Click on each image for a larger view.
Christina Mijung Lee, Long Beach, Calif.
“The concept of this piece focuses on the inherent need to seek out and connect to one’s heritage. The young Korean American girl (who also may or may not be multiracial) ‘reaches out’ toward butterflies and flowers of traditional Korean symbolism, which signifies a longing to connect with Korean history and culture. The realistic rendering of the girl is juxtaposed against the flat painting style of her surroundings to reinforce the conceptual divide of time and space. The dreamy/idealistic scene alludes to the way we romanticize the culture from which we are disconnected.”
Josephine Park, Los Angeles, Calif.
“I attempted to create a cover that requires more than a quick glance. The longer you stare, the more recognizable the characters and their stories become. Korean Americans have so many shared life stories that are unique to each generation. I think it’s impossible to fully envision the third generation without considering the previous ones.”
Nathan Nowack, Redondo Beach, Calif.
“When I thought of third generation, my friends kids immediately came into mind. This third generation is still Korean on the outside but at the same time American. How could I portray that in a single photograph with a single person. Hmmm, what about creative makeup? Now not only were they still Korean on the outside, they had the patriotism of America painted all over their face. With iPods and next generation computers engraved in their everyday lives, these kids are truly third generation Korean Americans.”
Now it’s time for you to vote. Choose the cover that best conveys the theme of our issue: The Third Generation of Korean Americans.
Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, February 12. You can vote once per day. Tell your friends and spread the word! Your votes will determine the cover of an upcoming issue of KoreAm!
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LINKS
[...] http://iamkoream.com/koream-cover-contest/ [...]
Funny Jacob how you KNOW how to cheat, and that your accusing somebody of cheating that very same way. There’s no proof there on that site that shows Christina cheated in any way but the fact that you know the link and method on how to cheat only shows that YOU know how to cheat. Hmmm… sounds like somebody’s trying to cover their butt if you ask me.
K: Notice how Christina hasn’t replied at all? There was a day when she was behind Nathan by a substantial margin and she miraculously gained over 500 votes in under one hour to retake the lead. Here is how she did it:
http://www.hightechdad.com/2009/12/21/warning-wp-polls-wordpress-poll-plugin-can-be-exploited/
I would like see all three of them for a future magazine covers.thank you koream . best regards
cogratulation nathan. I AGREE WITH MICHEAL I think it will be nice to all three of them to be a proud & give them to have a opprtunity to selections as individual covers in consecutive publications.
Congrats to Nathan. I think it’s cool that three artists were selected for potential covers and they should all feel proud to have the opportunity. I believe the magazine should consider running all three selections as individual covers in consecutive publications.
The best cover won.
Congratulations Nathan!! Great cover!!
LOL. i think it’s hilarious that Nathan is being such a good sport now after he’s won, when up to this point he’s been going around spreading nasty rumors about Christina all over the internet.
Congratulations, Nate, Christina and Josephine, on bringing a lot of attention to this magazine. I had never heard of this publication before, and this art contest had certainly gotten the magazine’s name out there for a lot of people. I bet the magazine is thrilled the contest generated so much interest. Beautiful covers!
And Congratulations to Josephine and Christina for your beautiful entries, they were both amazing works of art. It was unfortunate that supporters couldn’t have been a little more selective in their words and more “supportive” with their comments during the entire contest. I wish both of you the best.
Congratulations Nathan Nowack. And thank you KoreAm editors for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this.
I vote for Nathan Nowack.
I vote for Josephine!!
Randy: You like hire one hitman and make fun of one of the artist. Brah you like act tough come see me or look me up on youtube in da cage or on da streets I would derby ya. So don’t even go there. Leave these girls alone cause I get the one ugly heart bully!
I’m guessing that the site admins accidentally configured the poll to stop at midnight in the wrong time zone.
hey, i can not vote today. whats up with that. i have tried for the last hour. i would like to vote today for christina but as of 8 p.m. tonight until now, after, i am not allowed to vote again!!!
You’re. Smart man D. First intelligent thing that’s been said on here in a while.
