Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kyoko Bartley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kyoko, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My name is Kyoko Bartley. I am a visual artist based in the Princeton area of New Jersey.

I was born and raised in Japan, and as an adult, I eventually settled in the United States to further my education. Before that, I visited the U.S. frequently for work and travel, but life has a curious way of weaving together past experiences into something meaningful. Today, my life here feels like a natural culmination of the paths I’ve taken, the lessons I’ve learned, and the philosophy I’ve cultivated along the way.

When I was born, my mother named me “Kyoko,” which means “child of today.” In Japanese, “today” carries the deep connotation of living in the present moment in time—a philosophy that resonates strongly with me and my work.

As a child, I faced some challenges early on. When I was very young, I contracted tuberculosis and spent over a year at home recovering instead of attending kindergarten. My mother, who was also an artist, filled that time with creativity. She taught me how to draw and shared her passion for art with me. She would also rent classic films for me to watch—everything from The Wizard of Oz to The Omen. Despite being isolated due to my illness, those moments were rich and formative.

I discovered early on that art was a way to express the complex emotions I was experiencing. Illness, isolation, and even my parents’ marital struggles gave me a lot to process, and drawing became my outlet. I entered my first art competition with a large drawing of a kangaroo, an animal I loved after watching countless nature documentaries on TV. I drew it entirely from memory, and to my surprise, my work earned praise from adults and even won an award at a local festival. That moment showed me the joy of creating something others appreciated and set the foundation for my artistic journey.

My love for visual storytelling grew stronger as I got older. I adored Disney animations and American movies, and I was captivated by the artistry behind them. I would watch my favorite Disney films on VHS after school, pausing frame by frame to study the animation techniques. Meanwhile, live-action films, especially those directed by Steven Spielberg, sparked my fascination with composition, camera work, and the visual storytelling power of film.

When I was 11 years old, I visited Hollywood, where I saw firsthand how movies and TV shows were created. I was amazed by the scale of creativity and innovation I witnessed—it was more than art; it was a thriving industry. That experience filled me with excitement, and I knew I wanted my future to be connected to this world of creativity.

I even remember giving a graduation speech in elementary school where I announced my dream of becoming a filmmaker like Spielberg. Through middle school and high school, I immersed myself in drawing, stop-motion animation, and claymation, always striving to tell stories visually.

By high school, I began receiving commissions for my art. One pivotal moment was when a detailed drawing of my pet hamster won an award in a publisher’s contest. Encouraged by their feedback, I focused on creating more animal portraits. That experience of connecting with others through my work—and being recognized for it—solidified my determination to pursue art as a profession.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My approach to art is rooted in adaptability and collaboration. Since my parents did not allow me to attend art or film school, I studied American film business and digital media in college. However, during that time and even after entering the workforce, my creative passion never faded. This was because I always had clients in some way.

I’ve worked closely with clients to meet their unique requests, which has broadened my skill set significantly over time. Today, I’m known for my versatility, whether it’s creating custom portraits, designing characters, or crafting intricate Japanese motifs.

Over the years, I’ve worked with acrylics, watercolors, pencils, colored pencils, mixed media, character design, animal portraits, human portraits, Japanese-style art, floral compositions, and large abstract paintings designed for interiors. Recently, I’ve focused heavily on creating Japanese-style paintings, floral works, and pet portraits, which have resonated deeply with my audience.

In the past few years, I’ve participated in approximately 25 solo and group exhibitions across central New Jersey. In fact, for nearly half of each year, my artwork is displayed somewhere, inviting people to experience my work in person. I’m also a member of Princeton Makes, a local artist co-op where visitors can purchase my original paintings, prints, and other art-related products. One of my popular offerings there includes art inspired by the black squirrels frequently seen on the Princeton University campus, which are a beloved symbol in the local community. Connecting with the preferences of local audiences has been one of the most important aspects of my practice.

In my earlier years, I honed my skills in precise pencil and colored pencil drawings, commercial-style pen illustrations, and poster-color artworks. By the mid-2000s, encouraged by a friend, I embraced digital art using a pen tablet and a computer, which opened up opportunities in character design, comic book backgrounds, and illustration. It was also during this period that I became active in photography, submitting my work to contests and expanding my creative network. Digital technology connected me with artists worldwide, and I had the incredible fortune of having my work featured in exhibitions by creators I admired, even from afar.

