Aloha, I’m Ivy Han, an illustrator and artist originally from Seoul, South Korea, now living in Maui, Hawaii, with my husband, two sons, and our dog.
I’ve loved drawing since childhood, filling notebooks with little drawings and stories. I spent my twenties studying fashion illustration and working as a nail designer. Later, while studying graphic design, I considered majoring in fine art. However, creating art within set rules and expectations didn’t feel right to me. Eventually, I let go of those expectations and began drawing freely, without worrying about whether my work was good enough. That was when I started discovering my own way of creating.
KITE CARTOON began in 2017, inspired by my love of kitesurfing in New York. I started drawing comics and illustrations about my experiences on the water. The name combines “Kite,” reflecting my love of kitesurfing and the freedom of the wind, and “Cartoon,” representing my love of telling stories through drawings.
Over time, the name has taken on a more personal meaning. My son now enjoys flying a kite, too, watching it dance in the sky. It reminds me how the things we love can become part of our family’s everyday life.
I believe art doesn’t have to be detailed or complicated to be meaningful. I’m drawn to beautiful colors and simple shapes that tell a story, bring a smile, and add a little joy to everyday life.
Living in Maui, I find inspiration in the ocean, nature, and everyday moments with my family. As I continue to grow as an artist, I hope to bring my illustrations to life in new ways through small art pieces and thoughtfully designed items, gradually expanding my creative world.