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Creator Highlights are featured posts where we interview comic artists and novelists within the Tapas community. Jihyo Kim is the creator of 100 Days In Europe and Hans & Emily, a brand new series exclusive to Tapas. We thought it would be fun to get to know Jihyo a little bit more and explore what goes into bringing this story to life!

Hello Jihyo! As the creator of 100 Days in Europe and now Hans and Emily, you’re pretty famous on Tapas but, for those that don’t know you yet, tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? What got you interested in art and writing?

Well, I grew up in the suburbs of Seoul. When I was young, I loved watching my dad draw, so I became deeply fascinated by art and especially the techniques of illustration. I also absolutely loved watching all the classic Disney animated films that used to run on TV every morning. It sounds funny now but I used to dream of being a director at Disney one day.

What was your inspiration for Hans and Emily? What made you want to tell this story?

It seems like ages ago now, but I once studied art in San Francisco. The city was so different from the neighborhoods I grew up in that I couldn't help but find everything amazing. Every day, I’d find something new to talk about. In SF there are so many memorable places, but if I had to choose one that had a profound effect on me it would be a small aquarium that sold goldfish. The interior was impressive. It was ethereal--the lights, the plants, and the fish inside the aquarium within an old wooden frame.

I think that’s when I first got the idea for Hans and Emily. I also like to sit down and just observe my surroundings. When you stop moving and start looking, you’re able to see that the birds in the sky and the dogs trotting down the street all look the same. When you look closer, however, you’ll see that they’re also all unique in their own way--like people. I know it sounds weird but that’s where I first got the idea for this story. The characters of Hans and Emily were created during my time observing life in San Francisco.

Beyond your father, are you inspired by the work of any specific artists? Where do you draw aesthetic inspiration from?

I am a big fan of Jean-Jacques Sempé. He’s a French cartoonist and illustrator. You can understand everything he is trying to say just by looking at his drawings. Even if they lack any text or context, you immediately, implicitly, understand. He can make people laugh, touch their hearts with tragedy, and garner sympathy all through his drawings alone. Another inspiration for me would be the magazine covers of The New Yorker. I’ve come to truly learn that a single image can tell a lot of stories and I have a lot of fun imagining them all.

Can you describe your process, from idea to finished work? What does the average day look like for you?

First, I focus on the major plot events and write out the entire story from beginning to end. While I brainstorm for the script, I often doodle and draw the expressions of the main characters and end up coming up with better ideas through those doodles.

In terms of my daily routine, as soon as I wake up in the morning, I start my day by drinking coffee on my sofa and meditating by staring out at the mountains far off in the distance through my window. After that--and a few meals of course--I spend all day in front of my computer drawing webtoons. Safe to say, I find the description of my typical day unremarkable and dull.

For all the artists out there wondering, do you work in other mediums?

I actually like working with traditional materials. I love the feeling of a charcoal pencil gliding across the paper but, as I started drawing webtoons, it became so much more convenient to draw on the computer. Due to this, I don’t really have much of an opportunity to work with traditional materials at the moment. I would like to be able to paint with watercolors and draw with pencils again in the future though!

I know it must be like choosing a favorite child but, at the moment, who is your favorite character in Hans and Emily? What can readers expect from this character as the story unfolds?

Besides the two main characters (of course), my favorite character is Emily’s reliable butler, Mr. Leopard. He doesn’t talk much, but he’s the jack of all trades that supports and protects Emily.

Who was the most difficult character to write for?

The male protagonist Hans. Since he’s the main character, his character needs to always remain the focus of the story. So, I constantly think about how to make sure he isn’t unlikeable.

In three words, describe your story.

Curious, exciting, sweet.

Lastly, if readers wanted to follow you on social media, what accounts should they follow?

Instagram.

This or That: These are lighting round questions, go!

Cereal or Milk First? Milk

Dip fries in condiment or condiment drizzled on? Condiment drizzled on

Pineapple on pizza, yeah or nah? nah

Ketchup in the fridge or pantry? Fridge

Slow burn romance or fast paced? Fast paced

Single Target Sexuality or Ship Them With Everyone? Single target

Fluff or Angst? Fluff

Toilet paper roll over or under? Roll over

If you haven’t already, make sure you check out Jihyo Kim’s first phenomenal work on Tapas, 100 Days in Europe. Hans & Emily updates every Monday exclusively on Tapas. You can read the prologue right now: here! 

Stay tuned for more Creator Highlights. See you next time!