Sounion Hong

My first submission for the Threadless contest

Friends!!

Please score my design on Threadless! scoring will ends up on 28th. 

Go to score Sounion’s Monster! Thanks in advanced!!! <3

Big thanks

I met Sam Weber exactly a year ago at a workshop in Hongik university. at the final critic, he tapped me with the zine I made and said, “your drawing is good, so please have some confidence.” meeting him and hearing such words were unbelievably amazing experience, because he had been an imaginary teacher to me since the first time I’ve ever seen his works on web, in many years ago. and around the time I attended his workshop, I was about to quit things I’ve been doing(music video directing and illustration) with a cynical thought: I couldn’t afford my living with my art and that means I am not talented enough. so I’d better quit this and try to get a normal job before I’ll turn to 30’s.
after meeting Sam, I felt more desperate to make the things I love to make. I also felt obligated to show him the progress of my work, not just wasting his complement to make my self proud. I wanted to visit NY in  summer to show him what I’ve been doing.. And one day in March, I heard about ICON(illustration conference 7 in providence). My ‘hardly making money to afford my living’ situation was impossible to make such a big plan - but I knew it is the time I had to go. It was really difficult to making my mind up even though I knew I had to go, but when I decide to go, many people helped, supported me. So finally I was able to visiting New York and and attend ICON7 in Providence.

I met so many talented, kind minded people at the ICON. And I found out the city Providence, it has a vibrant scene of printmaking. I automatically drawn to visit AS220. I was blown away by their facility and wanted to quick 1:1 silk screen workshop, but couldn’t make my schedule for that. Jacque Bidon, the pressman who showed me the printshop, was also happy to see someone very excited about printmaking, so he tossed my promotional cards to Shey Rivera. that’s how I was able to come back there as a visiting artist in 2013 January…… 

I stayed 4 months in Toronto before the residency started. My easily- freaking-out-of-everything-nature made me too nervous about doing it even few months before my residency begin, but surprisingly… every one I met there loved me, and support me.

me and Jacque, holding my offset posters he printed

After overwhelmed by so much of love and support in Providence, now I’m in NYC and waiting to take a flight to Toronto tomorrow morning. I honestly have no idea how did I ended up with that much of love from people. I felt it just like I am the prince in the story of Oscar Wilde’s <Star child>, which dies 3 years after he became glorious-whatever. I’ve never been a successful artist or illustrator, but through their love, I started to accept myself doing what I love to do. I found huge love in making a story with my drawings, and share it with people. I always felt that I’m really bad at writing so I’m impossible to write a story even though my ultimate goal in life is ‘getting old as a inspiring picture book writing granny’, but I saw a little bit of confidence in me and will keep pursuing it.

It’s a lunar new year’s day, one of the biggest holiday back home. I wish everyone is happy, healthy and peaceful this year. I wish I can become more healthier and happier, so that I can support myself and help you too. Thanks to my mom and dad, I owe you EVERYTHING. my sister and cousin, my best friend who allowed me to stay with her in Toronto, and many friends who likes my works, whom I know always wishing me keep doing it…

Thank you with all my heart. I will keep doing all my best to show you how much your support means a lot to me.