We had the good fortune of connecting with Sukho An and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sukho, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over the course of my professional journey, I’ve witnessed a profound transformation in my perception of work-life balance. Initially, I viewed the concept through a conventional lens, striving to meticulously allocate a set number of hours to work and the remaining to personal pursuits. However, as I delved deeper into my career, I began to experience a paradigm shift in my understanding of this delicate equilibrium.

I’ve come to realize that when one is genuinely passionate about their work, it transcends the confines of mere professional obligations; it becomes a source of fulfillment and, dare I say, a personal hobby. In essence, my career has evolved into a vocation that intertwines seamlessly with my interests and aspirations, blurring the lines between work and leisure.

In this context, the traditional notion of work-life balance seems to undergo a metamorphosis. Rather than rigidly adhering to a predefined separation between work and personal life, I find myself embracing a more fluid and dynamic approach. I’ve reached a point where I no longer perceive work as a mere means to an end but as an integral part of my identity and personal growth.

For me, the key lies in aligning my professional endeavors with my passions. When work becomes a source of inspiration and joy, the need for a strict balance diminishes. Instead, I find myself navigating through the ebb and flow of responsibilities and personal pursuits, guided by a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

In essence, I’ve come to believe that when your profession aligns with your passions and brings you genuine satisfaction, the conventional boundaries of work and life begin to fade. In such a scenario, the pursuit of balance transforms into a harmonious integration, where the distinction between work and leisure becomes less pronounced, and the overarching goal becomes the holistic enrichment of one’s life journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Certainly, let me delve deeper into my artistic journey. What sets me apart is rooted in my unconventional perspective on the balance between work and life, which liberates me to joyfully undertake a myriad of challenges. I’ve found that the key to my uniqueness lies in my ability to seamlessly integrate passion and profession, allowing me to approach every endeavor with genuine enthusiasm.

While the path to where I am today has been fulfilling, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One notable struggle was navigating moments when I found myself engaged in tasks that failed to evoke joy. Breaking free from the monotony of unfulfilling work and discovering meaning within seemingly mundane tasks proved to be a formidable challenge.

Overcoming these challenges required a mindset shift. Instead of solely seeking joy in the tasks themselves, I learned to derive satisfaction from the broader purpose and impact of my work. This shift allowed me to find meaning even in the aspects of my profession that initially seemed less exhilarating.

The journey to my current professional standing has been a continuous process of self-discovery and adaptation. Embracing the ebb and flow of challenges has not only shaped my artistic style but has also been instrumental in refining my understanding of the delicate interplay between passion and vocation.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned along the way, it’s the importance of staying true to my unique perspective and embracing the inherent joy that comes from aligning my work with my passions. This authenticity, I believe, is what resonates with my audience and sets my art apart.

In essence, my story is a testament to the transformative power of finding joy and purpose in every facet of life, transcending the conventional boundaries that often separate work and personal fulfillment. I aspire for the world to recognize not only my artistic endeavors but also the philosophy that propels them – a philosophy grounded in the belief that true fulfillment arises when passion and profession harmoniously coexist.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start the week by taking my best friend to a pub in Midtown Atlanta for some good drinks and food. It’s a lively area with a lot of cool spots to hang out. After that, we’d check out Ponce City Market, Buckhead, Krog Street Market, and Piedmont Park. These places are some of my favorites in Atlanta – spots I used to hit up pretty regularly when I lived there. Each spot has its own vibe and offers a mix of things to see and do.

These spots capture a bit of everything Atlanta has to offer, from its food scene to nightlife and green spaces. It’s a mix that I think would give my friend a good taste of the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Let me express my heartfelt gratitude through the Shoutout series by acknowledging two remarkable individuals who have significantly shaped my journey – Woowakgood, a prominent South Korean YouTuber, and Kim Yongho, an accomplished 3D artist.

Woowakgood, renowned for his gaming and diverse content on YouTube, has been a constant source of inspiration since my middle school days. Watching his streams not only brought joy to my life but also sparked dreams of one day collaborating with him. Presently, I find myself actively engaged in various projects alongside him, experiencing the sheer delight in my work that I once dreamt of.

On the artistic front, I extend my shoutout to Kim Yongho, a brilliant 3D artist and a former study companion during my time at SCAD. Through our shared academic endeavors, Yongho imparted a profound lesson on the essence of “effort” in our life’s journey. His relentless commitment to his craft served as a constant reminder of the importance of hard work and dedication.

In essence, both Woowakgood and Kim Yongho have played pivotal roles in shaping my personal and professional growth. To them, I extend my deepest appreciation for their influence, mentorship, and the indelible mark they’ve left on my narrative. This Shoutout is not only a recognition of their impact but also a celebration of the joy, collaboration, and relentless pursuit of excellence that they embody in my life’s journey.

Website: https://www.lunatics1995.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baalaance_1995/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sukho-an-9645b1223

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8T9DPGJ9AgA6TMVAkvwTJg

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