We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shoko Yanagisawa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shoko below.
Shoko, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I have worked on is the creation of a children’s book based on my personal life experiences. It all began with my quest for the meaning of life and the pursuit of true happiness. Despite my efforts, I found myself struggling to find contentment in my own life. It was during this journey that I came to a profound realization—I had never truly loved myself.
My quest for meaning took me to different countries, where I explored various philosophies and perspectives on life. Throughout my travels, I continually sought answers to the fundamental questions of why I was born into this world and how to live a genuinely happy life. Surprisingly, the answer I discovered was remarkably simple yet transformative: self-love is the bedrock of true happiness.
Reflecting on my own life, I recognized that the roots of my struggle with self-love were embedded in my childhood. This revelation sparked a powerful idea within me. If we could cultivate genuine self-love from a young age, we could potentially prevent individuals from growing up with emotional wounds and empower them to lead truly happy lives.
Motivated by this vision, I decided to translate my personal journey into a children’s book. The book would serve as a tool to instill the importance of self-love and acceptance in young minds. By sharing my own experiences and the lessons I learned along the way, I hoped to inspire children to embrace self-love as the foundation for a fulfilling and joyful existence.
My motivation for this project stems from my genuine desire for everyone to experience true happiness. I believe that if we can foster self-love in children, we can positively shape their lives and enable them to build a strong sense of self-worth from an early age. By doing so, we have the potential to create a world where individuals no longer carry deep-seated wounds and instead live authentically and happily.
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.
From a young age, I had a passion for expressing my emotions through art. As I grew up, my passion towards art gots bigger. So I studied art in Spain and moved to LA and grew my career in LA as an artist. I was mostly painting painting people. However, I yearned for a more direct means of sharing my message with others. This desire led me to embark on a new direction: creating children’s books.
Children’s books provide a unique platform for inspiration, allowing me to convey my message in a clear and direct manner. While my primary target audience is children, I believe that my books can resonate with adults as well. My ultimate goal is for everyone who reads my books to feel their impact and embark on a journey towards genuine happiness.
In addition to my children’s books, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Japanese bag brand “Tsuchiya Kaban.” Together, we created a school bag for children featuring my character, the “sheep with wings.”
What sets me apart from others is my unique approach to storytelling and the way I merge art with heartfelt messages. Through my books and collaborations, I aim to touch the hearts of readers and inspire them to embrace self-love and happiness. I believe that my work offers a genuine and authentic perspective on personal growth and emotional well-being.
I take immense pride in the positive impact my work has on individuals. Witnessing the transformative effects of my books and collaborations is a constant source of joy and fulfillment for me. I strive to create content that resonates deeply with my audience and provides them with tools and inspiration to live a more meaningful and joyful life.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my brand and work are driven by a sincere desire to make a difference. Through my children’s books and collaborations, I aim to create a ripple effect of positivity and self-love. I hope that my art and messages can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, guiding individuals towards a path of true happiness.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In my artistic journey, I faced rejections and setbacks while showcasing my paintings capturing human emotions. Instead of giving up, I embraced resilience. I refined my skills, and persevered. I started participating in group shows with talented artists and collaborated with companies. Along the way, I discovered my artistic voice and what I wanted to express. It was a long journey, but I never gave up and remained flexible. I worked as a designer and art director when needed, but I never stopped creating art.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As an artist or creative, the most rewarding aspect for me is the ability to express myself and evoke emotions in others. I find fulfillment in translating my thoughts and feelings into tangible forms, whether it’s through art, music, or writing. Creating something original and meaningful is deeply satisfying, and being able to move and inspire people, making their lives happier or lighter through my work, brings me great joy. The creative process itself is also incredibly gratifying, allowing for self-discovery, personal growth, and the exploration of new ideas. Overall, the rewarding nature of being an artist lies in self-expression, making an impact, and continuous personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shokoyanagisawa.com/
- Instagram: shokoyanagisawa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shokoyanagisawa22
Image Credits
Yoshi Miyazaki Martin Ma