When I look back at the past, I often realize that the opportunities I missed turned out to be blessings in disguise. At the time, they seemed like wonderful offers, even secure paths to a guaranteed future. Yet in hindsight, I feel grateful that I did not go down those roads.

They promised immediate rewards, but if that path meant depending on someone else rather than relying on myself, then it was not the right answer. The truer path, though harder, was the one I had to carve out on my own.

Life as an artist is intense. There are not many fixed routes, so you must treat it like running a business—pioneering your way forward, making decisions at every fork in the road. Each time I face a choice, I ask myself whether I made the right decision. That is when I turn to my own guiding principles. My first question is: Do you love this path? Because if I do not love the work, I cannot sustain it or feel passion for it. Only by enjoying the journey can I ever complete it. My second question is: Can I walk this path on my own? Can I move forward without depending on others?

In the beginning, I often felt resentful. I envied colleagues who seemed to secure positions easily, who appeared to rise quickly. Sometimes they even advised me to “stand in the right line” to gain favor. I worried that I was too rigid, moving forward stubbornly without looking around. But now, after ten years, I see a different picture. Many of those who seemed to sprint ahead have veered off onto other roads, while I—whom others doubted would last—am still here, still doing the work. I have learned that walking quietly, step by step, without distraction, can actually be the better way. Because I never depended on anyone, I did not waste time looking back; I just kept walking forward.

Along this path, I have received other offers. Some promised financial stability, respectable titles, or secure positions. But I knew that if I accepted them, I would risk losing my identity as an artist. Thankfully, I seem to have avoided such offers as if by destiny. Of course, there were also opportunities I knocked on and did not receive. Some doors were closed, but the gatekeepers gave me a clearer vision of reality. For that, I am still grateful—even if, at the time, I felt disappointment.

Even now, there are no definitive answers. Each day, I simply do the work before me and move steadily forward. What I do know is that I am always advancing, and I am growing, little by little. Where will these efforts lead me in the future? I cannot say for certain. But I hope that the path I walk, however uncertain, will one day be of help to someone else.
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​The book "Becoming a Brand" contains an interesting story about travel. Why are we drawn to travel? Simply seeing unfamiliar landscapes isn't enough. What makes travel so special is the experience it offers of encountering the emotions latent within us within those landscapes.

Small encounters in unfamiliar places, meeting new people, and unexpected situations allow us to discover aspects of ourselves we didn't know existed. These experiences, sometimes uncomfortable and sometimes exciting, ultimately expand our sense of self and lead to deeper wisdom.

However, if travel is limited to simply taking photos and consuming scenery, it's less of a true journey and more of a sightseeing experience. As Marcel Proust said, the essence of travel isn't the unfamiliar landscape itself, but rather the discovery of a new self within it.

Perhaps the reason we travel isn't to see the world, but to re-evaluate ourselves within it. Therefore, when we truly travel, we gain memories and insights that linger long after we return. And these experiences go beyond mere experiences; they become experiences that deepen our lives.

When we say we truly “know” something, it does not simply mean sitting still, listening to a lecture, watching YouTube, or memorizing information from an internet search. Knowledge is more like traveling—seeing, experiencing, and internalizing what we encounter to create new insights and memories. And it is this kind of lived understanding that makes our lives, and ourselves, truly different and special.

​Just as traveling isn't simply about admiring scenery, it's an experience that allows us to discover a new side of ourselves, painting is also a special journey in itself. Painting isn't simply about transcribing what we see onto paper. It's a profound act that weaves together experiences and emotions.

Through painting, we express emotions through color, capture experiences in form, and express our inner stories in visual language. The important thing is that it doesn't stop there. It's not simply about "feeling," but the process of integrating those feelings and expressing them in a new way—this is the power of painting.

If you continue this process consistently, painting will eventually transcend mere hobbies and become a gateway to self-discovery. Through the small habits of drawing lines and coloring, we engage in conversations with our inner selves and discover forgotten emotions. And these repeated experiences ultimately lead to the process of branding ourselves.

Branding isn't limited to companies or products. We, as individuals, are also brands. The colors we possess, the voice we use to communicate with the world, and the values ​​we pursue—this is what defines our brand. Painting is a wonderful tool for discovering and refining your brand.

Just as travel expands you through unfamiliar landscapes, painting allows you to look a little closer at the colors and lines within. In this way, we discover our own unique colors and, through them, make our lives more special. The act of painting isn't simply about leaving behind a work of art; it's a journey of recording and expressing ourselves, growing into a brand.

