ATEEZ's Influence On Art And Writing: An Illustrator ATINY In Germany Shares Their Journey

In this interview, I am excited to share how ATEEZ, my favorite K-Pop group, has been a tremendous inspiration in my art and writing journey as an illustrator and author. As an ATINY based in Germany, I have been captivated by ATEEZ's music, concept, and creative vision, which have ignited my own artistic expression.

From musicians creating covers to video producers analyzing their music videos, ATEEZ's impact is far-reaching. Even nail artists draw inspiration from their comebacks, and renowned institutions like the V&A feature their stage costumes.

ATEEZ's artistry has inspired my work, including the concept of searching for personal treasure and a selection of illustrations featured in my art book "Treasure Found: An Art Journey,” which I’m honored to say has been critically acclaimed.

Can you introduce yourself? Where are you from?

I am Cinthia James, illustrator, surface pattern designer and a proud ATINY from Germany. Currently based in the dynamic city of Berlin, I am known for my vibrant illustrations and captivating patterns. In addition to my artistic pursuits, I have recently self-published an art book that is partially inspired by ATEEZ.

How and when did you enter the fandom?

I became an ATINY when ATEEZ had their first comeback in early 2019 with their powerful performance of 'HALA HALA'. The masked performance and artistic delivery completely had me in awe. 'HALA HALA' quickly became my favorite song and music video of the year, leaving me eager to learn everything I could about the group. Since then, my admiration for ATEEZ has only grown, and I have been a devoted fan ever since.

What are the reasons why you love your favorite group?

First and foremost, ATEEZ is a constant inspiration to me. Their unwavering work ethic, captivating performances, and creative concepts truly leave a lasting impression. Moreover, the individual members themselves are natural performers and entertainers. Whether I want to dance, reflect, or simply need a good laugh, they always have a song or variety show that perfectly fits the mood and brings a smile to my face.

Who caught your attention at first and why?

As 'HALA HALA' served as my initial introduction to ATEEZ, my focus was not immediately directed towards a specific member. It was during my exploration of their debut music videos that HongJoong truly caught my eye, especially with his rap verse in 'Pirate King'. Whether it was his captivating facial expressions, infectious giggle, or undeniable stage presence, something about him stood out to me. From that moment onwards, he has become my bias and an endless source of inspiration.

Who is your bias, and why?

In ATEEZ, it's difficult for me to choose just one bias because there are two members who have captured my attention: HongJoong and San. HongJoong impresses me with his boundless creativity, unique fashion sense, and his compassionate nature, which he demonstrates through his involvement in humanitarian efforts. As for San, his relentless work ethic serves as an inspiration, embodying the belief that with dedication and hard work, positive outcomes are achievable. It's remarkable to witness his growth as a performer, seeing how he has overcome challenges and continuously adds new nuances to his performances with each comeback. Even though HongJoong and San hold a special place as my biases, it's important to remember that in ATEEZ, "8 makes 1 Team."

Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans?

I would like to recommend two songs from ATEEZ that showcase their versatility. While they are known for their hard-hitting title tracks, I want to highlight two melodic tracks that are equally captivating. The first is 'Answer', released towards the end of their "Treasure" series, and the second is 'Inception', chosen by ATINY to kickstart the "Fever" series.

When it comes to B-sides, I can't choose between 'Mist' and 'Be With You'. Both songs beautifully showcase their vocal colors, and I have a special fondness for them. I can only imagine how amazing it would be to experience 'Be With You' live with live instruments.

Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers?

HongJoong has an impressive cover series on ATEEZ’s YouTube channel under the name "By.HongJoong," where he showcases his individual talent. Among the covers, two that stand out to me are his rendition of Linkin Park's 'Numb' and Fools Garden's 'Lemon Tree'. Both songs hold a special place in my heart, especially since Fools Garden is from my home country, Germany.

As for San, I highly recommend his cover of 이하이 - '한숨' (Lee Hi's 'BREATHE'). It truly amazed me how beautifully he showcased his vocal abilities in this cover. While I already knew he was a talented vocalist, this particular performance left me in awe.

