Q: What are some of your favorite things about living and working in Los Angeles?

A: I was born in Korea. I went to college in California. Living in LA is good because I get to see nature more often and it gives me positive energy for myself. I can go to mountains and beaches everyday. Also, there are so many wonderful people who inspire and encourage me.

Q: How and when did you first become interested in art and illustration?

A: I’ve loved to draw and to read illustration books ever since I was a kid. My brother and I hid comic books and video games from my parents and played everyday when they were gone for work or sleeping. My parents didn’t like that but it was really fun.

Acupuncture. Acrylic on wood panel.

Q: Do you keep a sketchbook? What is the balance between the art you create on paper versus In the computer?

A: I do keep a sketchbook. I use it for coming up with ideas and compositions before I start painting and then I draw on loose pieces of papers more when I am painting but finally those papers get lost a lot. So I try to draw more in my sketchbook and always carry it around.

I draw and paint mostly by hand, and use my computer for editing final images like cropping and changing level.

Q: What is the most important item in your studio?

A: Brushes.

Q: What was your favorite book as a child?

A: I liked too many books to name one. I remember that I liked The Giving Tree [by Shel Silverstein] a lot.

Q: Who and what are some of your strongest influences?

A: Nature, friends, colors and wine.

Joshua Tree Hiking. Acrylic on wood panel. 

Q: What was your first professional assignment and how did you get it?

A: It was for the Nobrow magazine issue 9: It’s Oh So Quiet. I got an email from the art director.

Q: What was the last art exhibition you saw and what did you take away from it?

A: The last exhibition I saw was the Masterpieces of Modern Korean Paintings at National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Korea. I was so impressed to see the half-century-long history of modern and contemporary Korean paintings. I could feel the unstable history of Korea from the stories of each painting. Also, I got to see some of my favorite paintings in person!

Q: What is your favorite part of the creative process? 

A: Editing. I feel like it might be worse after I change but I like doing it.

Q: How do you go about finding great clients?

A: Sometimes people see my work and email me first. Looking through annual books or magazines and contacting is possible if there is information that I can get. I have to try harder.

Q: What is/would be your karaoke song—and why?

A: I don’t really go to karaoke unless I get drunk but I would sing a song that doesn’t have high notes.

Q: What is your hobby?

A: Hiking; riding a bicycle.

Q: What would be your last supper?

A: Soba!

Printshop. Acrylic on wood panel.  

Paige Ji Young Moon was born in seoul, Korea. Paige moved to California in 2008, studied illustration at Art Center College of Design, and graduated Art Center in 2012. Currently lives in Pasadena, California. Paige Moon‘s drawings and paintings are both lively and subtle and full of mirth. Her characters perform mundane tasks with great style, and her attention to detail makes her characters more alive.