Interview with Kim Jaewoo, AR Festival First-Place Winner

We had the opportunity to speak with Kim Jaewoo, the talented AR artist who won first place at the AR Festival competition hosted by YEATU. Kim, an AR filter artist on Instagram and TikTok, has collaborated with numerous global brands to showcase innovative and creative AR work. In this interview, we delve into his creative process, thoughts on AR, the concept behind his festival entry, and his future vision working with the YEATU platform.

Kim Jaewoo Interview

Q. Congratulations on winning first place at the AR Festival! How does it feel to have your work recognized?

I'm thrilled to have my work recognized. I’m grateful to YEATU and the AR Festival organizers for providing this opportunity.

Q. What inspired you to start designing AR filters on Instagram and TikTok?

I’ve always believed in the power of interaction. AR is a medium that blends, extends, and contrasts real-world experiences with the digital world, allowing for real-time interaction. I find it more fascinating than virtual reality or video media. Instagram and TikTok are influential platforms that allow me to easily and quickly share AR experiences with millions globally. It’s exciting to see my AR filters being used by millions, and when people share their fun experiences through videos, it feels like unspoken communication.

Q. You've worked in projects with brands like Gongcha, Crocs, and McDonald's. Which project was the most challenging, and which was the most rewarding?

The most challenging project was the Samsung Galaxy S23 ‘Explore the New’ campaign. It featured the artwork Eclipse by Jung Sung-yoon at a pop-up in Seongsu-dong, where I created AR graphics to interact with three symbolic orbs representing the Galaxy S23’s lenses. The AR graphics were designed in a non-traditional landscape mode, which was interesting. The venue’s reflective floor posed challenges in spatial tracking, but we resolved it by fixing the coordinates when the filter was activated.

The most rewarding project was my project with Shinsegae Starfield for a spring-themed graphic. Based on the Spring Melody theme by Jeong Daeun, known for the drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo, I created a moving poster format where the user becomes the main character. I put a lot of effort into capturing the feel of pencil drawings in 3D, and I’m happy with how the final piece came out, with its pastel-like colors and gentle movements.

Q. Can you tell us more about the AR piece you submitted to the AR Festival? What message or experience were you aiming to convey?

When I first saw Kim Myeonggon’s Fanfare, it felt like I was in a parade-filled square. Confetti fell endlessly from the sky in celebration, and brilliant sunlight seemed to shine down on the main subject. The old car with the number 8 in the artwork had a timeless, classic charm. I wanted to capture the essence of this image, bringing it into reality as a grand and celebratory experience.

Q. AR technology is rapidly evolving. How do you keep up with new trends and tools, and how do you incorporate them into your work?

As a content creator and active social media user, I watch a lot of short-form content and test out AR filters in videos to understand the technology being applied. I create sample templates so that when I encounter exciting ideas or collaboration opportunities, I can quickly implement them. I also collect references for virtual fake-out-of-home ads (FOOH) and build production pipelines around them.

Q. You’ve partnered with YEATU for the AR Festival. What do you think about the platform and its support for artists?

I believe YEATU’s support and platform provide significant opportunities for emerging artists like myself. Their integration of blockchain and AI technologies ensures transparent transactions and investment environments, which helps many artists gain recognition and access to global opportunities.

Q. YEATU aims to connect artists and investors, providing collaboration opportunities with global artists. What are your thoughts on this vision?

Having an investor allows artists to pursue continuous work, and collaborating with global artists offers the chance to showcase our work on a bigger stage. I believe YEATU’s vision will play a crucial role in helping artists interact with the global market and reach new heights.

Q. What do you expect from working with artists on the YEATU platform? How do you think these collaborations will positively impact your AR work?

Artists each have a unique perspective, and I expect to learn new ideas and viewpoints through collaboration. Since my AR work focuses on spatial imagination, collaborating with others will expand the depth and scope of my creations.

Q. What would you say to other artists looking to expand globally through YEATU’s platform?

I highly recommend using YEATU to gain global networking and investment opportunities. Collaborating with artists from diverse cultural backgrounds will not only help your artistic growth but also open doors to new artistic domains.

Q. What is the biggest challenge you face as an AR artist, and how could YEATU support you in overcoming it?

AR artists need skills in 3D modeling, graphic design, and programming, along with the high costs of software licenses and devices. This makes it difficult for artists to bring independent ideas to life. Investment and financial support from platforms like YEATU could alleviate this burden. Additionally, YEATU’s blockchain technology could protect digital works from unauthorized copying or alteration.

Q. If you were to recommend YEATU’s membership to other AR artists, what special benefits or opportunities would you like to see?

The opportunity to reinterpret Kim Myeonggon’s artwork for my AR project was a unique and valuable experience. I’m also grateful to have learned about the AR Festival in Kuala Lumpur, which was made possible by YEATU. I would love to see further support for global collaborations, exhibitions, and community projects, as well as sustainable growth opportunities for member artists.

Kim Jaewoo's interview provided an insightful look into his creativity and passion. YEATU will continue to offer diverse opportunities for AR artists, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive on the global stage. We’re excited to see what the future holds as Kim Jaewoo and other artists collaborate with YEATU’s platform.