Lastly, I must mention the 'Wonderland' fancam from "MCountdown". It captures the energy and charisma of San's live performances, and it's an absolute joy to watch.

Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group?

When it comes to ATEEZ's impressive cover performances, there are three that immediately come to mind. ATEEZ's ability to breathe new life into these covers demonstrates their versatility as artists and their ability to make any song their own. First, their electrifying rendition of Block B's 'Very Good' at "KCON LA" in 2019 showcased their incredible stage presence and energy.

Another standout cover is their performance of Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber's hit song 'Stay' on "You HeeYeol's Sketchbook." Their unique interpretation added a fresh twist to the track and highlighted their vocal skills.

Last but certainly not least, their rendition of PSY's iconic song 'Right Now' on "Immortal Songs" was a true showstopper. Their captivating performance not only impressed the audience but also earned them a well-deserved victory.

When it comes to group fancams, one performance that continues to leave a lasting impression on me is ATEEZ's stage of 'Halazia'. This mesmerizing performance feels like a captivating theater production, weaving together intricate choreography and stunning visuals that evoke both beauty and haunting emotions. The members' precise movements and powerful expressions bring the song to life, leaving viewers in awe of their artistry and the immersive world they create on stage. 'Halazia' is a true testament to ATEEZ's ability to captivate and enchant their audience through their exceptional performance skills and artistic vision.

Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics?

Short and sweet, there's a particular lyric from ATEEZ's song 'Sunrise' that has become my positive mantra: "Just keep it up." These empowering words have not only uplifted me during challenging times but also played a significant role in helping me complete my book.

What is your favorite group/bias' influence on your daily life?

I'm constantly intrigued by the creative direction ATEEZ takes with their comebacks, and I'm consistently delighted by the outcomes. HongJoong, in particular, serves as a muse to me with his impeccable sense of fashion and the way he reforms clothing. It would be a dream to have a conversation with him about his design approach and the artistic process he follows.

Can you talk about your book and art, and how ATEEZ played a role in your process of creating masterpieces as such?

I included a heartfelt thank you message in the back of my book, which I'd like to share here as well. In my acknowledgments, I express gratitude to my family, the individuals who have supported me throughout my journey, and, most importantly, I extend my thanks to ATEEZ for their inspiring music and art.

How did ATEEZ influence you, your art, and writing this book?

ATEEZ's captivating music and artistic vision served as a constant inspiration for me. Their "Treasure" series, where they searched for their own treasure and encouraged fans to find their own, resonated deeply with me. As an artist, I struggled to find my voice and ways to express my creativity. ATEEZ's music, stage design, album design, MVs, and promotional materials became a wellspring of inspiration, pushing me to explore my own artistic journey and creating the foundation for my book.

How did they give you strength to finish all this?

ATEEZ's music became the soundtrack to my artistic and writing process. Their unwavering passion, dedication, and hard work served as a source of strength and motivation for me. While writing my book, I faced the challenge of balancing a full-time job as a project manager with my creative pursuits. ATEEZ's tenacity and relentless pursuit of their dreams encouraged me to persevere, finding the energy and determination to work on my book during evenings and weekends. Their resilience and artistic excellence gave me the strength to overcome obstacles and complete my creative endeavor.

What are the things you would like ATINY to notice in your book?

In "Treasure Found: An Art Journey," I would love ATINY to notice the deep appreciation I have for ATEEZ's talents and the impact they have had on my artistic journey. Through my book, I hope to convey the same sense of inspiration and encouragement that ATEEZ brings to their fans. Additionally, I invite ATINY to explore the creative techniques, artistic style, and themes within the book, as they reflect the beauty and complexity of the artistic treasures we all possess. ATEEZ's influence on me and my book "Treasure Found: An Art Journey," go beyond words. Their music and artistic expression have empowered me to embrace my creativity, find my voice, and create a meaningful work of art. The bond between ATEEZ and their fans is a testament to the profound impact music can have on individual journeys of self-discovery and artistic exploration.