In 2011, I moved to the United States and experienced several significant life events, including studying abroad, getting married, and starting a family. Although those years were a time of transition, I still managed to create and got some awards for comic-related pieces during my time in Cincinnati.

Since relocating to Princeton in 2016, I’ve found stability and a renewed focus on my art career more. I now plan exhibitions to debut new series and hold myself to creative deadlines.

When I take on a commissioned piece—whether it’s a pet portrait, a floral painting, or an abstract composition—deep communication with the client is essential. For example, in the case of a pet portrait, I love hearing about the memories shared with the pet, their personality, how you met, and even the circumstances of their passing. These stories help me build a personal connection with the animal, even if I’ve never met them. Understanding how much they were loved allows me to approach the work with genuine care and respect. This connection informs every step of the process—from initial sketches and studies to the final strokes on the canvas.

My ultimate goal is to deliver artwork that evokes deep emotion and becomes a cherished memory for years to come. Achieving this requires me to imagine the bond between the pet and their owner and to approach the work with the utmost respect and sensitivity.

Pet portraits are an intimate commission because they involve the deep love an owner has for their pet, often touching on very private aspects of their lives. Similarly, with abstract commissions, I consider details like the room’s décor, the interior color palette, the overall theme of the home, and the homeowner’s aspirations.

When my work is sold in galleries, I imagine the moment when someone sees the piece and instantly feels drawn to it. I consider what elements—the colors, the composition, the shapes, or even the title—might resonate with potential buyers. I believe that every piece of art should be thoughtfully crafted to connect with its intended audience, whether it’s a commissioned piece or a gallery work that finds its home in a collector’s space.

For me, becoming a professional artist was not a sudden decision or a result of formal training. Instead, it was a gradual process of self-teaching, constantly mastering new skills, and striving to achieve specific goals. From childhood to this very day, I have always looked up to particular artists and works, setting them as my benchmarks. My approach has been one of a craftsman, tackling each technical challenge step by step to fulfill the unique requests of my clients.

After moving to the United States, I began to realize—thanks to encouragement from other artists and clients—that my Japanese heritage was a unique strength. It’s an inseparable part of my identity, both in spirit and in form. Growing up in Japan, I absorbed the traditions of Japanese art and its use of color as a natural part of life. Rediscovering and reinterpreting these elements after moving here has been an unexpected source of joy and inspiration. My works featuring Japanese motifs, such as traditional flowers or characters rendered in ukiyo-e-inspired styles, often stand out due to their rarity and the distinctive cultural context they carry.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

One of my long-standing dreams has been to work in the American film industry, utilizing my skills in painting and drawing. That’ll be more than fun. It would be incredible to make that a reality.

Now, nearly 30 years after accepting my first commissioned work as a high school student, I finally feel I have the inner clarity to ask myself deeper questions: What is my style or theme? What are the lessons from my life that I want to distill into my art? What do I want to show the world, and how can I best communicate it through my work? This newfound perspective has allowed me to focus more on expressing my vision and the essence of what I’ve learned through my journey.

The word “artist” might sound glamorous or even dazzling at a glance, but the path to becoming one is often long, challenging, and deeply humbling. Many give up along the way, unable to achieve the “success” they imagined, or even coming to resent the effort they once poured into their craft. I remember a close friend of mine, a renowned comic book artist, once telling me, “Kyoko, don’t be an artist. It’s too hard.” And yet, I’ve chosen this path. Perhaps it takes someone stubborn enough to ignore even the most well-meaning advice to persevere in this field.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Creating art is also a source of healing for me. Since I was young, I have never once felt like I didn’t want to draw or hated drawing. If I cannot draw or paint, that makes me crazy.

I’ve been fortunate to find something I love and can fully immerse myself in from a young age, and I’m grateful to have been able to continue doing it all these years especially in the U.S..

Many people go through life trying various hobbies, academics or jobs without finding something they truly connect with, but I’ve always had art. I consider myself truly blessed to live such a fulfilling life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oekaki-princeton.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oekakiprinceton/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OekakiPrinceton
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyoko-bartley-68090219b/
• Twitter: https://x.com/OekakiPrinceton
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KyokoBartleyArt
• Other: Podcast “Kyoko Bartley: Art for Sale Vs. Art for the Heart” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kyoko-bartley-art-for-sale-vs-art-for-the-heart/id1658367284?i=1000679895657