Simply put, only one gets the point across ~ one is too cluttered and the other says nothing about being a Korean American
Randy, It seems that you think all of Christina’s supporters are hating, but would you like me to show you the type of things Nathan’s supporters are saying? Hire a hitman? That is pretty professional. I think that is a threat as well. If you think that Nathan is playing fair, you’re way out there and need to open your eyes. Contact me if you want me to show you proof.
Nathan is the ONLY one to relay 3rd gen Korean American! The others are nice but do not have the anywhere close to the impact his photos has…gets my vote…
Lets see….the magazine is called KoreAm, so basically Nathan’s picture wins hands down! He makes a great tribute to the “Roots” of the magazine. Lets be honest with ourselves….. the face of a Korean child painted in the good old red, white and blue is far more interesting than a “fairy tale butterfly scene” or a rendition of “where’s Waldo”…..Nathan makes a far better statement for this simple reason!
Nathan was my favorite, that is why I voted for it….. Good luck to all.
Type in Nathan Nowack,Craigslist in google
Whats with this magazine. Contests are cool but in this case, it’s clearly a popularity contest between Christina and Nathan. My guess is Nathan probably knows a few more people than Christina does. at this point the votes are no longer based on the art itself. It may have been better to only allow one vote per person period. Why not let all three finalists have their work published. I’m sure the work of all three finalists are as good if not better than anything this magazine can come up with on it’s own. All three works are great! They are all different, they are all unique, and they are all worthy of being on the cover of this magazine. KoreAm, publish them all. that’s the American way. Than again, this contest does represent the Korean way in the sense that it is truly a popularity contest. Yes, very Korean indeed. Big D……………………………..
Nathan Rocks!!!
i vote for nathan..
acaiberry-extreme.blogspot.com
Nathan rocks! Clean, simple, & fresh!!
This has gotten out of hand. Even the people that ask for civility are not heeding their own advice.
i like nathan nowack
I see lots of hate coming from Christina’s supporters. A hateful heart is a very ugly thing. I am sure the magazine is thrilled if Nathan, or any other artist would bring more attention to this magazine. It is great marketing. I think these people are so angry because they are losing. When people get desperate they do hateful things. Chin up Nathan. You can be proud that you did not hack the sytem like one finalist whose name starts with C and ends with hristina. You played fair, but more than that, your cover is clearly my favorite. You will receive my vote.
Dear Christina, your friends are obviously white trash based on their comments. Get a little class.
WOW!!! Reading some of these comments is extremely low class and tacky. I can’t believe the audacity of people. I would like to think that in this modern day and age, people have enough in their lives to keep them busy. Apparently, some people don’t have fulfilling lives, and spend their spare time bashing other people. To each their own. . . . .
Nathan went about getting his votes LEGITIMATELY, which more than I can say for one of the contestants in this contest. All 3 art pieces are great. Can’t we just appreciate them for what they are, and the creativity behind them?? I wholeheartedly agree with Lindsey’s statement, “When did a little excitement turn into cheating?”
These comments are hilarious. Don’t blame Nathan for having lots of friends with blogs. LOL.
A lot of people are talking about art. Why does a magazine cover need to be art? A magazine cover is supposed to draw people in. You don’t see Star magazine putting Picasso on the cover – they put whatever is going to draw that single mom’s attention in the grocery aisle. Nathan’s is the best MAGAZINE cover in my opinion. The other two look more like what would be on the cover of a “Highlights” Magazine – remember those? I use to read them at the dentists office when I was 10 – good old Goofus and Gallant.
I can’t believe there are people out there that are being so mean to Nathan! When did a little excitement turn into cheating? I think Nathan’s cover is the best out of all three of them. I think that Ms. Park’s cover is too busy and Ms. Lee’s is too washed out and has no clear message. Everyone did a great job, but Nathan wins my vote. Go Nathan!
I saw that Josephine and Christina were top two before, now I realize that all of a sudden Nathan is the top, looks like somebody is CHEATING. My favorite is Christiana and she gets my vote.
Hey W,
You tell me… compare the girl chasing the butterflies link with Christina’s image. Then compare Nathan’s face shot with the Muslim girl’s face shot. I believe you can answer your own question.
great work everyone of you included commeters my favor still are CHRISTINA’S . VOTE FOR CHRISTINA!!!!!!!!!!
