Yurie Sekiya
Japanese artist Yurie Sekiya brings her own interpretation of “kawaii culture,” inspired by manga, cartoons, toys, and her everyday experiences. In this collaboration, we worked closely with Yurie to translate her unique and accomplished style onto clothing to create wearable art.
Q: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today! We love your unique artistic style. What is your background? How did you get to where you are today?

I have loved drawing since childhood. My parents were always telling me, “You are a genius!” when I would show what I have done. It is so fortunate to have these amazing adults around me, cheering me up, all of the time. Then, I went to Catholic girls school for six years and became a leader of the school choir. My only interests at that time were singing and doodling on “PURIKURA” a photo sticker and we can write or draw something on the photo. All my passion and art skills were on that little photo sticker at that time. The time I decided art will be my way to express myself was when I was 16. Preparing to go to Art University, I started to take some lessons and met new friends who were super cool and had a great taste. I had never met such cool people! I sketched and sketched all day long and then went to an Art University. I started acting when I was a University student and enjoyed it so much. After I graduated I became an app designer in a company. I was a typical office worker in Tokyo but also was taking some offers as an illustrator at the same time. I decided to be a freelance illustrator after being employed for three years, then I am here.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?

Not just sparkly but glittery and shiny!!

Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Q: What made you want to become an illustrator? Have you always had a passion for art and design?

I don’t remember when I started or why, but I have always told myself: I will be an artist! I will be an illustrator!. Drawing has always been a natural part of my life.

Q: What inspires you and your art the most? Where do you draw inspiration from?

Myself, my baby, people who I love, daily events, feelings. My art will express what I feel now instead of me telling you.

Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Q: What is the artistic landscape like in Japan? Do you think the culture has influenced your own art?

Yes. I do, especially from girls comics, Shojo Manga. I have loved reading comics since I was a child and I still do. These sparkly big eyes definitely came from Manga!

Q: Can you take us through your creative process? What does it take for you to get from an initial idea to a finished piece of work?

Actually, I am thinking I am the number one fan of myself. Just asking myself first, what kind of work do I want to see? Basic ideas come to me when I am talking with my friends, listening to my favorite music, walking or maybe just daydreaming. I usually use my iPad for rough sketches from the ideas then start to work on the paper. I like working while listening to my favorite singer Fuji Kaze!

Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Q: Has your creative process changed over time?

My style used to give the first impression of “KAWAII!” However, now I am not only giving an impression but also a story and a will. Since I am feeling that time is more and more limited, I would love to put time passage and emotions into my work. I believe that the weight of the passion that I put into my work is larger, recently.

Q: Besides illustration and art, what are some other ways you express yourself?

I enjoy any job that is related to working with people. I am such a people person, so loud and energetic.

Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Q: Over time, do you feel that you have grown or changed as an artist?

Yes in 2020, when I became a mother. Having a baby expanded my interests and gave me a new point of view. The baby’s round shape, his soft clothes and his colorful toys. These were completely new to my life and this big change encouraged me to extend my work style. Also, I became more and more thankful for having my own time. While I am working on a project, my baby goes to daycare and my husband also takes care of him. Because this time is limited, it is easier for me to concentrate.

Q: What do you hope people will take away from your art? Is there a specific emotion you want them to feel, etc.

What I am afraid of is that people feel absolutely nothing from my art. Even if you are not a fan of my style or dislike it I want everyone to feel whatever they do. But I would say, I want people to feel brighter, happier, encouraged and hopefully my work gives people energy too.

Q: What advice would you give to young artists who are struggling with creativity and finding their own artistic styles?

It is natural to change what you want to express. Do whatever you think is the best at the time without hesitation. And also please share what you’ve done to others. You might feel shy or hesitant sometimes but, trust me, there is someone waiting to see your work.

Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya
Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya