Jazz and Draw

I really love this website, Jazz and Draw.  Its a great place to discover new art, as well as new music.  When I was asked a while back to illustrate something for Jazz and Draw, the Japanese group Pizzicato Five came to mind.  I listen to them a lot when I work- I find their music is uplifting and their combination of jazzy, bossa nova influences give them a very nostalgic sound.  This is my portrait of Maki Nomiya who is the singer in the group.

GANBARE NIPPON

Since the horrific earthquake that happened in March in North East Japan, fellow illustrators Natsuki Otani, Lea Wade and I have been involved in various activities to raise funds for the Japan appeal.

Illustration Rally (Natsuki's lovely project) has had some incredible work done by illustrators with the theme "Don't give up Japan".  It's shown the sense of community spirit that I think makes Japan such a beautiful country.  We also have an online shop here at etsy, with some beautiful illustration, art and handmade pieces.

Renato Pequito Pagoda Print, available here

Mr Yen hand cut papercut, available here

This Saturday, 25th June there is also an event at The Book Club, in Shoreditch, East London, called "Paint it, Make it, Party for Japan".  There is going to be zine making, with pages by some brilliant talent in illustration, such as Gemma Correll, Aaron Miller and Stephen Chan of Thunder Chunky, a pop up shop selling all the lovely stuff from our online shop, a signed teatowel raffle by ToDryFor, live drawing with Mister Millerchip and Kristian Jones, origami workshops, and cupcakes!  How much fun and creativity can you fit into one day?

 You can check out the official facbook event page here, and also read more about it at Illustration Rally.  It's going to be a fantastic day!  All money is being raised through Just Giving.

What is 'GENKI?'

"Genki" is a word, an expression, used broadly in Japanese language.  It means happy, fine, full of beans, energetic, in good health.  I love it's positive meaning and the way it sounds.


Hello!  Welcome.  I called this blog Daily Genki because "Genki" is one of my favourite Japanese expressions.  I'm half Japanese and have been brought up by my family to learn Japanese- my Mum was focused on imbedding the language, morals and attitudes into both me and my brother when we were growing up.  Being quite arty, and with Japan having such a visually rich culture- I have been really lucky to be heavily influenced by Japan's aesthetics.  I grew up loving anime and all things 'kawaii', reading manga, making origami, and being absorbed in all things Japanese.  My earliest memories are from when my family and I lived in Tokyo.  Japan has shaped me both creatively, and as a person.