Cheero is the combined name of my beloved companions, Cheez and Rocco. These two adventurers—9-year-old Cheez and Rocco—flew all the way from Seoul to the Netherlands with their family in 2021. After a 14-hour flight, they stepped into an entirely different world filled with new sights and smells. One unforgettable nighttime walk brought Cheez face-to-face with a hedgehog in the neighborhood—a frozen little neighbor who left quite an impression! Meanwhile, Rocco embraced the crisp Dutch weather, mustering the courage to venture out alone for the first time. His solo exploration of the green spaces in Vleuten ended with an unexpected stay at the local animal rescue, but he was happily reunited with Haerim soon after.

Haerim Shin, born in 1987 in Seoul, South Korea, developed a passion for art early in life, starting a traditional art apprenticeship at the age of 8. She studied under a professional artist who had graduated from Hongik University, one of Korea’s largest art institutions, between 1995 and 1998. However, due to her family’s financial difficulties and the academic expectations placed on her as the firstborn of two teachers, Haerim was guided toward a more conventional academic path.

After moving to a new city in 1999, Haerim pursued a B.A. degree in English Literature at Ewha Womans University, graduating in 2011. Despite her academic achievements, she struggled to find stable employment and began working as a curatorial assistant at the National Folk Museum of Korea. This role exposed her to international curators and the global art scene, sparking a deeper curiosity about art and culture. Her travels to museums in Germany, Romania, and the Czech Republic in 2012 further solidified her desire to pursue a creative career.

In 2013, Haerim took a leap into the art world by illustrating the cover for Foundations of Faith, a Bible study guide. She had been working as a graphic designer and editorial illustrator at a Christian institution in Seoul, where she also decided to be baptized, integrating her faith into her work. This period marked a significant turning point, as Haerim embraced her passion for art full-time. 

In 2015, she married her husband, who was studying architecture, and the couple decided to relocate to the Netherlands in 2021. They chose Utrecht for its vibrant artistic community and rich cultural heritage, which deeply inspired Haerim’s artistic work. This move provided her with the freedom to focus on creating a series of visual artworks. Additionally, in pursuit of further professional development, Haerim enrolled in the Master’s program in Editorial and Advertising Illustration at LABASAD (Barcelona School of Art and Design) for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Haerim’s journey reflects her perseverance in following her creative instincts, despite societal pressures and financial challenges. Her work blends artistic, spiritual, and cultural influences, demonstrating her commitment to personal growth and the pursuit of a life filled with purpose. Through her diverse experiences, Haerim has honed her skills and found fulfillment in art, building a career that is not only a reflection of her talent but also her personal values.

Please contact Haerim through cheeroillust@gmail.com. She would love to create valuable memories and works with you!