The pencil illustrations by Stella Park seize the heat of on a regular basis life
Seoul-based illustrator Stella Park says that she documents life with crayons since childhood. It has been drawn to illustration in particular because of the different ways in which the same moment can be drawn and interpreted, and this can be seen in the unique way in which it captures the world.
Park has been a full-time freelance illustrator for just over a year after having previously been an art teacher for children. She says that studying media design at Dongduk Women’s University in Seoul was instrumental in understanding what area she wanted to specialize in. "This major allowed me to experience many design areas such as typography, interactive, UX / UI, video design and animation, ”she says. "There were great professors and students, so I could learn not only about design, but also about communication."
In the bus
Park's style is full of soft, cuddly textures, and she usually uses crayons to achieve this blurry, heartwarming effect. The level of detail is incredible and even though their color palette gives the world a much brighter sheen than is sometimes the case in reality, their worlds are recognizable, familiar and show humble situations. “I usually get a lot of inspiration from my daily life or trips. I know that nothing special happens every day, but one day I was sad that time is passing so quickly. From then on, I started to focus more on my daily life, ”Park explains. “When I thought every day was normal, I realized that there were always special moments. It felt like the kids were running in front of me, the older man on the bench was taking a break, the tea I had today and the bus I took were no accident. "
The illustrator's desire to emphasize everyday life allows her to capture sweet sunsets, trips to the bakery and busy streets. "I like to draw cityscapes because I can draw not only different people, but also signs, buildings and cars that require more details," says Park. "It's definitely a good opportunity to fall in love with a city."
5:25 p.m.
When the illustrator is inspired, she usually takes a photo of the scene she wants to take and makes notes of what she was feeling at the time. “I tend to draw scenes with the emotions I felt rather than basing them on the original. For example, if the sunlight was good at that time, I would draw the light rather than the people, ”she explains. “And when I draw a person, I draw a new person that fits the mood of my artwork. This is how I paint the worldly life I see, but try to capture the warmth there. "
Park sketches and draws the first drawing by hand with a crayon and slowly adds more details. When this is done, she scans it and processes it in Photoshop. “During this time, I usually change the paper texture or crayon powder that messes up the artwork and adjust the color a little to express the feeling I want in the artwork,” she says. "As you can see, I have no special or great skills. But when I paint, I draw with a very careful and positive mind. I think this careful attitude is my strength."
Miss one
Park is humble and although new to the full-time world of illustration, she has recognized the value of developing your own style and personalizing the work you create.
“People live a different life and have different ideas. Even if you draw the same moment, you get different results, ”she says. "It is better to know your own style than to imitate someone else. Of course you may not like your own illustrations at first or feel uncomfortable, but even that is your own personality and your own style, which I think is good because nobody can never copy it. "
stellapark.myportfolio.com