
ALICE YOON
Founder & Director
Hi, I'm Alice and I'm a dreamer. I started working on my art since I was 2 years old, my parents had enough of me doodling everywhere at home, after searching for so many amazing teachers, finally one was willing to take in a toddler into his class. Three years later, at the age of 5, I won a national golden cup (first place) at the children's art award, amongst thousands of entries.
Since then I've worked with crayons, watercolour, oil painting, etching, brush painting, sketching, digital art, graphic design, product design, animation to name a few...exhibited in galleries, published artworks and designs, for the last 30 plus years! I graduated from the internationally renowned Elam School of Fine Art at the University of Auckland, majored in filming, video and sound editing, script writing and web design.
I have been fortunately enough to have the privilege to design and publish works with various international fashion labels, book design and illustrations, award winning UI designs. In 2008 I launched our own Lulu & Henry® giftware labels, which is being sold in boutiques and online in NZ, Australia, America, UK, China and Korea.
I founded AJ Studio back in 2006 when I was still a student, over the years AJ has evolved to this beautiful creative space where people can come to relax, create, invent, laugh and just dream. I love being an adventurous entrepreneur, and still wake up in the morning with 999 ideas to launch, while all the time being an artist, illustrator, product designer, still a child at heart, a hopeful future standup comedian, and occasionally a clumsy magician.
I divide my time between reading, sleeping, dreaming, laughing, imagining, drawing, thinking and writing. I live with my wonderful hubby Joshua, whom also is an award winning product designer in his former life in South Korea. Together we have two kidlets, whom have no doubt are our constant source of inspiration and joy. We also have a dog named Atom, and two chicken named 'Fried', and 'Chicken'!
Thank you for coming to AJ Studio- from our hearts to yours, may you hold on to the passion that's within you, keep on dreaming!

Mel Hall
Art Tutor
Hi everyone! My name is Mel and I'm an Art Tutor at AJ Studio!
I was born and raised in Rotorua. I graduated from Elam School of Fine Art. Now I work full time at the awesome AJ Studio!
I love cooking different types of food! I also enjoy dancing, and making my own art whenever I can! I get inspired everyday by the many artists I follow on Instagram. I love being able to keep up with the new creations of my favourite artists all over the world from here in Auckland! They always motivate me to work hard and try new things in my own work!
As a kid my interests were always changing. I’d draw anything I was obsessed with at the time. As I got older I realised my only consistent interest was drawing!
My favourite foods are Sri Lankan curries or Korean stews - I love anything spicy! If I were an animal I’d be a sheep - they are gentle, cuddly and loyal. And they're always eating!
My favourite family tradition is going to the beach for Christmas. I love spending time with family and going surfing!
I love working for AJ Studio because I enjoy getting to know people's interests and helping them find the best ways to express their creativity. I love seeing people achieve things they never knew they were capable of!

Sea Avery
Art Tutor
Hi there! My name is Sea. I was born in Christchurch, but you may notice a bit of an accent. This is because I spent a lot of time in Australia and America. When I’m not working, I love to dance and read! When it’s warm I like to go swimming at the beach and enjoy activities in the sunshine.
I begun drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil. My favourite kind of art style at the moment is realistic portraits, which I make on my iPad. I’ve been painting and drawing digitally, it’s been exciting to learn a new skill! I also like to make art from recycled materials.
I like spicy foods and vegetables — my favourite takeaway is Mexican food! I also like to cook in the evenings, especially if I have friends around.
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a bird watcher or a librarian. A lot has changed, although I still love birds and books! If I were an animal, I would be a lemur. They are funny and full of energy.
I love working at AJ because it’s so much fun! I love helping students overcome tricky aspects in their artwork and seeing how good they feel afterwards. It's inspiring to see everyones unique, creative flair!

Dylan Windybank
Lab Tutor
Hi! My name is Dylan, and I am a robotics lab tutor at AJ Studio!
I was born and raised in the north of Auckland, and now I am a 3rd-year mechatronics engineering student at the University of Auckland.
If I had to describe myself, I would say that I am a problem solver with a curious mind, who is always looking for ways to tinker and create.
I get inspired all the time by the makers and inventors I see on youtube, from all over the world.
I also enjoy all kinds of sports but my favourite has to be basketball. I also really enjoy cooking, puzzles, and video games.

Caitlin Kung
Lab Tutor
Hi everyone, I’m Caitlin! I’m from New Zealand and I’m currently at the University of Auckland studying Information and Technology Management and Psychology.
I enjoy spending time at the beach with friends or running/ anything outdoors :) Growing up as a kid, I wanted to work at the zoo because I loved animals. My favourite food is sushi especially salmon sushi.
If I could be an animal I’d be a dolphin. My favourite family tradition is Christmas! I get to see all of my family and eat yummy food with them!
I chose to work for AJ studios because I love working with children and I hope to inspire others and to be inspired by them too.

Joshua Yoon
Problem Solver
Hi, it's me, Joshua. I studied in Mechanical Engineering and became a 3D design engineer, specialised in industrial plastic products back in Korea, my home country. Some of my products have been used/supplied/installed across the country until today, which means every single household in Korea is using my products. Cool, right?
I like to read manuals. Even for the simplest product, the manual tells me how to handle/fix it with care. Therefore, my role in AJ STUDIO is to help fix things. Like if someone breaks one of the chairs then I fix it. The most important part of my role here is to help everyone overcome challenges, help with finding problems and guide them through solutions.
Oh, by the way I did not choose to work for AJ Studio and I actually don't. It was not my decision. Never! Just one day someone (you know who that person is...) came to me and said "You have knowledge, skills and real life experiences in the field. Therefore, you are on board to help as of today." and that was it. That was just the beginning of the biggest problem in my life and I have been fixing it to make it better day after day. And of course, since it's not a 'job' therefore I don't get paid for helping! Lol