We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keiko Nabila Yamazaki. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keiko below.

Keiko, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Since I was small, my dad never failed to bring me “omiyage” from his travels to Japan—snacks, cooking ingredients, cards, fabric, clothing, books, toys. All packaged beautifully. Design was in everything! They put a lot of thought on the packaging and the item itself. I believe this was the seed that sparked my interest in art. Thankfully, my dad has always been supportive of my interests as I grew up, allowing me the freedom to explore and decide what I wanted to pursue in life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an illustrator and surface designer, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have a job that brings joy to people’s lives. Creating playful and colorful artwork allows me to express myself and share my perspective on the world. However, my journey as an artist hasn’t been easy. After graduating high school in 2013, I moved to New York for university, all the way from Indonesia, feeling uncertain about how to establish myself in this new environment. Fortunately, I’ve met many people along the way who have supported me and helped me get to where I am today. As an artist, I strive to make my work accessible, which is why I’ve started creating products featuring my artwork, in addition to focusing on paintings or gallery work. I absolutely love what I do!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being an artist is honestly not easy, as you have to handle everything that’s non-artistic too. You must be your own boss, finding a balance between what’s best for your career and what you want to do. You’re also your own bookkeeper, managing finances, and a social media person, responsible for posting your work and getting it out there. It’s a lot of work, and it can feel lonely at times. Despite the challenges, I truly love what I do, and it brings me happiness. The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to express who I am through my art. I have the opportunity to pursue my passion, share my work with others, and create art that holds meaning for me. When people tell me that my work makes them happy, it makes it all the hard work worth doing!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I hope my work will be remembered and bring a smile to someone’s face long after I’m gone. While it may not end up in fancy museums, I wish that someone 100-200 years from now will stumble upon it and find joy in its silliness, just like discovering treasures from the past. I want to be an inspiration to someone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.knyamazaki.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/knyamazakillustration