2017 World Baseball Classic: A Fusion of Art, Culture, and Sport

Unveiling the Beauty of Korean Culture Through Illustration

Inspired by the four major leaguers in Korea and the constellations of East Asia, Kaze Park embarked on a journey to create an illustration that tells stories and legends. As a representative of the Republic of Korea, Park aimed to promote Korean culture and values through his artwork.

The WBC artwork project, organized by ESPN Deportes, brought together 16 artists from around the world to represent the 16 countries competing in the tournament. Park's contribution stands out with its depiction of Korean attractions, national treasures, and famous baseball players at the center.

Combining traditional Korean painting techniques with digital graphics was a challenging task. Park used a brush, traditionally used in Korean painting, to create the artwork's texture. The brush strokes were then scanned and saved as digital data. Using Adobe's Photoshop, Park meticulously worked on sketching, adding basic colors, and refining details, all while staying true to the traditional Korean way of expressing pictures.

The final artwork was printed on traditional Korean paper, adding an authentic touch to the design. The poster, produced in RGB/CMYK color mode, measures 1200mm x 735mm, making it a visually striking art piece.

Through this artwork, Kaze Park aimed to showcase the true values and cultures of Korea. With a harmonious blend of athletes and natural elements, the illustration represents the diverse charms of the Republic of Korea in a single scene. The fusion of style and computer graphics creates a new expression method that highlights the beauty of traditional Korean painting techniques.

The 2017 WBC artwork project was released worldwide, gaining recognition for its unique portrayal of Korean culture and its talented baseball players. It served as a platform to introduce the rich heritage and history of Korea to a global audience.

Kaze Park's artwork for the 2017 World Baseball Classic has received numerous accolades, including the Iron A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award recognizes the design's innovation, practicality, and adherence to professional and industrial standards.

By seamlessly blending art, culture, and sport, Kaze Park's WBC illustration stands as a testament to the power of creativity in promoting and celebrating the unique aspects of a nation's heritage.