Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Inagaki. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I am very happy! I know what it’s like to have a regular job since I’ve been working since I was 16 and had multiple jobs during college and grad school to make ends meet. So I’m definitely happier being my own boss, being able to make and manage my own schedule, and run errands when there is no traffic! I have my schedules planned out months in advance so I’m prepped in time for my upcoming conventions and art shows.
Stephanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve always been creative and involved in the arts since I was a kid but my creativity was also split between dance, music, and visual arts. When I decided what to do for college, I connected most with visual art and got my BFA from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts and my MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. While I was in grad school I apprenticed with Deana Fukatsu of OctopusMe Jewelry and learned how to silversmith. She encouraged me to start my own jewelry business on top of my fine art career. It took many years, all kinds of part time jobs, support from my friends, family, and colleagues until I could go full time, so it is something I am proud of. It’s still not easy and continues to be a lot of work because the income isn’t steady, but I do greatly enjoy it.
My jewelry is distinct in that I carve mostly everything in wax first and are my original designs, with a twist of the macabre. And my fine art drawings are inspired by the fairytales and folklore of my Japanese heritage where I explore the cyclical nature of life and death, the masks we wear for ourselves and others, and the ways love and loss inspire our own transformations through anthropomorphic creatures represented through animals like foxes, crows, snakes, and cats.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I knew that a creative career wouldn’t be easy but on top of it I’ve had to experience the loss of loved ones, illness, and grief, but I’ve been able to channel and synthesize it into my work. And in turn I’ve had clients express to me that my work, whether if it’s my fine art and/or jewelry, that it is something healing for them as well. I am greatly humbled by this.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In this current world where social media reigns, there is still relevance in engaging in social media posts of creatives that you love by commenting, favoriting, sharing, etc since many of us still do get much of our work via social media. Attending shows we vend at or art shows we are showing at, and sharing those events whether through social media or inviting your friends and family helps too. Shopping for gifts from small and local businesses by either going to their storefronts or local fairs and marketplaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stephanieinagaki.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieinagaki/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.inagaki/
Image Credits
Photographers: Allan Amato, Tas Limur MUA: Erin Nakashima Model: Jessica Dru Hair: Jill Fogel Dresses: Jessica Dru and Ver Mar