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.
Not just sparkly but glittery and shiny!!
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.
Myself, my baby, people who I love, daily events, feelings. My art will express what I feel now instead of me telling you.
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!
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!
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.
I enjoy any job that is related to working with people. I am such a people person, so loud and energetic.
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.
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.
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.
