The Thunder Bolt

For Gomeyongjin Lee, art began as an extracurricular addition to a student résumé, something she treated more as a creative pursuit that rounded out her academic profile. Yet as sophomore year faded into junior year, a subtle but profound transformation occurred. GMJ remembers the moment art became more than just a box to check: a conversation with her father, who asked if she truly wanted to pursue art and design seriously. After this talk, art became a serious path worth following. That question, simple but affirming, sparked a new sense of empowerment as she recognized for the first time that her creative interests could become a real vocation.

GMJ’s early fascination with fashion design was more than a love of clothes and trends. It was rooted in a personal and cultural struggle with beauty standards, particularly those prevalent in Korean society. “In Korea, they have an extremely high beauty standard, and I saw a lot of people struggling with that as well,” GMJ explains. Her art became a way to question, redefine, and reclaim beauty on her terms. Through drawing, designing outfits, and building portfolios, GMJ used art to process insecurity and to challenge the rigid ideals that shape both self-image and social expectations. “I wanted to show what beauty was for me, how I define it, and how I look forward to fashion,” she says, framing art as a form of self-advocacy and cultural critique.

Unlike many aspiring designers who idolize established artists or brands, GMJ’s creative vision is deeply self-inspired. “It was really based on my experience—what I do, what I went through, and what I felt,” she shares. Instead of looking outward for inspiration, GMJ looks inward, using art to tell her own story and to connect with others who may share similar struggles. This approach has shaped a style that is authentic, emotionally moving, and rooted in lived experience rather than borrowed trends. 

For GMJ, the most essential quality for an artist is empathy. “As I experienced, I thought other people might experience [the same], so I want to show my story, and maybe inspire others,” she reflects. This belief in the power of shared experience is central to her work. GMJ hopes that by making her own vulnerabilities visible, she can help others feel seen, understood, and empowered. Whether a viewer is an artist or businessperson, GMJ wants her art to spark recognition and connection. The AP Art experience further honed this empathetic approach, encouraging GMJ to dig deeper into both personal and universal themes.

One of the most significant challenges GMJ faced was navigating the tension between technical expectations and creative freedom, especially within the context of Korean art education. “In Korea, they want a high standard of drawing quality rather than creativity,” she observes. This pressure to prioritize realism and technical skill over originality sometimes left GMJ uncertain about what to focus on. This internal conflict became a recurring theme, pushing GMJ to find her own balance and voice amidst competing expectations. Ultimately, she realized that authenticity and personal meaning mattered more than conforming to external standards.

Unlike many artists who grow through tough criticism, GMJ’s journey has been shaped by positive feedback. “Most of my critiques were only compliments,” she admits. Rather than fostering complacency, these affirmations built confidence and reinforced her belief in her vision and abilities. “Those made me more confident about the art,” GMJ says, highlighting the value that encouragement helps inspire creative risk-taking and self-assurance.

GMJ’s AP Art portfolios have centered on themes of beauty and self-acceptance, which she hopes to continue in college and beyond. “I want to share my experience, and I want people who have similar struggles to gain self-confidence or find reflection in my work,” she says. The goal is not just personal expression but also to motivate others, especially those grappling with insecurity or societal pressure, to see beauty on their own terms. GMJ’s vision is to create art and fashion that serve as both a mirror and a window: reflecting the viewer’s own experience and offering new possibilities for self-understanding.

Looking back at her AP Art portfolio, GMJ is most proud of a pen and ink piece that used shading and text to explore the theme of curiosity. The work demanded extensive brainstorming and effort, and its focus on the female experience resonated deeply. “That was a cool one,” she recalls, highlighting the satisfaction of seeing a challenging idea brought to life. The process of creating this piece—layering thought, emotion, and technique—embodies GMJ’s approach to both art and life.

The AP Art experience has been transformative, not just technically but personally. “I kind of feel like it was my self-growth,” GMJ says. Through sustained reflection on beauty and identity, she gained a clearer sense of self and greater confidence in her own perspective. “It was really helpful for my identity and insecurities.” Art became a tool for self-exploration and healing—a way to define beauty on her own terms and to move beyond the limitations of cultural expectations.

GMJ’s next chapter unfolds at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she will major in fashion design. The decision was driven by both the school’s reputation and its location in one of the world’s fashion capitals. The dynamic culture of New York’s fashion scene promises to be a fruitful ground for GMJ’s ambitions. “I’m really excited to collaborate with other fashion companies,” she says, eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the industry’s ongoing evolution. The ultimate dream? “Having my own business for fashion, and giving some motivation about beauty to people.”

To those just starting their art journey, GMJ offers simple but powerful advice: “Art doesn’t have an exact answer. You can do whatever you want. You can share whatever your story is.” She encourages younger students not to be afraid of being wrong or feeling pressured to be “correct”—art, for GMJ, is about exploration and self-expression. The absence of a single “right” answer is what makes art liberating and full of limitless possibilities. For GMJ, art is a way to share stories, challenge norms, and inspire others to see beauty in themselves and the world around them. 

Next week we have San Luu, who is headed to the Rhode Island School of Design and whose story delves into art’s power for impact and introspection.