Q. Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Hello, I'm Bazbon, and I draw.

Q. What does the name “Bazbon” mean?

When I was a kid, I’d copy drawings from comic books and naturally learned to understand a form through light and structure. Seeing a Basquiat original in person changed everything—it looked like a doodle, but had such style and completeness. That’s when I realized art doesn’t need to be polished to be powerful. The name “Bazbon” comes from that moment: “ba” from Basquiat, “z” from lazy, and “bon” from born. It reflects my desire to keep growing as an artist—and honestly, I just liked how it looked.

Q. You've shown a strong interest in street culture, hip-hop, and other subcultures. How have these elements influenced your work?

It started naturally—I grew up drawing characters from comics like Dragon Ball and writing friends’ names in graffiti style, just because it was fun. That pure joy of drawing is still a big part of what keeps me going. Most of what I loved back then belonged to subculture. I was drawn more to Vegeta’s pride and flaws than Goku’s heroism, and I preferred underground hip-hop or rock over mainstream music. Those offbeat, raw cultures always felt more honest to me. That spirit naturally found its way into my work and still shapes how I see and express things today.

Q. You've collaborated with brands from Nike to Lineage and Andaz Hotel. Which project left the strongest impression on you?

The project with Andaz Hotel really stands out. It was my first time collaborating with a hotel, and the concept—creating artwork inspired by the dining experience at their Korean restaurant, Jogaekbo Kitchen—was fascinating. The head chef even developed a new course just for the project, and I created my pieces based on those dishes. Our work came together in one space, blending food and art in a unique way. The final pieces were displayed in the restaurant for a year, becoming part of the overall experience. And above all, the team I worked with was so warm and genuine—it’s a collaboration I still look back on fondly.

Q. You’ve worked on album artwork for musicians like Paloalto and Dynamic Duo. Do you have your own approach when translating music into visuals?

To me, the most important part is understanding what the artist wants to express—what kind of image, mood, or emotion they’re aiming for. From there, I expand the visuals around that core idea. I usually talk with the artist or listen to the tracks on repeat to get a feel for the overall mood. Since it’s about translating sound into visuals, I focus less on specifics and more on the feeling the music carries. I don’t see it as just “drawing something for them”—it’s about creating one cohesive piece together, with mutual respect. That’s when the visuals and music truly come alive as one.

Q. Is there a piece you're especially attached to? We’d also love to hear about your signature character, Shady—how did it come to life?

It’s hard to choose just one—I feel attached to all my works in different ways. Shady started from a very different place than my usual structure-based work. Aside from its signature expression, it has no lines, colors, or shapes—just a simple, minimal form. It was originally meant for graphic use, but now it plays many roles in my work: expressing emotion, creating space, or just being there. Its dark silhouette and rebellious face might seem devilish, but I like to flip that perception—making it playful, even charming. It’s simple on the outside, but it carries a lot of how I feel and how I see art.

Q. You work across illustration, comics, painting, and graffiti.
Do you have a personal approach to moving between mediums? And how do they differ for you?

To me, it’s all just drawing—the tools may change, but the essence is the same. I’ve always followed what feels natural, whether it’s illustration or painting. Each material offers a different feel. Drawing with pencil, brushing paint, or using spray paint all bring unique sensations, and that variation keeps things exciting. These days, I try to match the medium to the work—thinking about whether it fits better on paper, canvas, or a wall.

Q. How was your collaboration with SEVEN EIGHT UNDER? What does the sneaker medium mean to you personally?

I remember trying one of SEVEN EIGHT UNDER’s early models—the midsole design felt really fresh. Their artist collaborations and overall direction were impressive, and lately the shoes feel even more refined. You can tell they’ve been quietly and consistently growing, which I admire. So I was genuinely happy to work with a brand I’ve been supporting. I’ve always loved sneakers, so working with them as a canvas was exciting. I often draw shoes, but customizing them takes more thought—beyond just adding artwork, it’s about considering the shape, material, and brand vibe. If I end up wanting to wear the final piece myself, that means it worked.

Q. Can you tell us about the concept behind this piece?

This piece is about the duality of life. I used Ash Black on the left shoe to represent hardship, and Off White on the right to symbolize hope and happiness. Each shoe has a piece taken from the other, showing that light and darkness aren’t separate—they coexist and complete one another. The pair reflects life’s ups and downs, like walking through both climbs and descents. It’s based on the idea that life moves forward step by step, left and right. I wanted this piece to convey the belief that after struggle, there’s always growth and hope—and maybe offer a bit of comfort to someone who needs it.

Q. How would you like to be remembered as an artist?

Just like I started drawing as a kid after watching Dragon Ball, I hope my work or attitude can inspire someone else—even in a small way. It doesn’t have to be someone copying my art. If it simply makes them want to start something of their own, that’s more than enough for me.

Q. Do you have a long-term goal or a project you dream of pursuing as an artist?

I’d like my work to reach a level where I can feel truly satisfied with it.
Until the day I put down the brush, I just want to keep enjoying the process—and keep growing, even if just a little at a time.

Q. Lastly, do you have any words of encouragement for those who are moving forward in their own way—taking steady steps, no matter the pace?

I believe everyone walks at their own pace. Whether fast, slow, or seemingly still, we’re all moving forward in our own way. There are days when just getting through feels like all we can do—and that’s okay. Those days stack up and eventually carry us somewhere. So don’t rush. Trust your own steps, and keep going—slowly, in your own way. I’ll be cheering you on.