Sol Yoon (IDEA Grad 2025) is learning not to compare herself to her classmates but learn from them instead
Meet first-year student, Sol Yoon (IDEA Grad 2025)! Her self-portrait for IDES 133 - Visual Studio taught by Jay Bassan is shown above.
“When I was applying to the IDEA School of Design, the idea of forming a community with other artists at IDEA and exchanging feedback with them felt like a studio or company experience to me.”
Read Sol’s story and check out some of her other work for a glimpse into first-year student life at IDEA School of Design at Capilano University.
Self-Portrait
One intense photo would be nice, but one photo was not enough to express myself. I edited my photos so they are connected to each other smoothly like an album and memories. I also tried to catch the soft lighting and comfortable expression on my camera so that it can look like a moment of my daily life.
Self portrait moodboard by Sol Yoon (IDEA Grad 2025)
“The Assignment” by Jay Bassan, Instructor
Create a mood board visualizing your Passion, Super Power, Values, Purpose and differentiation (students can use any medium for this).
“The Goal” by Jay Bassan, Instructor
To have students think clearly about how to imagine themselves as a brand and use their final self-portrait as an expression of that. This becomes one of the more interesting projects since it happens near the end of class and students are now comfortable enough with the camera.
I remind students that similar to sketching, where you decide where to put the pencil, pen, or mouse to compose your drawing, where do you put the camera to capture a moment or tell a story?
I get some interesting work.
Experience so far in first term at IDEA School of Design
My first year of art school is passing fast right now. And so far, I love it! I’m surrounded by great instructors, great classmates, and amazing work. They are my best motivation and inspiration. I always try to be professional and consider what I can learn from each project. I think every day about how to manage my schedule between many assignments efficiently, how to give good feedback, and how to design better. It feels so good, always full of art stuff.
Featured Work
Monet and Manet
This masters-influenced oil project was from Survey & Principles of Illustration I. I really liked past illustrators’ both rough and soft brush strokes. So I just came up with “why can’t I just do two artists?” And this is the final water-based oil work inspired by Monet and Manet. I was fully enjoying the process of expressing both artists’ styles.
Shower Guest
This black & white line drawing work was from Survey & Principles of Illustration II. We only had to use black ink on a white surface and draw any scene we made by using different photo references. I usually draw doodles with a ballpoint pen, so I was so excited when I got this assignment. I wanted to draw a real sense of drama. Whenever someone takes a peaceful and quiet shower, a special guest always comes. Angels can be someone they really miss or imaginary friends.
Bibi Poster
This Swissted poster project was from Survey & Principles of Design II. This project was quite challenging and meaningful for me. It was the first design work in my life that I completed using Illustrator. I made posters of the rapper and singer Bibi in a Swissted design style. By using gradients and two circle shapes, I tried to express her unrealistic, sensuous style and her two-dots tattoo. It was a great opportunity to increase my skills using Illustrator and think about the basics of design once again.
Why did you choose IDEA School of Design over other schools?
When I was applying for this program, the idea of forming a community with other artists at IDEA and exchanging feedback with them felt like a studio or company experience to me. I was assured that I could learn more through connections with other artists. Plus I thought this program was perfect because I love both illustration and design!
“The Bachelor of Design program at IDEA School of Design is a 4-year degree program with an enduring reputation for industry-prepared graduates. We are a career-oriented program for the next generation of creative professionals, with concentrations in branding, illustration and interactive design.”
Advice for those considering applying to IDEA School of Design
Don't be too obsessed with your style. I used to put so much effort into making my own drawing style. But it just made me “pretty” artworks and didn’t feel like growing up as an artist. The most important thing is knowing which direction you are pursuing in which fields. And the direction comes from what you're interested in. If you find out where you want to go, your style will naturally follow you!
“The purpose of your portfolio is to demonstrate your creative potential. We assess portfolios on drawing skill, design and creativity.”
"Breakthrough Moments" at IDEA School of Design
I have a habit of comparing my works to others. I thought it motivated me to develop myself further, which helped me a lot. However, as I started working with so many talented artists, I started over-comparing. This habit reduced my confidence and made me unable to be self-assured. So, instead of just comparing, I began to think about why other friends' works were good and what I could learn from them. Hopefully, now I can leave more possibilities open without losing confidence.
What’s your favourite music video?
I love visual arts that stimulate my imagination. My favorite song changes from day to day, but DPR LIVE - Kiss Me + Neon (OFFICIAL M/V) is one of my favorites 🙂
Follow Sol on Instagram @nooong_med.
