We were lucky to catch up with Kimiko Shiro recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kimiko, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
I was lucky enough to have parents who have worked in Graphic Design and in Advertising for over 30 years. Having parents in creative fields has always allowed me access to an abundant amount of materials. They allowed me to use any materials and try all my ideas without question. It taught me that I can have ideas that I can work out from beginning to end. Their support enabled me to create and chase any idea, no matter how ambitious it seemed.
There was one year, while I was a full-time student in college, that I decided to do the 365-day challenge. I drew an illustration every day throughout the year 2016. My parents never questioned it. They heard my goal, and without any judgment, they gave me the space to work, even when we spent time with my cousins for holiday weekends. When other kids were spending time on their phones, my mom defended me for being engrossed in my sketchbook. They gave me the space to accomplish a goal I had set for myself. Such a simple and quiet act of support. Their guidance throughout my entire childhood shaped me into the person who believes I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I think confidence and determination are traits I learned from them.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am an independent artist and freelancer. I’ve worked as an illustrator, a plein air painter, a ceramist, a jewelry production employee, an animator, and a photographer, to name a few. I pride myself on my ability to learn different crafts. Because of my diverse repertoire, I can find a creative and holistic solution to most projects.
As an artist and a creator, I really value sustainability and awareness. I do my best to highlight ideas around the native environments and culture. I use my experience to highlight both the beauty and the criticism of different spaces, in the hope of inspiring people to appreciate some of the parts of life that may be overlooked or ignored.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I am an independent artist and freelancer. I’ve worked as an illustrator, a plein air painter, a ceramist, a jewelry production employee, an animator, and a photographer, to name a few. I pride myself on my ability to learn different crafts. Because of my diverse repertoire, I can find a creative and holistic solution to most projects.
As an artist and a creator, I really value sustainability and awareness. I do my best to highlight ideas around the native environments and culture. I use my experience to highlight both the beauty and the criticism of different spaces, in the hope of inspiring people to appreciate some of the parts of life that may be overlooked or ignored
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I cannot understate how much value there is to going outside and being in public spaces. I am lucky enough to work with mediums that allow and thrive on portability. I have gotten many opportunities from passersby who enjoyed and or appreciated my work. It is so important to be able to talk about yourself and your work because you will never know what connections you may make. It is important to understand who your target audience and community are. I try to go to events or areas that are filled with the communities I want to reach.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kimikoshiro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanukimi.s/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiko-shiro-2546b5104/
Image Credits
Kimiko Shiro and Traci Shiro