Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuki Murayama.
Hi Yuki, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in Kyoto, art always held a special place in my heart. By high school, I knew I wanted to pursue it as a career. My English tutor, a woman who is a long-time LA resident, sparked a fascination with the American art scene with her captivating stories. Determined to explore illustration further, I enrolled in an art prep school in New York. I met a representative from ArtCenter College of Design when he visited our school. Their illustration program, with its emphasis on diverse areas, felt like a perfect fit for my undecided artistic path. ArtCenter not only became my gateway to Los Angeles, but it’s where I’m now thriving as an illustrator.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path hasn’t always been linear. Initially, I was drawn to the animation industry and envisioned myself as a studio artist. Los Angeles, with its concentration of major studios, seemed like the perfect fit. However, while taking illustration classes geared toward entertainment, I discovered a disconnect between my desire for creative freedom and the reality of working within a studio environment. This realization led me to explore other illustration fields, and I found a strong connection with editorial illustration, which allows me to express my creativity in a fulfilling way.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in editorial illustration, where I create visuals that capture the essence of articles and draw readers in. It’s a challenging balance – the illustration needs to be eye-catching yet informative, acting as a gateway to the written content. What I’m most proud of is my ability to spark curiosity and guide readers deeper into the stories. I recently have explored incorporating motion graphics and sculptural elements into my illustrations. While sculpting presents limitations compared to 2D work, it’s become a wellspring of inspiration, pushing me to find new ways to make my art engaging.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is the ability of illustration to spark curiosity and ignite conversation. I see illustrators as visual storytellers who can broaden perspectives and leave a lasting impression. In a world saturated with AI-generated imagery, I believe the human touch in illustration has become more important than ever. AI may be able to mimic certain styles, but it can’t communicate with the audience and can’t capture the intention behind a piece of art. The ability to connect with viewers on a deeper level, to evoke a reaction based on what I create and what you see – that’s what truly excites me about illustration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yukimurayamaillustration.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/you_kaym/
