Article: Forever Freelancer | Kristin Lee 이은비
Forever Freelancer | Kristin Lee 이은비
Kirstin Eunbi Lee. 이은비. Visual and product designer. Toronto.
Was there a moment, a meeting, a Monday, a very specific email, that made you think "I can't keep doing this." What was yours?
During the COVID lockdown, I spent about 500+ hours playing video games. Then one day I pulled out my old scrapbook from high school and started documenting my life again — pictures, words, drawings, stickers, letters, brochures, business cards, receipts, even plants. After revisiting what seemed like my old life five years later, I felt something shift. I rediscovered my desire to express emotion through art and creativity. I started craving more of this creative work, which led me to seek it out and just start. I haven't stopped since. They call it sublimating.
Going into your own practice, what did you think the hardest part would be, and what is it actually?
I thought the hardest part was going to be finding opportunities. The hardest part is actually saying no to some. You will find yourself in the pockets you are in because of your genuine interactions and intentions. Other than that, maybe random 4am work nights.
What's the skill you've had to develop that has absolutely nothing to do with what you actually do, but makes or breaks everything?
Yoga and posture practice.
If you had to pick up to three GIFs to describe the energy of a memorable moment or project, what are we watching?
Me trying to be patient with things:
Me after the client said they had no notes:
Me getting to work on a really cool project:
What's a phrase that instantly tells you a project is about to become complicated?
"I don't like this, but I don't know why."
Tell us the lowest rate you ever accepted. The actual figure. No rounding up for dignity.
I do things voluntarily when I can. I look at it as an exchange of creativity and knowledge. When we can trade expertise and build something together, that's a beautiful thing. I'd rather work with genuine people than get paid.
What would you put on a business card that actually captures what you do?
Multidisciplinary Visual Artist.
What have you gained that would've been difficult to find anywhere else?
Practicing seeking beauty in small, little, tiny things — like the way a worm travels through soil to nurture the plants and trees around it.
Finish the sentence: "Forever Freelancer means…"
"Choosing your own path."
Kristin Eunbi Lee