The animator tuned digital artist depicting the everyday experiences we can all relate to.
With a signature style that blends humour, emotion, and razor-sharp animation, Deekay has carved out a distinctive voice in the world of digital art. His playful characters have captivated audiences across the globe, earned him a loyal following and have sold for up to $1 million.
We sit down with Deekay to talk creativity, digital art collecting and what it means to bring still images to life after his recent Digital Art Award for Moving Image, presented by HOFA Gallery & Phillips.
Could you describe your artistic practice and the themes you explore within your art?
My work blends illustration and animation to capture small, emotional moments that often reflect nostalgia, family, memory, or the passage of time. I try to make art that feels personal but universal, something that makes people stop, feel, and smile.
Where did your interest in illustration and animation stem from?
It started with a childhood love for old video games and animations. I was always drawing growing up, and animation felt like a natural way to bring those drawings to life. That joy of creation never really left me.
How are you finding being a full-time artist now, having worked in companies like Google and Apple?
It’s been incredibly freeing. At those companies, I was solving other people’s problems creatively. Now, I get to chase my own ideas, and while that comes with more uncertainty, it’s also way more fulfilling.
Who and what has influenced your artistic journey the most?
Honestly, my own memories and life experiences. Whether it’s family, growing up in Korea, or the emotional ups and downs of adulthood, those moments shape my art. Stylistically, I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from classic animation and the games I loved as a kid.
Could you explain the concept of the Hands of Time piece please?
Hands of Time is about realizing the importance of time in our lives. We live through a wide range of emotions and experiences, but these precious moments often slip away unnoticed before we can fully embrace them. I wanted to visually express how time waits for no one.
How did it feel to win The Digital Art Award for the Moving Image category? And what new work do you think you will create with the HOFA Gallery & Hivemind Culture Fund prize fund?
It truly meant a lot and felt really good to know that many people resonate with my art. With the prize, I’ll be doing what I’m best at, making animations that push the limits of what digital storytelling can be.
What do you hope to achieve with your art?
I want to make people feel something, even if it’s just for a moment. Whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or reflection, I hope my art can be a small emotional pause in someone’s day.
What are some other projects and digital artists you are excited about?
Sam Spratt has always been an inspiring artist, Beeple’s consistency and discipline to create art every day also inspires me, and honestly, any artist who keeps showing up and making art, whether it sells or not, earns my respect.
How do you feel about crypto and NFTs being adopted by the masses?
It’s a double-edged sword. Mass adoption can water down the space, but it also opens more doors for artists. What matters is how we guide the narrative, showing that NFTs aren’t just about hype, but about creative freedom and ownership.
Tell us about your art and digital art collection — what’s in it and are there any particular pieces of art or NFTs you would love to add to it?
I’m not a serious art collector by any means, but I do collect 1/1s or editions from artists I like. More than the art itself, it’s about the artist behind it, whether it’s a friendship or certain characteristics I admire, I tend to collect from people I connect with on some level.
What advice would you give to people wanting to start collecting digital art? And what is the easiest way for them to do this in terms of platforms and wallets etc?
Buy what you love. As simple as that. Try to find what you’re genuinely into and go from there, and you’d be surprised how much you learn about yourself along the way. It also just feels good to collect art you love, watch the artist grow, and see how the work evolves over time.
What do you think the future of digital art holds? Will it stand the test of time? And do you think we are at the beginning of a larger shift in how art is created and consumed?
We’re just getting started. The lines between physical and digital are blurring, and digital art is becoming part of our everyday lives, from screens to public installations. As long as artists keep pushing boundaries and telling honest stories, digital art will not only stand the test of time, it’ll redefine it.
MORE: @deekaymotion