Leave it alone people! Original this, Original that. Just enjoy the artists pieces for what they represent. And if you’re claiming that a girl chasing butterflies is original? Would this be plagiarism?
http://www.artshole.co.uk/arts/artists/Jilly%20Royle/girl-chasing-butterflies-co.jpg
Josephine’s is honestly the most original.
I’m with you Phil, to sit there and make rude comments is pretty un cool. I mean I feel bad for all of you that have. I am very sorry that you have nothing better to do with your life, and that your mommy didn’t hug you enough as a child. On the positive nice work to all the artists!! They are great works and have enjoyed each one for what I feel it’s trying to say.
Hey Phil, I am assuming that you’re saying that when two students cheat off one another since it is in different writing it is not plagiarism? Yes, the kid is cute, but as a whole representing Korean Americans, I would not want to be represented by a person who copies, cheats, and bribes people. Great way to REPRESENT KOREAN AMERICANS!
I find it horrible that people on here need to bash the artists. Are you people
really that cold that you can’t just look at these three artists and vote for your favorite? Josephine does not look like where’s Waldo. It’s an art piece of detailed Korean characters. And Chistina’s is a work or
art, period! You claim that Nathans is a fake and plagierist? Is that women in the photo Korean? No! That kid is adorable and the photo totally makes sense! This contest was about votes!! So vote and shut up!
Kinda funny how if you google http://iamkoream.com/koream-cover-contest/ there is only one name associated with some links out of the three contestants; Nathan Nowack. Now I’ve heard if you ain’t cheatin’ you ain’t tryin’. This fool is definitely trying. Would be a shame to lose after spamming the entire internet.
Megz… really. A Korean-American magazine contest and you say “Try to aim for voters that at least have English as their first language next time.” Really?
I was introduced to this contest. I was happy to get to know the contestant. I voted the one that communicated THE THIRD GENERATION KOREAN- AMERICAN. I don’t know Nathan Nowack but his cover communicated and connected to me immediately. Josephine and Cristina work are good but I feel Natha’s work is the best. Simple and clear message.
I think people need to calm down a bit. The headline says “Vote NOW for your favorite!”. Not whether Michelangelo himself would think it is artist enough, just what is your favorite.
It’s just sad to see Nathan Nowack spamming this thread all over SF & Hawaii Craigslist, Poker forums, and using foreign country link exchanges for the past 4 days to increase votes. I won’t expose him here since I believe it’ll just feel worse in the end when he sits back and tries to enjoy this false achievement. Try to aim for voters that at least have English as their first language next time.
For some people I guess it’s worth stooping that low to win a contest, and if he needs this that bad, so be it.
Nathan you plagiarizing cheater. What kind of a damn fake are you?
http://mattstone.blogs.com/.a/6a00d8341bffb053ef011279660bbd28a4-pi
He basically copied off the photograph from that link. You can also find it through google by search “muslim americans” under the Pictures section.
It’s a shame to see how low Nathan Nocock has to go to force feed KoreAm his generic piece of trash photo. If I was that kid in the pic I would be ashamed to even be associated with this piece of garbage. http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/forum/random-solicitation-for-a-mag-cover-contest-need-help-t92553.html stick to online gambling you poor excuse of a man.
i voted to nathan nowack
It’s interesting reading the depiction of art from many commenters, when truly many here are not artists.
1. Art should not be replicated
2. Art should be creative
3. Art should be original
The way many of you are describing or bashing on the three are interesting. With that I agree with many that all three
are good images, but I would have to say the top two are Christina’s and Josephine’s artwork.
The fact that the representation of Korean American is a boy with a flag on his face would have been great if it hasn’t been thought of before and since it is representing 3rd generation, I wouldn’t want to be represented as someone who replicates. I want to be someone who is presented as intellectual, hardworking, etc because I am 3rd generation and I need to know and learn both cultures because I am both Korean and American.
I say either vote for Christina, or Josephine.
Nathan Nowack’s description of 3rd generation Korean America is confined at best. It represents a single child from one family, whereas the other two represent a wide variety that is more suitable to the growing diversity of the KA population. There are plenty 2nd generation that also fit his description, and I assume plenty 3rd generation KA that doesn’t. (Many 4th generation CAs are very much Chinese on the inside and outside) Its a great picture, but it doesn’t reflect the 3rd generation KAs very well as a whole, and limits the reach that these children can have within their cultures, Korean, American, or both.
