The Beat’s talent coverage of MoCCA Fest 2025 continues! Today, we had the chance to talk with Hyesu Lee, an artist, muralist, comics creator, and educator seen all across the world who draws stories relating to her own experiences and sharing her own vulnerability.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, she’s a graduate of the University of Arts London who got her BA in Illustration and then earned her MFA from the School of Visual Arts based in New York City.
Lee’s work focuses on community and how people connect, collaborating with clients from all across the world in making illustrations for brands, magazines, public murals, and packaging, all done with a cheerful approach and demeanor.
Check out some of her works below, including a video from her 2021 SVA Subway Series.
CHRISTIAN ANGELES: Hi Hyesu! Can you tell us your story?
HYESU LEE: My name is Hyesu Lee, I’m an illustrator, comic artist, and a muralist from South Korea based in Brooklyn.
I was born and grew up in South Korea till my mid-twenties. I first went to the UK to study illustration as an undergrad, and then I moved to New York for an MFA in Illustration.
I originally started off as a graphic designer and always had a love for drawing, but I didn’t think it would be possible to do it full-time as a job. Especially being a freelance illustrator, it’s very difficult from time to time and has lots of ups and downs.
As of now, I also teach illustration part-time.
ANGELES: Nice, that’s a wide range of work! So what are you promoting at MoCCA 2025?
LEE: I am showing some of my books, little original paintings, and hand-made merchandise at MoCCA this year.
I’m going to have my book Self-Love Club, Self-Love Club Journal and The Best Spot to Pee. I’ve been making palm-sized original paintings from my book Self-Love Club.
My idea is to have my original art as accessible as possible since a big part of my core belief as an artist is spreading these messages that I practice for myself. A lot of my art is influenced by outsider art, I love when art itself feels so carefree and raw.
ANGELES: Right on. I’m a firm believer that an artist’s expression comes from inside reflecting out into the world. Next, what are you most excited to see this year?
LEE: I’m, in general, excited to see my illustrator friends and connect with the illustration community. There is always so much amazing work that I usually don’t get to check them all in detail so hopefully, I get to do that this year.
ANGELES: Any friends in particular you’re looking to see? An exhibition you’re interested in seeing this year or a panel?
LEE: There’s a lot of good ones this year? All of them!!! 🙂 To be honest, I haven’t had a chance to look into the details of the programs yet, but I’m sure there will be so many good ones. And I’m also excited to participate as a panelist.
ANGELES: What is your favorite thing about MoCCA Fest?
LEE: It’s one of the rare festivals where a lot of illustrators gather and celebrate what we love doing, and it’s always very inspiring and exciting to feel the love that we have for our community.
ANGELES: And finally, why do you think indie comics so important right now?
LEE: For me, comics are one of the most engaging storytelling ways that I enjoy making so much. I can be as personal as possible, it’s carefree and also relevant.
Hyesu Lee will be at MoCCA ‘25 selling her latest works at table 158. If you’d like to attend New York’s MoCCA Fest 2025 click here.
