Makoon

Based in Seoul, Makoon’s visual language has developed through observational drawing. Teaching art to others has helped her reflect on her own practice, evolving not just the look of her work but the subtle way she captures the invisible qualities within a scene – human relationships, seasonal moods and the atmosphere in cafes, on city streets and in travel destinations. Two of Makoon’s favourite influences are David Hockney and Edward Hopper, and her work shares similar consideration for colour and lighting in setting the mood. Clients are impressed by the warmth of her work and the way she creates immersive, relatable settings whether for brand, campaign of editorial applications. She holds a degree in Fine Art from Chugye University for the Arts.

Approach

Moving through a space and observing the people, the environment, and how they make her feel, is the starting point in Makoon’s approach. She then collects reference imagery that suits the mood she’s aiming for to develop a scene, which she renders – usually in warm palettes, trying to capture the lighting in the most natural way possible.

Key software

Procreate, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Style

Though she renders forms in her own unique style, Makoon’s illustrations immediately feel comfortable to the viewer, placing you in a setting that’s easy to enjoy and appreciate. Whether illustrating key art for a campaign or individual items for a narrative map, she aims to capture a feeling through the composition and tell a story through the characters you meet.

Languages

Korean and English.