​Finding your own style through painting is sometimes challenging. Clearly expressing and maintaining your own unique identity can make everyday life uncomfortable and even attract the attention of others. However, differentiation here doesn't simply mean showcasing something strikingly special. It's a process of developing your unique characteristics and strengths into your own unique style.

In other words, painting goes beyond mere taste or technique; it becomes a way to put your philosophy into practice in life. Through repeated lines and colors, the values ​​you hold dear are revealed, and these values ​​gradually accumulate to create your own unique identity. And that color becomes your brand, a bridge connecting you to the world.

Not long ago, I went grocery shopping and bought a dozen eggs, just as I always do. When I got home and opened the carton with my child, we were both caught by surprise. Inside, among the familiar white and brown eggs, there was one that stood out—a delicate pink egg resting quietly in its place.

We usually think of eggs as white or light brown, something so ordinary that we hardly give them a second thought. But this unexpected pink egg felt like a small gift. It wasn’t painted or decorated; it seemed to carry its own natural tint, glowing softly as though it had captured a little bit of light. My child’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, and I couldn’t help but smile at this delightful discovery.

Eggs are one of the most common items in our daily lives, yet this small variation transformed an everyday moment into something extraordinary. With nothing more than a different shade of color, it turned into a memory, a reminder of how easily joy can sneak into our routines. It was like stumbling upon an unexpected view while traveling—a brief but vivid experience that lingers in the heart.

My child immediately said, “This egg is special, so let’s save it.” Hearing that made me reflect: perhaps life, too, hides little “pink eggs” for us to find. Even in the most ordinary routines, there are moments of surprise waiting to brighten our days and remind us that beauty often comes quietly, in unexpected forms.
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That single pink egg became more than just food—it was a gift of perspective. It showed us that when we choose to see with openness and curiosity, even the smallest details of life can become sources of wonder and joy.

​This Summer, Our Home Became an Atelier

This summer, my child and I spent countless hours drawing. We drew, and then drew again, filling our days with colors and lines. What began on a small table soon outgrew its space, and I eventually moved a large table into the living room just for our art. Even that wasn’t enough—another table was needed. Before long, every corner of our home had transformed into a vast atelier.

This change brought great joy to our family. Each time my child finished a drawing, they would proudly show it to me, and I, in turn, would share my own work. It felt like a small exhibition within our home, where we celebrated creativity, exchanged admiration, and shared happiness through our art. Drawing was no longer just a pastime—it became a language of joy that flowed naturally through our daily lives.

What mattered most was the consistency. Even if only for a short while each day, the habit of sitting down to create gave our lives a special rhythm. Just as my blog grows little by little into a record and a brand of its own, so too did these drawings gather and multiply, becoming something more—an expression of our family’s unique colors and story.

Now, the traces of that summer remain scattered throughout our home. Each time I see them, I am reminded once again: to draw consistently, to share, and to show—these simple acts are what make us, and our lives, truly special.

With clear skies and cool, pleasant weather continuing these days, I am reminded of my visit last year to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These places hold a special place in history, as they were the first stop for so many who arrived in America with dreams of a new life, carrying both hope and uncertainty in their hearts.

I still recall the faces in the photographs displayed there. The expressions of those who had just stepped onto unfamiliar soil were filled with hope, though often touched with a hint of apprehension. Even the simple dishes from their first meals and the small drawings of ships carved onto the waiting room walls have been carefully preserved. They are powerful reminders that the United States was built upon the journeys and sacrifices of countless people from all over the world.

One image that remains especially vivid in my mind is of a young man carrying a large bag. He must have been exhausted from the long voyage, and yet he smiled as if he had gained the whole world. That smile seemed to capture the essence of the immigrant spirit: despite hardship and uncertainty, the courage to move forward with hope.

The stories of immigrants are, in many ways, the story of America itself. From the Wright brothers, who brought forth the beginnings of aviation, to countless others who worked quietly and diligently, the contributions of newcomers have shaped the country we know today.

In my own journey, I strive to live with the same spirit—working hard, giving back in whatever small ways I can, and supporting the community around me. Above all, I find myself continually drawn to the importance of nurturing children’s futures. Their growth and education remain, to me, the most vital responsibility we share.
When I look back on the photographs from Ellis Island, I see both fear and hope reflected in those faces. Yet it is the hope that shines through the most strongly—and it is hope that has carried generations forward to build the society we live in today.
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My quiet wish is that children everywhere may continue to smile with that same hope, and that they will always find opportunities to grow, thrive, and pursue their dreams with confidence.