I am vote for Nathan Nowack
beautiful work christina. i don’t know you.but if you win i am going to subscrib the magazine VOTE FOR CHRISTINA.
nathan’s work i’ve seen before some other magazine covers should be more creative. josephin’s work is too busy. christina’s work is the original .refresh &beautiful VOTE FOR CHRISTINA !
I AM VOTE FOR MS. LEE
great work all of you! i am vote christina.
You probably might think shit is art since your level of mentality is well below elementary school standards.
By the looks of your 1st grade level of writing, I’m pretty sure you don’t.
I VOTE FOR CHRISTINA
mama boy justin you sure don’t know any kinds of beautiful meannig of art work. do you?
SOMETHING WRONG WITH VOTE !!!!!!!!!???????? LAST FEWDAYS CHRISTINA AND JOSEPHINE WERE THE TOP TWO. TODAY CHRISTINA AND NATHAN ARE TOP TWO?????? VOTE FOR CHRISTINA~~~~~~~
And Christina, your artwork does NOT portray the third generation. That kid could as much as well be my mom as a child back in Korea playing outside.
Nathan, do i see a bit of plagiarism and unoriginality in your photo?
http://mattstone.blogs.com/.a/6a00d8341bffb053ef011279660bbd28a4-pi
Be more creative dude.
I AM VOTE FOR CHRISTINA !
a~~~~~~~alright everyone what a all crapy comments let’s get some serious vote here
a~~~~~~~~alright everyone let’s get some serious vote here!!!!!!!!!
I VOTE FOR CHRITINA LEE
11
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“
I’ve voted for Nathan Nowack
I have voted for Nathan Nowack as I liked his work very much.
the work of Nathan Nowack is good, that’s why i voted for him. the coverpage he made is simply expressive of the true KoreAm.
As a teacher that works with a large population of second and third generation kids, I have to choose Nathan Nowacks cover. It truely exemplifies the struggles that many of my kids have gone through having to choose between cultures.
the third generation its a perfect title
This poll became a joke when they needed to add “do not select this answer” to correct an error.
HA HA, it’s kind of funny. Either way, this contest is crap. It should have been thrown out the instant someone hacked it this morning with 10000 votes!! Come on KoreAm!! End this and pick a winner!!!
Amelia, I agree with you in terms of the comments not seeming genuine. I think the strategy for this is to push all the older comments onto the next page. As a stranger to the website I would not click on the older comments link (hint: the link to connect the plagiarism) because it would take more time.
My comment was genuine.
I voted for Nathan Howack. Its great man
lol what’s up with this recent surge of comments for nathan nowack and why don’t they seem genuine
I am voting for NATHAN NOWACK because the art created depicts the future of a peaceful korean nation.
I vote for NATHAN NOWACK
I voted for CHRISTINA!
SOULS TO BE EATEN: 3,399
Save your soul. Vote for NATHAN NOWACK.
Great photo Nathan!!! The others were good, but just didn’t seem to kit the contest.
The third picture above all good but I think the picture from nathan is the best!
I choose nathan, because his work simple and cool!
I vote for Nathan Nowack, his work is so cool
Nathan Nowack is the best i voted
I vote for Nathan Nowack, his work is so cool
i vote for nathan Nowack…:-bd
i vote for Nathan Nowak
My vote goes to Nathan Nowack. His seems to be a grat idea.
I prefer Nathan Nowack & have voted one for him.
i vote for Nathan Nowack
In option #2, is “Well Bing” misspelled on purpose?
Stacy we passed a week already. WEDNESDAY- WEDNESDAY is 1 week, and since that is 7 whole days, we’re in the second week as lindsey mentioned.
Stacey… Josephine’s cover looks like a where’s Waldo book. Cry some more please.
actually it started last week wed. evening and ends this week friday night.
I really like the simplicity and punch of Nathan’s photo. You can read so much into the child’s face.
hey lindsey santos,
it’s a one week contest.
