Q. You recently wrapped up the season and are on a break. How have you been?

A. Even before becoming a webtoon author, I was working on advertisements, emoticons, and Instatoons.
   So, even after Season 1 ended, rather than resting, I've been keeping busy just like always.

   Recently, I went on a trip abroad to propose to my girlfriend, who also appears in the webtoon,
   and I'm currently working on Season 2 of Jjangdeok's webtoon, which will be released soon.

Q. What is Jjangdeok doing right now? 

A. Whenever I'm working, he's always on the cat tower right behind me, either looking out the window
   or taking a nap.

   Right now, he's sleeping behind me.

△ Check out Jjangdeok making his adorable little appearances in the series.😺♥️

Q. You initially started with Instatoons, another form of webtoons.
   What made you start serializing comics on Instagram?

A. I originally went to art school and loved drawing,
   so I started drawing and posting my everyday experiences on Instagram as a hobby.
   As I kept at it, I started getting more responses, and since it was fun, I just kept going.
   Eventually, various requests for commissions and advertisements started coming in,
   and before I knew it, it naturally became my profession.

Q. Later, when you received the offer to serialize on Kakao Webtoon, what was your biggest concern,
   and what was the decisive reason you accepted?

A. When I first got contacted by Kakao Webtoon, I actually intended to decline.
   It was because I had heard from people around me that being a webtoon author is too exhausting or doesn't pay well.
   Also, the idea of serializing on such a massive platform felt like a huge burden, and I got suddenly scared.
   But after thinking it over for a few days, I realized that letting go of this precious opportunity proposed by a major platform
   just because I was scared would be a total waste.

   'If not now, I don't know when another opportunity like this will come. Whatever, let's just do it!'
   With that mindset, I gathered my courage and took on the challenge.

Q. What would you say is the difference between an official serialization on a webtoon platform and free serialization on social media?
   Is there a difference in your work process as well?

A. Since I mostly work alone for free serializations on social media,
   I can freely create and upload whenever I have spare time,
   making the overall process quite relaxed.
   On the other hand, platform serialization is a collaborative project involving my assigned PD and many others.
   Because of this, I have to produce a set amount of work by a specific deadline,
   which means working in a more systematic style rather than a free-flowing one.
   Of course, platform serialization is much harder in terms of difficulty,
   but compared to social media where income is irregular, it guarantees a steady income,
   and has the advantage of easier promotion through the platform.

   Additionally, being an Instatoon creator is great, but holding the title of 'Official Kakao Webtoon Author'
   definitely brings a greater sense of psychological satisfaction. Haha.

Q. Do you happen to have any unreleased photos of Jjangdeok saved up...? (Selfish question)

A. Here is Jjangdeok in a Halloween costume. Isn't he so cute?
   I put it on him for 30 seconds, snapped a photo, and immediately took it off.

△ Jjangdeok's Halloween costume!!🎃 Even his back is overflowing with cuteness.🤤

[About <Dustball Jjangdeok>]

Q. Perhaps because of the nickname "Dustball," he looks even more fluffy and soft in your drawings.
   Among Jjangdeok's many sides, was there a specific pose or expression that was hard to draw?

A. Because Jjangdeok's character is pitch black, trying to capture various cute cat poses
   accurately was quite difficult in many ways.
   For example, things like gathering both front paws on his chest,
   or covering his eyes with his paws because of the bright light—I wanted to draw these cute moments,
   but when I actually draw them, he just looks like a solid black blob, so it's a real shame that the details don't show up well.

   In those cases, I somehow manage to express it by coloring Jjangdeok a bit more gray so the lines are visible,
   but it always feels just a little bit lacking.

△ Moments that cat owners will find incredibly relatable.🐈‍⬛

Q. Please tell us if there are any details you pay special attention to when drawing Jjangdeok.

A. When you look at cats in real life, their expressions are very diverse and quite subtle.
   So I put a lot of effort into expressing those micro-expressions—like when he's sulking, flustered, or showing a mix of annoyance and bother—
   by adding a bit of comic exaggeration.

   They might look like simply drawn facial expressions, but I revise them multiple times to make sure they match
   the actual expressions I see in real life as closely as possible.

△ So cute, honestly...😻

Q. What tools do you mainly use for your work, and do you have any tips for keeping things concise, given the nature of slice-of-life webtoons?

A. At home, I usually use a Wacom Cintiq 17 Pro and Clip Studio.
   Since it's the most popular tool, I love that there are plenty of tutorials and information available.
   When I'm out, I use an iPad Pro and Procreate.
   I mainly use them when I'm on business trips or working at a cafe for a change of pace.

   Rather than a special technique, to maintain a clean and neat look, I intentionally use a brush without pen pressure
   most of the time.

