We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ryota Nishiyama a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ryota, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?
I always feel misunderstood when people think I’m “a dancer” just because that’s what I started doing as a creative. And my brand PIBE is not “a clothing brand” just because I design clothes.
I am an artist who express honest feelings through many different forms, and PIBE is a lifestyle brand that allows me to do so. I’m spreading the brand so that more people can live in their own way without being categorized or misunderstood. It is about Playing It By Ear to follow your own uniqueness.
Ryota, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Interview
I started dancing when I was little with my love of performing. I left Japan to the States when I was 15 to study English and entertainment. I moved to LA when I was 21, and I had so much great opportunities to learn from the greats, including Travis Payne, Stacy Walker, Rino Nakasone, LaVelle Smith Jr., Rich and Tone, and Marty Kudelka, just to name a few.
But when Covid hit, I realized that I had so many interests to do more including designing clothes, taking photos, writing poems, making zines, and organizing events. Then I started this brand called PIBE so that I can do everything I want to do under the brand.
Summer of 2022, I decided to do a pop up store in middle of DTLA, outside on the street. T shirts, hats, socks, and stickers were prepared in a small place I made. That was one of the best decisions I’ve made. That led me to do multiple group pop ups, pop up in a cafe, and even a 20 minute runway show. It connected me with so many beautiful souls.
After organizing the event, I moved to NY from LA. I wanted to see how many more beautiful souls I can connect through the brand in a different place. After not too long, I was lucky enough to find 2 stores called LAAMS and Printed Matters Inc. to carry my stuff.
Now I’m back in Japan after total 8 years of journey in the States. I’m so thrilled to connect and express through the brand. I have an amazing opportunity coming up beginning of next year. I’m super blessed and grateful for the life I have that I can play it by ear and create.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I believe we can help and support all the amazing artists by sharing the thoughts and giving them feedbacks. Even if you have no money to purchase the art, you can still tell them that you enjoy what they do and share it on your Instagram FOR FREE. Small kind words can literally save someone’s soul. Just tell them if you enjoy what they do.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal of the brand is to reduce the loneliness. It sounds huge, but I know that’s possible. If a random person compliments the shirt I made you’re wearing, you might feel seen and not lonely. I want to make connections with people and the world through my artworks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pibeofcl.com
- Instagram: @pibeofcl
Image Credits
Paola Vaast, Emi Muto, Amber Edward’s, ああ中村, Rin Kuwana, Nina Carlz