{"id":3898,"date":"2014-07-04T18:17:13","date_gmt":"2014-07-04T09:17:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/designmadeinjapan.com\/?p=3898"},"modified":"2014-07-18T01:31:09","modified_gmt":"2014-07-17T16:31:09","slug":"kimiaki-yaegashi-interview-with-an-illustrator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/designmadeinjapan.com\/magazine\/illustration-icon\/kimiaki-yaegashi-interview-with-an-illustrator\/","title":{"rendered":"Kimiaki Yaegashi – Interview with an Illustrator"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

Kimiaki Yaegishi is a Tokyo-based illustrator who has garnered a large following, both domestically and abroad, through his nonsensical, sexual and surreal imagery. Born in Iwate Prefecture, Yaegishi got his start by creating illustrations for print and web publications. However, instead of relying only on commercial work he continued to create his own brand<\/a> of comical illustrations, with commonly reoccurring motifs like bikini girls, pizza, and panda bears or the occasional Alpaca.
\nHe also happily throws creatures from traditional Japanese folks tale into the mix, such\u00a0as the frog-like\u00a0Kappa<\/em><\/a>, the long-nosed and red-faced\u00a0Tengu<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>or “Golden Boy”\u00a0Kintaro<\/a>. <\/em>See above illustration for almost the full line-up – combined as odd family – Michael Jackson, Bikini Girl, Kappa, Kintaro and a little piggy.<\/p>\n

\"Kimiaki \"Kimiaki\"Kimiaki\"Kimiaki \"Kimiaki<\/p>\n

Who are you?<\/h2>\n

I’m Kimiaki Yaegashi, an illustrator working in Tokyo. In addition to my personal work and exhibitions, I do illustrations for ads and magazines.<\/p>\n

Beginning<\/h2>\n

I wanted to work as an illustrator since childhood. When I was in high school, I realized designing on my own was the best way to showcase my work.<\/p>\n

Changing ideas<\/h2>\n

When I turned professional, I handled both illustration and design work for a while, but now, I focus on illustration, which is my true passion since childhood. My earlier work experience in design has been very useful.<\/p>\n

\n

Below selected illustrations from the “Pizza<\/a>” series, probably one of his most well-know work.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Kimiaki<\/p>\n

\"Kimiaki<\/p>\n

\n

Discovery<\/h2>\n

\"Kimiaki<\/p>\n

Back in May, I did my very first exhibition in Berlin, called ‘Octagon<\/a>‘. It was a part of the international festival\u00a0Pictoplasma<\/a>, so visitors came from all over the world and watching them enjoy my work assured me the power of illustration, its ability to communication beyond words.<\/p>\n

\"Kimiaki\"Kimiaki<\/p>\n

What are you thinking about<\/h2>\n

There are many Japanese creative talents who are not exhibiting work overseas because of language barriers. Apparently, Skype is going to release a real-time automatic translation software. Accurate translation will deepen communication between Japan and overseas and allow more exchanges.<\/p>\n

Space<\/h2>\n

I have been working in Kichijoji<\/a>\u00a0[a part of Tokyo] <\/em>for the past 10 years. I feel comfortable because it has the right balance of urban and nature. It’s conveniently located from other areas so I can easily get around without dealing with stress.<\/p>\n