What KPOP Demon Hunters taught me about being an artist

Happy July everyone!

What a wild time for the animation industry! Okay, okay I know everyone is talking about KPOP Demon Hunters, but for good reason! I watched it and found myself unexpectedly moved. Somewhere between the high-energy fight scenes and bright neon palettes, I started thinking: Who are we? What defines us as people? And who am I, as an artist, when the algorithm isn’t watching?

Have you ever felt this way?

This movie sparked something in me. It's beautiful, vivid, and gets people who don't like K-POP, or who've never heard about it, to talk about it.  Right now, I'm still figuring out what style I want to go with, more painterly or more manga. For now, I'm taking risks I usually talk myself out of (in terms of my art process). This film reminded me that art doesn’t always have to make sense—it just has to feel right. Expect some more experimentation with my artwork.

One quote from the film that stuck with me (well, it's from the final song), and maybe it’ll inspire you too:

“Why did I cover up the colors stuck inside my head?
I should've let the jagged edges meet the light instead
Show me what's underneath, I'll find your harmony
The song we couldn't write, this is what it sounds like.”

If this sparked something in you, pass it on. Forward this to a friend who needs a little creative fire today.

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Okay, that's it for now, talk soon

— MK

Too busy to read everything I wrote?
No worries — here’s the quick version:
I'm M. Kain, an artist who explores migraines, nostalgia, and what it means to be human through visual storytelling. If you're into art that feels like an emotional pause, or if you just need a creative jolt in your inbox every now and then — you're in the right place.
Stick around, or forward this to someone who might be interested.