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

Alright, Lynn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I wouldn’t be where I am – without my parents support throughout the years, but especially when I was young. My parents always supported my artistic endeavors, by providing me with tools to learn about art, and provided me with the best art education. One of my fondest memories was going to the art museum with my Dad. We would spend hours looking and talking about art, and it gave me a great foundation to build my art appreciation on.

Although my Mom wanted me to be a nurse for living, as there would always be a need for a nurse – and a steady paycheck – she supported my artistic work knowing that it was in my soul and with my family ingrained work ethic, she knew that I would do whatever it took to be a success.

Also, as I have a fear of blood – being a nurse wasn’t in my cards!!

I was blessed by having parents who understood that art was in my DNA, and supported me unconditionally.

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

I went to college at Parsons School of Design with a double major in Illustration and Design, graduating with Honors. I was very fortunate to be an illustrator and designer for many years, running my own business – Lynn Tanaka Design. I created illustrations and design for everyone from Nike to Estee’ Lauder, and it was a dream come true to have people pay me to draw and paint for a living! My style was very graphic, in-your-face with strong black line work, bright colors and intricate pattern work.

One of my work ethic modes – was never missing a deadline. And one of my proudest moments was completing an illustration job for Nike that was approved when I was giving birth to my daugher, and then spending the next week nursing with one hand and drawing with another to meet the deadline! I wasn’t going to let a little pregnancy and birth make me miss a deadline!

After many years of being a commercial artist, I decided that I wanted to be fine artist when I grew up, so I have been pursing my fine art work. It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to say with my fine art work, after being guided by clients in my commercial work. I credit my Dad with being my fine art compass. He sadly passed away and I went home to be with my Mom. When I was home I gathered some mementos of my Dad in a bento box – some found objects, small drawings and objects from nature. On the airplane ride home I opened the bento box in grief and realized that these were the elements that I wanted to assemble in my own artwork! So, I credit my Dad with helping me find my voice for my fine art work – an assemblage of found objects, drawing and objects from nature in a shadow box or bento box format. A true blessing.

My artwork is a constant evolution as I enjoy working in different mediums – from floral and home decor to container planting design to Ukrainian pysanky dyed eggs! During the COVID lockdown, I wanted to find a different way to express myself and a friend had sent me a picture of wrapped rocks. As a life long rock hound, I felt that this was a true mediative practice when wrapping the beloved rocks in bamboo caning. The Arto fo wrapping a rock is very mediative and contemplative. I harassed all my anxiety about COVID into the act of wrapping – taking a negative and turning it into a positive.

I’m very fortunate to be an artist as a means of expression. I’m at my happiest, just creating things – constantly! My motto is,”Busy hands are happy hands”!!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The Japanese have the word “Ikigai”, which means your “reason for being”. “Iki” in Japanese means life and “Gai” describes value or worth. Your ikigai is your life’s purpose or bliss. It’s what brings you joy and inspires you to get out of bed every dat. And although the struggles of being an artist can be challenging – it is also a true bless and a gift, that I’m eternally grateful for.

Being an artist and having an outlet to express myself, my views on life and what I’m feeling is imperative, and a great blessing. Every time I go into my studio, I approach it with wonder, curiosity and excitement, and with gratitude to have this amazing outlet of self-expression.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Many years ago, I was going through a divorce, and in an effort to have a steady paycheck and benefits, I stopped doing illustration and design full-time, and it became more of a side gig. I felt at the time that I needed financial stability as a single parent. I also didn’t enjoy creating art on the computer. And although I understand the value of the computer as a tool, I chose to not create illustrations digitally.

Although it was hard at first, I realized that it actually was a blessing for me and my growth. It opened me up to new experiences in art education, gardening, interior design/home decor, and my fine art journey.

There have been so many instances, where what I thought was negative experiences, actually turned into blessings and opened new roads to travel, that I had never contemplated! So, always being open to new experiences and staying curious, is key!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lynntanakadesign
• Facebook: LTD – Lynn Tanaka Design
• Linkedin: Lynn Tanaka
• Other: [email protected]