CHEATING? For all the uninformed people that have NO CLUE, and choose to make ignorant statements towards my homegirl, Christina’s, and the other 2 entries: If you didn’t realize it before, her name as an option to choose from, wasn’t even available for the 1st week or 2 of voting. For Christina’s work to suddenly surpass her other 2 competitors is simply due to talent. Bashing of other artists is seriously pointing a finger towards yourself and screaming “popularity contest”! A couple thousand people suddenly voting as soon as the polls were corrected? Sounds like common sense to me. They could have easliy just clicked on the ONLY 2 options available at the time, BUT DIDN’T. Is she my friend? Yes. Is it still a competition? Yes. I am a true believer in ensuring that true, raw talent and genius should be recognized. I applaud all 3 artists for their work and enteries. Friend or not, I would have voted for the one I personally felt represented an ORIGINAL look at the 3rd generation of Korean Americans, but was still grounded by the FOUNDATION of TRADITION that you all live with through the past. YOU SHOULD DO THE SAME. Thx.
I really like the fact that Josephine and Christina’s pieces are actual original pieces of fine art and not so commercial feeling like a photograph. If you expand the size of each other their covers to full-size you really start to see the detail and I think they would look beautiful when actually printed on a magazine cover. In my opinion, we show off some amazing Korean-American fine art talents with either of these covers. If I were walking by a newstand and saw a photo like Nathan’s I would probably assume, another corporate magazine, maybe owned by an Asian this time? I don’t think KoreAm should aim to look like Richard Stengel printed up another alternative view magazine. This is our Journal. Great work to all the contestants though, I am blown away by all 3 !
10,000 votes for do not choose this option? The foul smell of a cheater permeates this poll.
If there was a picture of a child who has both Korea and America ‘s national flag on his or her face, I might be choose that. But I choose third one.
SERIOUSLY??? I DONT WANT TO BE A HATER BUT SERIOUSLY? HOW THE HAAAAILLL IS CHRISTINA’S COVER BEATING JOSEPHINE’S COVER? HER’S LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING ONLY GRANDMAS WOULD READ. IF THIS IS ABOUT THE 3RD GENERATION THEN AT LEAST LOOK LIKE IT! LET IT RELATE TO THE 3RD GENERATION thasss all im sayinnnn.
oh and nathans…yea yea.. seen it, done it. next.
I think someone cheated….
TEAM JOSEPHINE! for originality and the TRUTH in it. besides, priscilla ahn loves hers the most. SO U SHOULD TOO
This whole contest is rigged! I just don’t get how Cristina could be pulling away right now. This isn’t about a cover but a popularity contest.
HOW COULD ANYONE SAY JOSEPHINE’S COVER LOOKS LIKE A FLEA MARKET?!!?!?!?!??!?!
that is pure abomination.
her piece is absolutely BEAUTIFUL
i love how the whole cover goes through the generations. it catches your eye more than any of the other covers ever could. please please please vote for josephine.
and thank you jordan k., you are absolutely right.
[...] cover contest and was selected as a top 3 finalist. Voting is now in progress for the best cover – KoreAm Cover Contest: Vote NOW for your favorite! | iamkoream Vote for whichever you think is best, but if you're undecided, add another point to Nathan Nowack. [...]
Are you experiencing web site problems again? No ballot comes up today.
I SECOND what Tobias Fünke says!!
Priscilla Ahn rules…so that means josephine park rules!
her cover is crazzyyy!!! It’s so true!
Dude. anyone can take a picture of a little asian boy and paint a flag on his face.
Josephine’s tells us a story which we can all relate to. Seriously, which Korean American does not know a family member or family friend who owns a dry cleaners? I rest my case.
OK SO, nathans cover is so typical and expected (almost a cliche). And Christina’s picture is just pretty, not much meaning. Her explanation is too much for the picture she came up with. Josephine’s on the other hand is witty, accurate, humorous, original and does an excellent job representing what korean americans have been through. TEAM JOSEPHINE FOR ORIGINALITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOSEPHINE PARK! All I got to say is.. PURE TALENT AND ORIGINALITY.
C’mon people..can we vote on something we haven’t seen already?
Her idea is fresh and new, something we lack these days.
