Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Will.
Hi Joyce, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Joyce Yoshihara Will, owner of ArtisticWill Designs, author and artist of the Japan coloring book series “Essence of Japan, A Coloring Journey” and owner of an online Asian themed gift shop. Art has always been a significant part of my life. I started my art career by working as a technical illustrator while attending Cal State Long Beach, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art. I’ve worked as an illustrator and graphic designer for the Aerospace and defense industry in South Bay, an Engineering Corporation in San Gabriel Valley and a sporting goods company in Orange County.
I decided to put my career on hold to become a stay-at-home mom to raise my family. I taught my children to draw, paint and sew, as I wanted them to have the same appreciation for art that I had growing up. I continued creating art during this period, such as artwork for my children’s school functions, fundraising efforts, church banners, and even assisting in the creation of a wall mural.
As my children entered high school and college, I thought about restarting my art career, but my life headed in a different direction. I spent several years as a full time primary caregiver for my elderly parents and in-laws with dementia, terminal cancer, and other health problems. I prepared their meals, maintained doctors appointments, sat through chemotherapy appointments, monitored medication, and bathed and dressed them, among other responsibilities.
After the passing of my loved ones, I developed severe depression and exhaustion from the constant demands of caregiving. General therapy helped by providing some coping tools and medication, but I didn’t like how it left me feeling numb. I was determined to overcome my depression. I found value in self care, setting boundaries, meditation, gratitude, and the power of finding small joys in everyday things. During this difficult time, art became my refuge and a path toward healing. I created artwork and crafts as gifts for friends and family. I dabbled in selling my creations on Etsy. I did well, selling my artwork around the world from Australia to Europe. I eventually closed that shop for personal reasons. I also found joy in folding and giving away over 1,000 origami butterflies to strangers to brighten their day. It’s amazing how a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference in someone’s life and encourage hope when life feels dark.
Being a Japanese American, Japanese culture has always been a big part of my life. Shortly after the outbreak of WWII, my mother’s side of the family was removed from Los Angeles and placed in a relocation center in the Santa Anita racetrack before being moved to an internment camp in Rower, Arkansas. My mother’s family lost everything and had to endure much hardship in the camp. Thousands of Japanese individuals who were incarcerated in the camps lost their independence and dignity. Many chose to remove all cultural identity from their lives, since being Japanese was seen as shameful. However, my parents instilled in me the importance of my Japanese heritage. I was taught the value of the Japanese language, eating cultural foods, and experiencing holiday traditions. I have also passed these traditions down to my children.
In 2016, I visited Japan with my family to learn more about my heritage. I was so impressed with Japan’s beauty, culture, and traditions that I decided to create a coloring book series based on Japanese culture and different locations. My Japan coloring book series, “Essence of Japan, A Coloring Journey,” includes hand drawn illustrations based on my experiences and creative imaginations. I’ve also included an educational travel guide in the back of the book, with descriptions corresponding to each drawing, to teach my readers more about Japan.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, there are many elements to keep in mind when running a business, such as book inventory, craft supplies, marketing, social media, and keeping up the legal side of business.
Self publishing also has its challenges. It has been difficult to navigate through a lack of customer service, printers with low quality books with errors and periods of not being paid. I’m in the process of moving my books to a different publishing house, republishing volumes 1 and 2 with modifications and redesigned covers and getting my third book published.
Marketing has been a particular challenge for me, as it has been difficult to put myself out there and share my creations. I’m thankful to my friends and family, who have been willing to share my art to get the word out. I’m also learning the importance of creating ads with the correct keywords for more visibility.
Other challenges have included a lack of storage space and craft supply availability. Keeping up with technology can be difficult, for its constantly changing, such as QR codes and learning to navigate SEO for descriptions. Dealing with a “No” rejection isn’t personal, and it could lead to a “Yes” in the future. It’s always important to never stop trying.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My journey toward self-publishing for my coloring books has been a fascinating experience. I’ve learned all about the logistics of self publishing, including book formatting, cover design, copyrights, SEO and book reviews. I successfully began distributing my books to Amazon and other retailers, which has been a highlight of my art career.
In addition to my coloring books, I created an art company called ArtisticWill Designs (a cross between my creative talent and my last name). My logo is a Japanese beckoning lucky cat holding an artist’s paint pallet and art tools rather than a lucky gold coin. My online shop sells Asian themed arts and crafts, such as stickers, jewelry, handmade cards with origami paper and Asian designs, and sewing projects in addition to my books. I’ve also participated in many local craft shows and gained experience, exposure, and customer satisfaction.
I find that my artistic background and Japanese heritage lends a unique quality to my work and helps me bring awareness to Japanese culture. My illustrations and designs convey a sense of serenity, mindfulness and cultural aesthetics.
My experience as a full-time caregiver has also helped me to better understand my customers’ wants and needs by listening carefully, navigating how to solve problems and always seeking to bring joy into the lives of others.
I’m most proud of my Japan coloring book series. I was able to create these books thanks to my love for Japanese culture, traditions and locations. I’m pleased that I have been able to spark an interest in this beautiful country and enable people to experience the joys of traveling through my art. I have also been able to build a legacy for my children, which is something that is important to me.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Series Description:
“Essence of Japan, A Coloring Journey” Japan coloring books with a travel guide
Volume 1: Tokyo, Matsumoto, Takayama and Shirakawago Prefectures
Explore Buddhist temples, sightsee a historic castle and the Imperial Palace, experience the grandeur of Mt Fuji, take a tour of an ancient town and feed some beautiful koi fishes.
Volume 2: Kyoto, Osaka, Gion and Nara Prefectures
Take an adventure through a giant bamboo forest, savor the elegance of a tea ceremony, visit the oldest Shinto Shrine, stroll through a Japanese garden, be amazed by the largest bronze Buddha statue and pet deers in Nara.
Professional Book Review: Vol 1
Foreword Clarion Review Rating: 4 out of 5
“Like a travel account that invites outside observation, these coloring sheets include famous sites and personal observations; they are suited to novices and experienced colorists alike. Some of the book’s pages will take a few minutes to color, while others—especially those with many patterns and small, detailed areas—may take hours. A variety of textures are depicted, from stone and wood to skin, fabric, and flowers. The book is suited both to experienced colorists and newcomers to the hobby. The relaxing, enjoyable coloring book “Essence of Japan, A Coloring Journey” is an excellent sampler that draws on a trip to Japan.”
Contact and collaboration can be requested on my website’s email contact form.
I’ve had customers request custom illustrations in the past, and I’m always open to new opportunities.
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support me, as it provides visibility for my work and conveys credibility by trusted referrals. Posting, liking or sharing on social media is also greatly appreciated.
Finally, purchasing or book reviews help tremendously and are a valuable asset. Purchases improve my book ranking numbers. Reviews can help future buyers understand what my Japan coloring books have to offer, and feedback is always appreciated. Purchases and reviews can be done through my Amazon link or searching “Essence of Japan” by Joyce Will
I would like to thank VoyageLA for giving me this opportunity to share my art with their readers.
Thank you, Joyce Yoshihara Will
Pricing:
- Book price: $11.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artisticwilldesigns.square.site/
- Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/ArtisticWillDesigns
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoyceWillArtist
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07GV566KQ
Image Credits
Joyce Yoshihara Will
