What's this illustration for?
These two illustrations are both personal pieces. Inspired by
Japanese scroll paintings and memories of childhood, they are two in an ongoing
series of illustrations in which I am exploring the magic, innocence and
fragility of youth through little moments in time depicted very simply using
basic media and techniques. I hope to publish them as a small book one
day.
Illustrating children’s books has always interested me and this
little collection is my fix for now.
Do you have to wait for a flash of inspiration - how do you
start?
Often I don’t know how the final image will look but I have an
idea or a feeling in mind. I start with different elements that reflect these
and then let my instincts guide me. I always let the work sleep and mature for a
while to see if it stands the test of time before I fine tune things.
How did you get your start as an
illustrator?
When I relocated to
Tokyo in late 2008 I decided
wholeheartedly to use the opportunity to devote myself to illustrating seriously
with the intention of one day turning it into a viable and successful business
for myself alongside my graphic design work.
At the outset
it was all about experimentation and finding my feet really. I bought a stack of
new materials and mountains of paper and just threw myself into it day and
night. I knew I could draw but I needed to really put time into playing with
different media, not just those that I felt immediately comfortable with.
At the same
time I designed and built my website and trickled stuff onto that as I continued
to experiment. And I am still experimenting!
Who or what has influenced your
work?
I have an
eclectic and long list of artistic influences.
My immediate inspiration can come from anywhere and it is very
circumstantial in many ways. It changes depending on where I am in life, my
mood, my surroundings and what I’m working on at any given time. Often my best
ideas come from the simplest things, like people in the street, music, nature,
dreams and past experiences.
In addition,
beyond my personal day-to day experience, my history with
Japan and my love
for all things Japanese is perhaps my greatest inspiration. I aspire to creating
images that reflect the beauty, simplicity and sincerity ever-present in
Japanese design and create.
What's your favourite media for creating
pictures?
All hands-on
traditional media excites me - pencil, pen & ink, gouache & watercolour, crayon and collage. I love
experimenting with all of them in my work. I don’t limit myself to one medium.
If I had to
name a definitive favourite however, it would probably be
pencil.
Do you experience illustrator's block - if so, what do you do
about it?
Of course! Generally if I brainstorm and doodle long enough the
light bulb comes on. If it doesn’t I work on something else, just relax looking
at creative and inspiring material such as books, magazines or websites or get
out of the house and take a walk and let the subconscious go to work.
What's the worst thing about being a
freelancer?
Working alone
when you are a ‘people’ person.
And the best?
The
flexibility to work where and when you feel most creative and inspired, not when
the clock dictates or the office limits.
What are you working on at the
moment?
Currently my
design work includes two corporate identities, a website and a poster. My
illustration work includes a commissioned portrait and another commercial
packaging assignment in addition to my ongoing personal projects - Tokyo 365: 365 moments of
Tokyo style, pieces for my next
exhibition, some self-promotional items and other random illustrations.
Where can we see more of your
work?
My personal
website is www.natayan.com.
My
portfolio is also featured on the Illustrator’s
Australia
website, www.illustratorsaustralia.com.
In addition, some of my work is available for download from
www.digitalbloom.com
and www.machiukeru.jp.
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