Q. The cute touch and light tone of your work are very impressive.
   I'm curious about your process for maintaining a consistent weekly serialization.
   Could you briefly explain your work routine from brainstorming ideas to uploading the final version?

A. I usually take photos or write down notes of the various things I experience with Jjangdeok,
   and then I pick the funniest episode and first create a 'text storyboard.'
   With the story fully written out, I imagine the comic panels in my head
   and refine the composition.
   After that, I draw a sketch storyboard and read through it, editing any awkward or boring parts.
   Finally, once I finish the clean line art, I ask my girlfriend to handle the coloring to finish it up.

   It usually takes about 3 to 5 days to complete one episode.

Q. Since it's a slice-of-life webtoon, you can probably find material in everything from tiny daily routines to big, impactful events.
   Do you have a standard for choosing the topic for each episode?

A. When picking a topic, my most important standard is thinking about what people would be most curious about.
   (And I make that my most important standard.)

   For example, fascinating facts about cats, or unique behaviors of cats
   that people aren't usually aware of, are the topics I mainly choose.
   I also often choose those moments that seem like ordinary daily life but are completely changed because of the cat.

△ It's so great to see the many different sides of a cat.🐈🐈‍⬛🐈🐈‍⬛🐈💖

Q. Given the nature of slice-of-life toons, how do you record and store these fleeting episodic moments?

A. Whenever a moment happens that could turn into an episode, no matter where I am, I take a picture
   or immediately jot it down in the 'Notion' app.
   For instance, even while I'm laughing hard at one of Jjangdeok's quirky antics,
   I'll open the app and record it right away before I forget.

Q. The series has expanded from emoticon releases to merchandise.
   Is there any particular fan reaction or episode that stands out in your memory?

A. Last July, with the support of Kakao Webtoon, I participated in the 'Seoul Illustration Fair'
   and held a fan meeting and signing event. The fans I met there are the most memorable to me.

   In particular, there was a married couple who came to visit. They had enjoyed my work together since my unknown days
   and eventually got married.
   I was so deeply thankful that the two of them had watched over my work for such a long time.
   There was also an elementary schooler who brought their parents,
   and conversely, parent fans who came holding their children's hands.
   I had no idea such a diverse range of people were reading my work, so I was both surprised and incredibly grateful.

△ I hope we can meet often through various events.😆

Q. If you could give one piece of realistic advice to readers looking to raise a pet cat for the first time, what would it be?

A. It might sound obvious, but it costs a lot more money and time than you'd expect.
   I think it's best to study and prepare thoroughly. 
   Cats have their own unique feline traits (like hating water),
   but just like people, every cat is completely different (nyang-by-nyang).

   No matter how much you study, your own cat might be different,
   so I hope you don't get too shocked or flustered when you experience unexpected things at first, like I did.

[Outro]

Q. Is there any genre or format you'd like to challenge yourself with outside of your currently serialized work?

A. Actually, as a hobby, I've been sketching out some short comics.
   They aren't my usual slice-of-life stories, but rather dramas infused with fantasy elements.
   Someday, when I build up enough skill outside of slice-of-life genres,
   I'd love to show you all a wider variety of stories.

Q. I know there have been many requests for various merchandise from fans charmed by Jjangdeok.
   Among the items that haven't been released yet,
   is there any specific merch you personally really want to make?

A. Merchandise is great, but deep down, what I really wish to create
   are things usually only top-tier authors get to do, like a 'super giant inflatable,' a '1:1 scale figure,'
   or a high-quality 'mascot costume' that could be used at events.

   Having something massive displayed at a large venue for everyone to see
   has been one of my longtime dreams as an author.

Q. As you wrap up the first season, what is personally the most memorable scene or
   episode for you?

A. There was a time when I acted coldly towards Jjangdeok due to severe anxiety and depression.
   I was insanely busy back then, working from dawn till dawn, so I was highly sensitive
   and couldn't be a good dad to Jjangdeok.

   I felt like I shouldn't forget that incident, so I drew it into the webtoon,
   and I think that remains the most memorable for me.
   I try to keep it in my memory to always reflect on my actions.

△ A cat that stays still when you blow raspberries on its belly...?🙀

Q. Lastly, if there is anything you'd like to say to the readers who loved <Dustball Jjangdeok>,
   please feel free to share.

A. Since I had always only drawn short Instatoons,
   I have some regrets, feeling like I couldn't skillfully handle the longer pacing of a webtoon.
   I sincerely thank all the readers who enjoyed and supported this lacking work of mine.
   I will continue to work hard and practice so I can show you even better work!

   I will see you soon with Season 2. Thank you!

Jjangdeok is love 😽♥️
Thank you for joining us for this long interview 🌟