Guu Press | Magazine - Magna Johannes: An Interview with Hyung-tae Kim

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What else do you have planned for the future?

Softmax has been my whole life for the last 6 years. This company made it possible for me to merge my passion for art and games. I’m working here now because of my colleagues, but if I have the chance I’d like to be involved in game and video arts production in Japan and America.

Meanwhile you’ve also done some work outside of Softmax. Well, since we collaborated on it I can’t help asking: What are your thoughts now on the Io: Art of the Wired project?

Oh, I’m really satisfied since the art book came out great. The editing and printing were done magnificently. But I think it’s the talented illustrators that make the book truly shine.

I feel that my illustrations aren’t as unique as the others. The sense of independence within the illustrations and the individuality of the other artists really impressed me.

So how would you describe your own art?

Hmm… probably “exaggerated”. My viewers use many other words and there are too many for me to list out here. Since these critiques -- good or bad -- have helped me in some way or another, I listen to them all carefully.

On the other hand I have a pretty firm grasp of how I want to draw. I think it’s very important to balance these two.

What’s your greatest fear as an artist?

I’m afraid of the moments when I don’t feel the excitement as I draw. If I lack the skills I can still keep on drawing, but if I don’t feel excited I can’t. I hope to remember the joy and excitement of finishing that first drawing forever. I wasn’t a good painter throughout elementary school, junior and senior high school and university, but I persevered. Hopefully I’ll always draw with that same enthusiasm.

Guu Magazine at GuuPress.com

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