Kim Jung Gi (1975–2022) was a South Korean visual virtuoso known for his prodigious memory, breathtaking freehand drawings, and dynamic storytelling. The Colosso project—one of his standout works—captures both his technical mastery and his singular approach to visual narrative.
Before diving into Kim Jung Gi’s specific content, it is crucial to understand the platform. Coloso (stylized as COLOSO) is a Korean-based online education platform specializing in high-end creative fields. Unlike Udemy or Skillshare, which offer broad, beginner-friendly content, Coloso targets serious creatives, illustrators, and animators.
The platform distinguishes itself through two core principles:
When Coloso announced that Kim Jung Gi would be teaching a course titled "Kim Jung Gi: Drawing Mania" (or similar variations depending on the season), the platform servers crashed. For the first time, the master explained not what he drew, but how he saw.
This is the secret sauce that made the Kim Jung Gi Coloso course a global phenomenon. Kim Jung Gi suffers from aphantasia? No—quite the opposite. He describes his method of "concept chaining." To draw a samurai riding a motorcycle, he must have a fixed memory of a samurai armor hinge, a motorcycle engine block, and a tire tread. Coloso captured him building these chains live, without sketches underneath. kim jung gi coloso
"I don't draw lines that I see. I draw lines that I have defined in my memory ten years ago." – Kim Jung Gi, Coloso Course
The Coloso series runs for over 16 hours across multiple chapters. Key segments include:
Fundamentals of Perspective & Volumes: Kim starts with the skeleton of drawing—one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective. He then moves into overlapping organic shapes, showing how to create depth without relying on vanishing points.
Drawing from Observation vs. Imagination: He dissects his own process, drawing a real object (e.g., a motorcycle or a camera) and then immediately redrawing it from a completely different angle using only his mental model. Kim Jung Gi — Colosso Kim Jung Gi
Character & Mechanical Design: This section is a masterclass in efficiency. Kim populates a page with dozens of unique characters—warriors, robots, creatures—each with distinct silhouettes, postures, and details, all drawn in minutes.
Crowd Scenes & Storytelling: Perhaps the most breathtaking module. Kim fills a massive sheet of paper with chaotic battle scenes, marketplaces, or cityscapes, juggling dozens of figures in perfect perspective while weaving small narratives throughout.
Live Drawing Demonstrations: Uncut and raw, these sessions allow viewers to watch the master’s pen move in real-time, explaining his decision-making process.
Technique and Medium: Kim Jung Gi primarily works with pencils and paper, achieving astonishing levels of detail and realism. His technique involves meticulous shading and line work, which contribute to the three-dimensional appearance of his drawings. Deep Dives: A single course often spans 20+
Subjects: His subjects vary widely, including still life compositions, portraits, and intricate scenes that could easily be mistaken for photographs at first glance. He has drawn inspiration from various sources, including food, landscapes, and even imaginary scenes.
Recognition: Kim Jung Gi gained international recognition for his skills, and his work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. He has also been featured in several publications and media outlets.
Artistic Philosophy: While specific philosophical stances might not be widely documented, his dedication to traditional techniques in a digital age is noteworthy. He embodies the pursuit of excellence in traditional art forms, inspiring both artists and art enthusiasts globally.
In the world of visual arts, few names command as much reverence as Kim Jung Gi (1975–2022). Celebrated for his superhuman memory, flawless perspective, and ability to draw complex scenes entirely from imagination without reference, Kim was often described as a "visual architect." While his live drawing demonstrations and sketchbooks are legendary, one of his most structured and accessible contributions to art education is his course on the Korean online platform Coloso—titled Kim Jung Gi – Live Drawing and Character Design.