12/04/2025
When I saw that Hongjoong was doing a fashion show, I was over the moon with excitement. Getting to witness that was special. The fashion show was phenomenal for so many reasons that I don’t have space to put here.
But as I was watching the video of the fashion show, and I saw the design Hongjoong had on the back of his jacket that he and the crew wore, of a stylized marigold, the image of Hongjoong walking underneath came to me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was something I should draw.
At first, it took many shapes. It was just going to be him and the flower, then I had the idea of seven more flowers behind him representing the rest of ATEEZ, then I had the idea to do the sand path like the one his models walked during the show. And it all morphed into this one piece.
But I think the biggest inspiration of this was both the theme of the fashion show as well as how I view Hongjoong. To me, he is the embodiment of an adult living with childlike faith wonder and energy. Every time I see him achieve something or learn something, I get excited. He can be serious when he needs to be, but most of the time, he just lets loose and is just a big kid at heart. So that’s what I tried to convey here. Is while Hongjoong is an adult, and a very mature person, he’s just a big softie who cares for those around him. But also isn’t afraid to lean in on the support others give him as well.
Anyway, Hongjoong if you see this, thank you for teaching this Atiny the meaning of living with childlike wonder and never forgetting your roots. You have helped me grow in this area and bloom into the best version of yourself. I hope that this just shows you how I see you! ❤️
