could make a living by drawing, something I loved. In the beginning, my style was more similar to character design or fashion illustration, but it gradually evolved into the style I have now.
What are your favourite mediums to work with, both traditional and digital, and how do they influence your creative process?
I never received formal art education. I started working with digital media right from the beginning. In high school, I used the prize money I won from an art contest to buy a Wacom tablet and officially began digital painting. Even now, I feel most comfortable working with digital media. I sometimes wonder if my style would have been a bit different had I started with traditional media.
What’s the strangest or most unexpected thing you’ve ever used as inspiration for an illustration?
I believe the memories of growing up in the countryside during my childhood inspire the artwork I create today. I enjoy incorporating natural elements into my work.
How does the world around you - whether it’s nature, architecture, or urban life influence your creative process?
I spent my childhood in nature, and now I live in the urban environment of Seoul. I think the combination of my daily experiences in the city and my memories of growing up in the countryside both influence my work.
What’s one book, film, or music album that never fails to get your creativity flowing?
I like BTS’s music. I enjoy reading the lyrics while listening to their songs, and sometimes I draw inspiration from their lyrics.
Outside of illustration, what other passions or hobbies do you have that might surprise people, and do they ever find their way into your work?
I love decorating the space I live in. The aesthetic preferences I’ve developed while curating my space often reflect in my work as well.
What role do other creative industries like fashion, music, or film play in shaping your artistic vision?
I’m hugely influenced by other creative fields. I have a deep respect for the geniuses in every industry. I admire their works and often draw inspiration from them.
If you could collaborate with any creative from another industry - be it a fashion designer, musician, or filmmaker - who would it be, and what would that project look like?
I think collaborating with creators from any other field would be fun, but working with a film director excites me the most.
What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators who are just starting to explore portrait illustration? Any tips for honing their skills?
Since I didn’t receive formal art training, I struggle with understanding human anatomy when I draw portraits. I highly recommend learning the basics of anatomy (I’m still studying it myself). As for a tip to improve your skills, it’s likely something you already know: practise a lot.
What has been your favourite project so far, and what made it special for you?
My favourite project so far has been the one with ABC Mart. The project itself was fun, and it was something I hadn’t done before. I created illustrations for the fitting rooms and the ceiling above the escalator on the second floor of their Myeongdong store in Seoul. I was happy throughout the entire process because the people in charge at ABC Mart had a great understanding of my work and respected it.
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Instagram: instagram.com/ens2e