All the covers are nice in their own special way. The 2 things we need to remember are that 1: this is a magazine cover and needs to look like one and 2: the audience. I like looking at all of them, but for a cover of KoreAm I believe the first one with the butterflies does not fit the audience. It reminds me of those children’s magazines you find in the dentist office. The second one is way too busy for a cover. It is nice art, but would be better in a different setting. The third one immediately caught my eye. It tells a story in one second and that is exactly what you want for a cover. I did vote for the third. I commend all three artists for their work. Well done.
Unfortunately, a person popularity contest is what it is. I think I would have rather seen all the covers published in the magazine and the editors just have chosen one of their favorites for the cover. That way, everyone wins. I also agree with rb. As far as magazine covers go, you do need space for text. Nathan must have thought about then when he designed it.
*Person popularity contest
Can you commenters be any more full of BS? you guys keep saying it’s not about originality but frankly that’s only to defend the two, currently, most popular ones which show little, if any originality. If those really speak out to you the most you surely haven’t taken the time to even glance at the intricate details that Josephine’s mag cover depict. I dare you to look at each character, don’t be so stubborn.. I promise you that you’ll be amazed at how each section tells a story of the progression in time and history that tells a story, a REAL story, of the Third Korean American Generation that ALL three generations can see and understand because it is so closely knitted to the reality of our Korean American culture. Stop and think about your vote for a second and please don’t turn this into a popularity contest..
dear Tobias Fünke,
I think you got a little too much diamond cream in the brain my man.
First of all they are artist statements and not descriptions, i think you are getting confused because Christina’s is the only one that isn’t just a formal description of how she constructed the piece.
Second of all it’s not valid to call something creative, but bland and unoriginal. That is a gaping contradiction.
I like Josephine’s even though it’s not the one that got my vote. Compositionally it doesn’t leave any room for text to be placed on top of it without being way too busy.
after reading everyones comments
and points of view on the other pieces…
i feel my vote still stands on josephine park…
while i can appreciate everyones
creative time and effort put into the project
i still feel josephines art is the one that stands out
the strongest of really illustrating a story
about the korean american experience of each generation–
and connecting past to present…
i feel her cover is really narrative…
which is what makes me really appreciate
this piece of work the most…
Wonderful job Nathan! Your work is amazing.
I think Christina’s cover is a stunning piece of art however it dose not really say 3rd generation Korean American, Nathan’s cover portrays Korean American at first glance prefectly.
[...] here to VOTE! .excerpt img{display:none;} .related_item {width:572px;height:40px;border:1px solid [...]
I think the butterflies and flowers are common symbols used in traditional korean paintings, and they are painted in a more traditional flat style to reinforce this. What they have to do with being 3rd generation Korean American in her painting is to show how this new generation may feel at times disconnected to their heritage, like they are “chasing” it to feel connected and flesh out their sense of identity. I’ve seen this happen with 2nd generations, and their parents came from korea and spoke the language fluently. now many of this third generation will have parents that grew up on MTV and speak some korenglish. I see her painting showing how this new generation will have an even greater longing to try and connect to their heritage which at times may feel elusive or like a romantic notion. for what it’s worth I like josephine’s too, however, I feel a stronger emotional connection to MS Lee’s piece.
It’s disappointing to see that the 2 weakest covers have the most votes. I don’t know what butterflies and flowers have to do with being a 3rd gen korean american. That cover could apply to almost any other magazine. Nathan’s cover is a nice idea, if not predictable. Also, design wise, the execution is weak. I wouldn’t look twice if I saw either of those covers on a magazine rack.
Josephine’s cover however, I’d feel compelled to pick up, examine, and maybe even BUY. If “flea market” ad means quirky, fun and interesting….then she’s got my vote!
I can appreciate all of the entries and each artist has talent. When viewing the images more closely (click on each picture for a larger image,) Christina’s and Nathan’s images really stand out. Josephine has some talent but it’s a little busy and reminds me of a Simpson’s collage (consider that a compliment.)
Nathan’s dramatic photograph and use of negative space makes the cover eye-catching and dramatic. Even without the “The Third Generation” tag line, his image clearly tells the story. It’s a classic magazine cover with great overall appeal.
Nathan gets my vote.
Honestly, I was drawn to Nathan’s photo first. They are all nice though. After reading the comments, originality shouldn’t even matter since everything has practically been done already. I’ve seen drawings of girls chasing butterflies before too.
