Hi, I’m Steph.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, where I’ve been captivated by storytelling for as long as I can remember. Watching familiar streets transform into movie sets sparked a sense of wonder that never left me. A reminder that even the most ordinary places can hold extraordinary stories.

My creative journey began in fine arts painting, drawing, and exploring visual expression. I briefly studied Product Design at Otis College of Art and Design, where I developed a deeper understanding of form, function, and the language of design.

Growing up, theater had always enchanted me. I was mesmerized by the way sets could shift and unfold before my eyes, how moving pieces and seamless transitions seemed to breathe life into each story. That sense of transformation made me curious about the world behind the curtain and drew me toward a path in set design.

I earned a BA in Theater with an emphasis in Scenic Design from UCLA, where I discovered the emotional power of shaping space through narrative design. The collaborative energy of theater and film at UCLA ultimately opened the door to the world of film and television for me.

One of my earliest creative inspirations was stop-motion animation. As a kid, I was fascinated by its miniature worlds and whimsical stories, but it was realizing that every detail was crafted by hand that truly captivated me. The patience, precision, and care behind each frame felt like pure magic.

Having had the opportunity to work on stop-motion projects myself, that early sense of wonder has only deepened the creativity and collaboration at the heart of that process. That experience continues to shape how I approach storytelling today.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside remarkable artists, designers, and storytellers across a range of film and television productions. Each project has taught me something new about problem-solving, teamwork, and the art of translating imagination into tangible worlds. These experiences have shaped my creative voice and strengthened my belief in the power of collaboration.

Today, I work as an Assistant Art Director in film and television and am a proud member of IATSE Local 800. I believe in the magic of building worlds from the ground up, and how light, texture, and space can evoke emotion and bring stories to life. I’m inspired by the collaborative nature of filmmaking and how diverse creative minds come together to tell meaningful stories. Whether on set or behind the scenes, I find purpose in helping bring stories to life through design.

Outside of work, I love sculpting, model-making, and painting. These hands-on outlets keep me inspired and remind me why I fell in love with this craft in the first place.

As I continue to grow in this field, I’m excited about the future of storytelling and honored to help shape it, one frame at a time.

Stephanie Ji-Soo Cheon (Last Name Pronounced Jhun)