I was born in South Korea in 1982 and studied Oriental Painting and Visual Communication Design at Hong-Ik University. In 2004, my creative journey then led me to France, where I explored Image & Narration at École de l'image de l'Épinal and Illustration at École Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs de Strasbourg.
Through picture books, I share the stories I want to tell—stories that resonate with both children and adults. I enjoy experimenting with various materials and techniques to discover the visual language that best matches each narrative. I continue to work by hand, drawn to the beauty of color harmony and the spontaneous charm that often emerges in the creative process.
Now based in Sydney, I live with my husband and our two lovely daughters, while continuing to create and tell stories through images.
Feel free to contact me anytime for work inquiries at this email. ssongheejin0210@gmail.com
Publications
Text & Illustration
My Perfect Day, Junior RHK, Korea / Taiwan, 2025
Un vrai ours, Casterman, France / Korea, 2011
Les pommes d'or, Casterman, France / Italy / Korea, 2009
Chameau rouge, Groupe Socos’ Print Imprimeurs, Épinal, France, 2006
Illustration
A Book about Martial Arts, Daekyo Publishing, Korea, 2014
Mr. Beodeul’s Wedding, Hakgojae Publishing, Korea, 2014
The City of Kings and Queens, Yeo-ju, Woongjin Publishing, Korea, 2012
What Shall We Eat?, Jangsu Haneulso Publishing, Korea, 2012
Fairy Tale of Rabbit, Hyeonamsa Publishing, Korea, 2012
Poetry Mathematics, Bir Publishing, Korea, 2011
Domestication Monster, Bir Publishing, Korea, 2011
The half boy : Korean Folk Tales, Bir Publishing, Korea, 2010
Awards & Recognitions
2025
< My perfect day>, Hanuri Reading Movement Recommended Title
2014
<Mr. Beodeul’s Wedding>
White Ravens selection 2014
Excellent Book Selection (Korea Institute for Children’s Education and Culture)
2014
<Happiness>, Best Artwork Award, San Francisco International Invitational Exhibition, Korean Society of Basic Design & Art
2010
<The Half boy>
CJ Picture Book Award Selection
Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation Recommended Title
Korean School Librarians Association Recommended Title
Hanuri Reading Movement Recommended Title
2010
<Les Pommes d’Or>, 12e Prix Littéraire de la Fondation MVE 2010, Shortlist, France
2003
Outstanding Achievement, Design Section, The 22nd Grand Art Exhibition of Korea, KFAA
2002
Bronze Prize, Art Competition hosted by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)
2001
XD_2 Icograda International Workshop for Young Designers
Exhibition
2024~2025
<Picture Books Are Great>, Seoul Arts Center, Korea
2017
<Me and You, Picture & Book>, Gallery Les Misérables, Seoul, Korea
2015
2015 KSBDA Narita International Invitational Exhibition – Basic Design & Art, Narita, Japan
Invitation International SOKI Exhibition, Nabi Museum of the Arts, USA
2015 KSBDA Seattle International Invitational Exhibition – Basic Design & Arts, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
Annecy International Animation Film Festival – Invitation Exhibition, Centre de Congrès de l’Impérial Palace, Annecy, France
China International Cartoon & Animation Festival (CICAF), White Horse Lake Animation Plaza, China
2014~2015
<Matrix: Mathematics – Heart of Gold and the Abyss>, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), Seoul, Korea (2014–2015)
2014
Incheon International Design Fair, Incheon, Korea
KSBDA Paris International Invitational Exhibition, Centre Culturel Coréen – Salle d’Exposition, Paris, France
KSBDA International Exhibition – Creative Art & Design: Academic Visual Work Award, University of San Francisco, USA
2013
Incheon International Design Fair – Invitation Artist, Incheon, Korea
2012
<The Face of Today>, Gallery Wooduk, Seoul, Korea
<Picture Book>, Gallery White Birch, Korea
2009
<My First Collection>, Gallery Keumsan, Seoul, Korea
<Au Travers>, La Chaufferie, Strasbourg, France
2008
<La Nuit>, Salon du Livre de Colmar, France
2007
<La Mémoire de la Guerre>, Metz, France
Thesis & research paper
2015
Picturebook Cover’s Formative Re-contextualisation Based on Cultural Characteristics,
The Treatise on The Plastic Media, Vol. 18, No. 4
2014
The Study of Visual Transformation of the Cover of Translated Korean Picture Books – Focusing on Caldecott Winners 2004–2014,
The Treatise on the Plastic Media, Vol. 17, No. 4
A Study on the Transformation of Pretext of Korean Picture Books Published in French – Focusing on Format, Bookbinding, Cover Page, End Paper, and Paper Quality,
Korean Society of Basic Design & Art, Vol. 15, No. 6
2011
Gwanghwamun Square Design,
Journal of Korean Society of Design Science, Vol. 24, No. 6
2009
Le Vrai Self et le Faux Self,
DNSEP Illustration Master’s Thesis,
École Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs de Strasbourg
Lecture / Course
2013 – 2018
Assistant Professor, Baekseok University, Korea
2013
Seoul Design Workshop for Students, Hong-Ik University, Korea
2012 – 2014
Part-time Lecturer, Incheon Catholic University, Korea
2012
Part-time Lecturer, Kyung-In Women’s University, Korea
2010 – 2013
Part-time Lecturer, Hong-Ik University, Korea