VOTE FOR CHRISTINA MIJUNG LEE!!!!!!!!~~~~~~~~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
VOTE FOR MS,LEE!!!!!!!! AND JOSEPHINE ARTWORK LOOKS FLEA MARKET AD, NATHAN’S PHOTO I’VE SEEN BEFORE SOME OTHER MAGAZINES
I had the opportinity to meet Nathan last year while he was taking photos of a friend’s wedding. He is of Korean descent adopted by an American family and has a real talent for making his photos come alive. And of the three finalist, his photo is eye catching, inviting me to me ask what is his photo al about. His Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=287740008137&ref=nf
Nathans photo speaks volumes. What an amazing piece of art. The others are beautiful but Nathans screams to my heart.
josephine park definately has my vote :-)
her cover stands out and is more of a third generation than the other two…
i think that she spent a lot of effort into making it such a GREAT cover!
i think the others sort of resemble other magazines… a picture of a single person….
i believe hers will stand out more cause its more modern :)
OOPS http://goo.gl/N28m
Christina = Description is fluff and who in our generation would be able to understand the correlation between butterflies, flowers, and Korea?
Nathan = Creative, but bland and unoriginal (refer to link http://goo.gl/N28m).
Josephine = Draws you in and speaks for itself. We can all relate to AT LEAST one of the countless stories portrayed within the cover.
Even Priscilla Ahn thinks Josephine Park should win “hands down”:
http://twitter.com/PriscillaAhn
SO VOTE JOSEPHINE PARK.
i like all of them in their own way…
but if i had to choose i would choose josephine park…
i feel that one really tells a pictorial story…
from past to present…
VOTE FOR JOSEPHINE!!!!! HER ARTWORK IS AWESOME AND IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY IT’S A REAL PIECE OF ART WITH MANY PEOPLE DOING KOREAN-AMERICAN THINGS. HER ARTWORK IS ORIGINAL AND FRESH, AND WILL STAND OUT IN A MAGAZINE STAND. VOTE FOR HER!
Two of these are so SAFE! They will definitely blend in on the magazine stands. That’s the point, right?
I have to say that i like all of these covers. However, i feel that Josephines cover is the most original and has the clearest message of all three covers. I will agree that nathan’s cover is a well designed, however it lacks originality. christina’s cover for me is very ambiguous in what everything symbolizes, but still is a great work of art. which leaves josephines cover, the multiple stories of people are a great depiction of what generations before have done to come where the korean american community is today..
Josephine Park’s is original and brilliant.
We need to see something new in this society, and her cover brings that. It’s really refreshing in the art world to see originality, especially when the message can relate to the rest of us.
Honestly kids chasing butterflies aren’t that original either.
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&id=lknPFfMS3hGUI016c1rYXQ&size=l
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40007304
Let’s be honest, they are all really good, but it’s not about which is more original. It’s all about impact, and although you can google an image and see 10 similar versions of something, it’s what hits you with the most emotion at first glance. Christina’s is too abstract, but still very nice. However, this is a magazine cover and Nathan’s photo screams that. Nathan’s image definitely catches my eye right at the start and he even says this child IS a third generation Korean American. This is why I voted for him.
I want a vote for a ms.Lee but wouldn’t let me. PLEASE FIX this.
I like the art work of the christina mijung Lee. I could see little girl not only try to catch butterflies. but also remind of who you are try to reach out and catch youre hope and dream out there. that’s the way all we are in generation in everyone we always chasing&searching for the better hope and dreams isn’t it ? But also it is a beautiful art work. in that reason i would pucharse the magazine. keep up the good work.
[...] me to Nathan’s photograph and I believe it will have the same result fo you. If you click this link you can see the images that are in the running for the cover contest as well as a link to vote. [...]
i don’t understand why christina’s work is so original…you don’t really know that it’s generation 3…and nathan’s picture, (as demonstrated above) is not very original.
josephine’s illustration itself is pretty generation 3 — it’s a piece of contemporary. if you look even closer it’s amazing how many stories she was able to fit in the image.
VOTE FOR NATHAN NOWACK OR I WILL EAT YOUR SOUL!
