Yoshi Yoshitani is an illustrator and concept artist with a dedication to women empowerment and is inspired by cultures, histories, mythologies and patterns from around the world. Meet her at Click! this Saturday Nov 18th 2p - 6p where you can see her collection of prints, enamel pins and kickstarter-funded 'Mermaid Hues' art book. We've asked her a few questions to find out a little bit more...
How would you describe what you make?
I make illustrations with a focus on badass women, cultural collaboration, and bright color palettes.
Can you tell us about your favorite piece in the current collection?
That’s a hard one, as they are all my babies! But working on my Fairytale Tarot deck has been the most rewarding. I love researching different stories, and people are so happy when they see a story they grew up with in the deck.
If you could collaborate with anyone (living or not), who would it be and why?
Hmm, I hadn’t thought about that. I don’t know about collaborate, but I would have loved to just sit and learn from Hokusai. Look at his doodles some time, he looks like he would have been awesome to just hang with!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Take breaks, and never feel guilty about it. Your body will be happier, but just as important, your creativity, or spirit or what have you NEEDS breaks to rejuvenate. It’s fine to let yourself relax and watch that dumb TV show.
Can you describe your favorite part of the process in your work?
I love planning and doing all the research, but I also love the making. I listen to audiobooks while I work, so sometimes I think “I better start on a piece if I want to finish that book!”
When you are in the studio, what are you listening to?
As I mentioned before, Audiobooks all day every day. In no particular order, I like Fiction, Fantasy, Sci Fi, Histories, Science books, YA fantasy, Romance, and Anthropological books. I try to dabble in everything.
What is your most treasured handmade possession?
I really love my Ting Ceramics pots!!