This week I met the wonderful Hatsuki Miyahara, another illustrator I’ve admired for a long time. Not only did Hatsuki invite me to her house, she also organized a little illustrator-party in Koyto! For six hours I got introduced to six super-talented artists who showed me beautiful, cute, clever, and even hilarious creations in all kinds of styles. I asked questions, they answered. We talked about techniques, materials, and about life as an illustrator. They exchanged experiences and tips, we ate, and we laughed. And I felt so special sitting between all these talented people. What a night..
Their styles were very diverse, each with it’s own charm. And it’s only logical to introduce them properly here, so that’s what I’ll do. You’ll find more detailed information of each illustrator below.
Hatsuki, I can not thank you enough for organizing this lovely dinner. THANK YOU!
Looking through’s Shuku Nishi’s stunning portfolio was a perfect kick off for our little party. I Love her work! Shuku creates papercut illustrations that have a wonderful surreal touch. Horses and bears having tea parties and cute little girls catching stars. She also creates simple & charming still lifes like bread loafs and patterned bowls.
After studying Graphic Design, Mariko Yamazaki worked as a designer for a company for several years. She started as a freelance designer in 2001, creating digital illustrations that are often used for magazine advertisements. Her style varies widely; she creates beautiful maps and landscapes, but likes to draw pretty big-eyed girls with lovely dresses too.
Illustrator Nao Daimon showed me a beautiful book that was filled with pencil drawings. Plants, flowers, landscapes, and some lovely illustrations of her own pet-bunny too. Her drawings have a soft, simplistic style that is very pleasant to look at. Going through her book, we also came to the conclusion that she likes midori (green) a lot! Some of Nao’s illustrations have recently been selected as winning works at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. She has also exhibited her works in Taiwan, which she liked a lot. “One of my friends lives in Taiwan, so I loved being there”.
You can also follow Yukihiro on Facebook, Twitter, Behance & his blog.
Takeuma’s illustrations are hilarious. And I mean this in a good way, of course. Although sometimes you have too look twice, his simplistic, powerful illustrations have this wonderful sense of humor that made me want to see more and more of his work. Takeuma studied at the International Academy of illustration in Kyoto. He creates works for magazines, books and other kinds of of publications, and teaches illustration in art classes too.
My mouth fell wide open when artist Ryouhei Murata showed me a beautiful selection of his original paintings. His works have a classical style and show a historical, romantic Japan. Temples, samurais and women in colorful kimonos. Absolutely amazing! Ryouhei Murata also showed us his working book in which he draws sketches that later become paintings. His works can be found in samurai stories that are published in newspapers and novels that are very popular in Japan. More to be found via the link.