​Do you remember the exciting news I shared recently?
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Daniel’s very first book, The Magical Fart God, was successfully published as a Kindle eBook on Amazon. Now, the journey continues—today I am thrilled to announce that the paperback edition is officially available!

A Child-Authored Book You Can Now Hold in Your Hands

When the eBook was released, many readers expressed their wish to also see a physical version of the story. There is something truly special about holding a book in your hands, turning the pages, and reading aloud with children. With this paperback edition, that wish has become a reality.
For young authors like Daniel, the experience of seeing their work printed as a real book is life-changing. It’s not just about reading—it’s about building confidence, ownership, and pride in their creative voices.

About the Story: Laughter with a Hidden Message​

The Magical Fart God is a whimsical and humorous story with a title that instantly sparks giggles. One day, a volcano unexpectedly erupts with magical farts, throwing the world into chaos. Out of the silliness appears an unlikely hero—the playful Cat God—who uses his powers to solve problems, bring joy, and even turn confusion into something beautiful.
Beyond the laughter, the story carries an uplifting message: finding strength in unexpected places, turning challenges into possibilities, and seeing the world with a fresh perspective. Told through the imaginative voice of 9-year-old Daniel, this book captures the innocence and creativity of childhood in its purest form.

Part of the Kid-Made Tales Series
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This book is part of my larger project, the Children’s Author Picture Book Series, which celebrates the power of children’s voices and imaginations. Through this series, young writers have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life, see their stories published, and share them with the world.
Daniel’s contribution is already inspiring other students and parents, proving that a child’s story can be just as meaningful and impactful as any adult’s.

Available Now on Amazon

• Kindle Edition: $4.99
• Paperback Edition: $9.99

👉 View on Amazon

Looking Ahead

Daniel’s publication is more than just one child’s achievement. It’s a message to families, students, and the community that creativity is limitless when given the chance to grow. The confidence gained from this process will follow Daniel into every step of his future.
I look forward to supporting more young voices, helping them transform their stories into books that can inspire others for years to come.

Last week, a very special children’s book was released: “Stella the Sea Slug: Discovering Ocean Friends.” This book is not just another story about ocean life—it is a story created and written from the perspective of a young author.

Together with me, Yebon Lee, a high school student with a deep curiosity about science, nature, and storytelling, brought this book to life. Inspired by her fascination with the ocean and her passion for sharing knowledge, Yebon transformed her love of reading scientific articles into a delightful children’s story filled with wonder and imagination.

From Science to Storytelling: The Spark of KleptoplastyThe main character, Stella the Sea Slug, was inspired by a fascinating real-life biological process known as kleptoplasty—the ability of certain sea slugs to steal chloroplasts from algae and use them for photosynthesis.

Instead of presenting this as a dry scientific fact, Yebon reimagined it through storytelling. In the book, Stella glides through the ocean in shimmering blues, glowing pinks, and sparkling golds, reminding readers that even the smallest creatures play important roles in the ecosystem.

Through Stella’s journey, children not only enjoy a beautiful story but also discover the power of curiosity, learning, and caring for the natural world.

The Young Storytellers Project

This book is part of my ongoing series, the Young Storytellers Series, a project that empowers children to become authors of their own picture books.

The goal of this series is simple yet powerful: to allow young creators to transform their ideas into published works, building confidence and showing them that their voices matter.

The series began with “Rainy Day” by seven-year-old Celina Kim and has now grown to include Yebon Lee’s debut book, “Stella the Sea Slug.” Each new addition continues to highlight the limitless creativity and imagination of young storytellers.

Why This Book Matters: “Stella the Sea Slug” is more than just a picture book. It represents:

• Exploration and learning: turning scientific discovery into a story.
• Creativity and imagination: blending science with art.
• Empowerment: helping a young author experience the joy of publishing.

For readers, it is an invitation to enjoy storytelling while also seeing how science and art can connect in meaningful ways. For young creators, it is proof that they, too, can become published authors.

Final Thoughts

The release of “Stella the Sea Slug: Discovering Ocean Friends” is not only the celebration of a book but also the celebration of a spark—curiosity turned into creation.

This project shows us that when children are given the tools and encouragement to share their voices, they can inspire both peers and adults alike. Stella’s journey through the ocean is also a reminder to all of us: every story, no matter how small, can shine brightly and make an impact.
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👉 You can find the book here: Stella the Sea Slug on Amazon