As the only fine arts guest at KCON, Susie Kelly sat down with us to discuss how K-Pop inspires her art ventures.

Q: For our readers who are getting to know you for the first time, can you give a little introduction of yourself?

A: I’m a fine artist, my personal body of work is stained glass portraiture. My muses are EXO, like, that’s probably the easiest way to put it.

Q: Oh who’s your favorite member?

A: Chanyeol.

Q: How has K-Pop inspired your art, can you give a little background on that?

A: It’s pretty much a huge inspiration. I just finished my masters degree last year, it’s been a year already, and my whole thesis was like how fans view idols and how we do worship them. Like, they help us. It’s like a back and forth kind thing, you know some people are like “if I didn’t have K-Pop I’d probably be in a ditch”, like- it just takes you on a path that you wouldn’t expect or something. And also it’s just visually stunning, so I always want to recreate. And how I’m feeling when it’s during a concert or something, or when I see them I’m like so excited, I want to put that energy into something physically and hopefully people who see it will feel that same emotion.

Q: That’s awesome! Are there any groups or idols in particular that have helped to inspire your art?

A: It’s mostly EXO these days. Just ‘cause when I saw them at EXO’luXion back in 2015 like anything I was doing up to that point I was like, after I got home from that concert I got home and I threw out everything. I was like “this is garbage I want everything EXO now!” And it’s kind of been that nonstop.

Q: Compared to a lot of other guests at KCON, your specialty is quite unique. What’s it like to be the only fine artist in a sea of digital-focused guests?

A: I’m excited, I really like it. There is a difference though. With YouTubers they’ll be like “I have this video set up!” KCON asked me “do a video introduction tell us about it [your art]!” And I’m like “I can’t be in front of a camera, just look at what I make!” But it’s definitely exciting to bring more interactive fine art pieces into the K-Pop world. It’s related, it’s all there, but like I don’t know how to dance or sing, but I can make a really beautiful thing and I want to share that with people. At the panel this morning a lot of people were like “I never painted, I don’t know how to do it.” and I’m like “that’s fine, we can learn, we can make something” and then go home with a piece [and be like] “hey, look at my Jaehyun from Golden Child!”

Q: Is there anyone in particular that you’re excited to see at this year’s KCON?

A: I do love NCT. I’ve seen them before at past KCON’s, but every time I’m like “aw man, they’re gonna do a great stage again, I’m so excited.”

Q: Who is your ultimate bias?

A: In all of K-Pop, it’s Yoochun from DBSK, because I’m old. They are my babies but I haven’t really made any DBSK inspired works recently.

In a different outlet than many other special guests at KCON, Justine is a young girl that has gained attention for her prowess in bullet journaling. At KCON NY, she took a few minutes to speak with us on the subject.

Q: For our readers who are getting the chance to know you for the first time, can you please give a little introduction about yourself?

A: My name is Justine Chang. I am Korean-American, I’m 14 years old, and I’m becoming a freshman this year.

Q: How did you get started with bullet journaling?

A: I started bullet journaling because of calligraphy. I found out what calligraphy was and I looked more into it and I realized that people use calligraphy in bullet journaling so I started it.

Q: Do you usually plan out how you want your journal spreads to look like or do you just let your creativity take over and write/design whatever comes into mind?

A: It usually just come to me while I’m journaling.

Q: Are there some challenges to journaling? Does it become difficult to journal at times?

A: Yes, because there are times like artist block when you don’t have any new ideas and you just don’t like what you’re creating. It feels like a huge wall in front of your that you want to get through. You get more creative and you find another new style you like and then you start journaling again.

Q: How did you get into K-Pop? Which groups are you a big fan of and are currently listening to at the moment?

A: I feel like I grew up with it because my whole family likes K-Pop. I have a Korean family and we always listen to it. My favorite groups are Wanna One, BLACKPINK, and EXO.

Q: How does it feel to be at KCON and holding your own workshop? Did you ever think you’d be holding your own workshop?

A: I actually never, ever thought about that. It feels like a dream to me. I got nervous, but it was a lot of fun. I feel very honored to be here.

Q: Are you thinking of posting calligraphy tutorials on your YouTube channel?

A: Yes, I’m thinking of posting a calligraphy tutorial soon after speaking today I feel like I can do it as a video so that everyone can see.

Q: For those who are wanting to get into bullet journaling, what are some tips you can share about starting a journal or any supplies you think that fans should invest in?

A: For supplies, when you’re just starting out I wouldn’t recommend getting all the expensive stuff and start off with what you have. You really just need a notebook and a pen to start journaling. For tips I would recommend finding your inspiration on social media and the internet. You can find so much more inspiration and you can try out different styles to find your own.

Q: Last question, are there any updates, information or future plans that you would like to tell readers to look forward to in the coming future?

A: I’m not sure yet, but I am going on vacation to Korea next week.

Be sure to follow her on social media for inspiration!

Instagram: @justinebujo

YouTube: JustinBujo