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A Fuzzy Kind of Dream
Meet Zoey Kim, a South Korean illustrator who loves creating fuzzy, warm, and cute pieces that feel familiar in daily surroundings. Reminiscent of children’s books, her works bring comfort and an escape to people’s busy lives.
A graphic designer turned illustrator, now based in Dubai, @zzoeykimm enjoys drawing subjects in frames that allow viewers to imagine their own stories within. Having found her artistic style of using vibrant, vivid colours and integrating simplified animals and characters, she also connects it with her life and the daily, mundane moments of life. We were honoured to have a conversation with her to talk about her background, process and meanings behind her new Covers.
Hi Zoey, nice to meet you :) Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello! It’s a pleasure to meet you! I’m a South Korean illustrator who loves to create fuzzy, warm, and cute illustrations. I enjoy drawing things that feel familiar in our daily surroundings, often placing random subjects into frames within the drawing. This gives the audience a fun little moment to pause and imagine their own story when they see my work.
What is your background as an artist/creator? How did you first get into drawing and painting?
I actually had no idea that I would live my life as a freelance illustrator. I majored in English Literature and Mass Communications with the goal of working in advertising. However, right before graduating, I took a different route and attended the Samsung Art and Design Institute (SADI) to study Communication Design. From there, I started my career as a graphic designer working for a children’s book publisher.
As time passed, I gradually shifted my focus toward illustration and realised I wanted to pursue a freelance life. Because I had never formally studied drawing or illustration, I spent a lot of time experimenting with different techniques and styles on my own. It was definitely a challenge at first, but I committed to uploading daily drawings until I found a style I felt most comfortable with. And here I am now, just incredibly happy to be collaborating with Mossery!
Are You Done, 2023
Bathtime, 2024
The Book Club, 2024
How would you describe your artistic style and influences?
I would describe my style as fluffy, warm, and friendly. I love drawing fleeting moments in daily life, as well as cozy, relaxing moments with my cat.. anything that feels like home. I hope people can look at my drawings, let go of their worries just for a little while, and catch a moment of cuteness and warmth in their busy lives.
You have developed two designs for this collaboration, could you share the themes or messages you aimed to convey through each cover? We would like to understand your creative vision behind them.
I wanted to portray moments of peace, rest, and dreamlike comfort, especially for people who need an escape from their busy lives.
⟡˙⋆ Counting Cats ⋆˙⟡
There are some nights when we simply can’t fall asleep because we are overthinking or our minds are racing with dopamine. This cover suggests a way to clear the noise: whether by journaling random thoughts or simply "counting sheep." In this case, we’re counting cats. It’s a dreamy cover featuring a cat in bed, watching other cats wearing sheep-like bonnets fly across a warm evening sky.
⟡˙⋆ Quiet Paws Society ⋆˙⟡
This design is a celebration of small, quiet moments. It shows cats simply enjoying their time reading, surrounded by a cozy clutter of scattered books, with each cat moving at its own pace in its own space. It’s a tribute to the peace found in getting lost in your favorite books.
Are there any hidden details or symbolism in your design that you'd like to share with us?
I love drawing little images within frames inside the main illustration; these are there to let the audience create their own stories. As a kid, I loved looking at picture books. While following the main storyline was fun, the real excitement for me was diving into the tiny details of the pictures to build a little world of my own.
I think that’s the magic of picture books.. they have the full potential to let your imagination run free. I hope people can bring out their inner child when they look at my drawings on these diary covers.
What's the process like when you develop this design? Do you face any challenges or obstacles while creating the design? If so, how did you overcome them?
I really enjoyed coming up with the initial drafts for the project proposal. Because I wanted to portray cute, warm, and inviting moments, I sketched out concepts centered around sharing time together, sleepless dreamy nights, and relaxing daily routines. My only real concern was choosing a color palette that would suit the designs perfectly, but thanks to the wonderful art direction from the Mossery team, I think it turned out exactly how I envisioned.
What materials or techniques did you use to bring your design to life?
I work primarily in Procreate on the iPad, using brushes that feel like spray paint to give the drawings a soft, fuzzy texture. I also love using the Gaussian blur effect to add a touch of a dreamy, soft-focus feel to the final pieces.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists or creators who want to make their mark in the industry?
I’m not entirely sure I’m in a position to give advice, as I still feel like a newbie myself! But from my experience, I would suggest holding onto the moments and paths you truly aspire to pursue. It takes time and patience, but if you consistently want something, I say go ahead and try it. Life turns out in very unexpected ways; there are no right or wrong answers, only experiences we can learn from.
Also, I believe deeply in the power of supporting other artists. When I was just getting started, connecting and interacting with fellow illustrators was a massive emotional help. Some of those artists were just starting out themselves, and the mutual support we gave each other remains a source of great strength for me today. Support and share the love for other people's creations!
Are there any other artists or creators who inspire you in your work?
As I mentioned, I loved children's books as a kid, and I still vividly remember the imagery from books like Give a Dog a Bone by Brian Wildsmith and Eric Carle's Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me. Children's books have beautiful details that spark imagination, and they act as a core memory that heavily influences my illustration style today.
I am also incredibly inspired by Paul Cox’s design and illustrative work. He is a self-taught artist whose work spans children's books, posters, and installations. When I saw his work at an exhibition, I could feel the pure joy he had for drawing and it truly inspired me to keep drawing and made me want to share that same bright, fun feeling with my own audience.
Do you have any favourite Mossery products or designs from other artists that have caught your attention?
They are all amazing, but if I had to choose one for myself as a birthday gift, I would choose the artist glooth’s ‘My Old Friend’. I love the theme of revisiting and having a conversation with your older self. The cover really reflects my own tendency to dwell on alternative versions of myself, too.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Mossery community and those who appreciate your work?
I never imagined myself on this road as an illustrator, and I want to thank everyone who has supported me, encouraged me, and given me lovely feedback on my drawings. I hope I can share warmth through my art and remind people of the happiness you can find in the little things. Pause for a bit, take in the beautiful moments, and remember that there’s always a silver lining to life!
A big thank you to Zoey for sharing her artistic journey and insights. If you found her work inspiring, we encourage you to discover more of her creations with us here!