I think Christina’s work is very original and deep. There’s an authentic feel when it’s thought out as well as hers was. And I know this bc her concept to pic. I can definately relate to.
Everyones work is wonderful, but there are other people using similar concepts to portray the symbolism of being American and/or being dual nationalities. Nathan’s cover portrays Korean American, but then again it doesn’t win me over because of the fact that the image was used in previous covers. I have seen it on http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://faisalkutty.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/american-muslim-hijabi-face-paint-american-flag-stars-and-stripes-300×288.jpg&imgrefurl=http://faisalkutty.com/editors-picks/the-allegedly-growing-domestic-muslim-threat-why-after-a-decade-would-american-muslims-suddenly-become-radicalized/&usg=__5oCRKkicIJCInFShA7LmN3CaBUw=&h=288&w=300&sz=17&hl=en&start=1&sig2=fi_WcCWGCzkKddXJ5uCeig&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=y29_VV5JzLUnxM:&tbnh=111&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dface%2Bwith%2Bamerican%2Bflag%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26um%3D1&ei=yhRtS5a4M4rusAOtvqWxDQ and I think it is important to show that Korean Americans are unique and the history is important to understand whether we are first generation, second generation, or most importantly, third generation. I am a third generation Korean-American and I feel the yearning for the knowledge of my heritage is portrayed in Christina’s artwork. It makes me want to learn more about my heritage, the information about my culture, and historical background. Christina’s artwork is not only original but motivating to define the meaning of history and culture. I would subscribe to this magazine if I saw her artwork. I don’t know her, but if you see this, let me know if you’re selling your art somewhere and I will be sure to purchase it!
Christina’s work is great but I don’t feel that being a third generation Korean American is like chasing butterflies.
I think Nathan’s pic sums it up perfectly.
Nice work Ena! I love the cover and what it represents. Congrats! Im so proud of what your doing! Keep doing your thing.
I love the originality of Christina’s work. I read the comments here and googled “face painted flags” and the different faces show up: Muslim faces, Canadian Faces, all with the flag (don’t mean to put your art down Nathan, its great work but its been done before). This magazine needs original work and I am going to have to agree with the fellow commenters and say Christina all the way. I would buy her art if I saw it because it looks like one of a kind work which is something the magazine needs for their target audience to want to buy their product.
I’m trying to vote for Christina Mijung Lee, but it’s not letting me!? Her name doesn’t show, only the other two names come up. It does not allow me to vote for her, but it looks like it allows voting for the other two contestants. Please fix this, so that the voting is fair.
The glitch excluding users of Internet Explorer 7 & 8 is extremely disappointing. It really makes the voting invalid.
Come on Cristina lovers! I think it’s obviuos that for A MAGAZINE COVER Nathan’s is right on. I got the message right away with Nathan’s. Critina’s work is great from a drawing standpoin but too cerebral and won’t sell magazines because it doesn’t catch my eye.
CHRISTINA ROCKS~!!!
I have to say that Christina’s art depicts not only a happier moment throughout life(childhood) but also has a vibrant Asian feel to it. Although I do love Nathan’s work I have to say that it reminds me of Times Magazine who did the same thing a couple years back with a middle eastern face. Josephine’s is great too she shows how as Korean Americans have evolved in this country they have lost touch with their racial background to fit into a new society. But this brings me back to my previous point that it seems the more generations we exist in America we are drawn to want to resemble a Norman Rockwell portrait rather than what we see truly happening in America, which is a mixture of cultures and it is just as important that we see a larger scale of our background into the art world. Don’t scrap who you are embrace it.
Nathans pic kicks butt!
I really think that Ms. Lee’s work really is a great representation of what it is to be a 3rd generation asian-american. I know this is a Korean based magazine, but in general, we all deal with the trials and tribulations of being caught within tradition and assimilation. We all search for what we should and want to become.
I think Christina’s work seems original and portrays the Korean American community more. Nathan’s is good but seems too generic. I have seen other work similar to this.
I am Korean American, and live in Tulsa, OK. I think Nathan Nowack’s cover photo sums up the Korean American experience and all the feelings that go with it. Nathan’s photograph eloquently states without using words that even though we are Korean, we are American on the outside–a very clever and creative expression.
All great covers!