“Your brain cannot be stolen”: Yuko Shimizu on finding your artistic identity

Yuko Shimizu art
(Image credit: Yuko Shimizu)

Yuko Shimizu is a multi-award-winning illustrator with over 20 years in the industry. After leaving her job in PR in her early 30s, Yuko took the plunge to attend The School of Visual Arts (SVA), where she refined her childhood passion for illustration. Since graduating in 2003 with her MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay, Yuko has been teaching at the SVA, shaping the next generation of creatives.

At this year's OFFF Festival, I was lucky enough to sit down with Yuko to chat about her role as an educator. Together, we discussed her artistic journey, how the industry has developed across her career, and her advice for emerging artists.

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Natalie Fear
Staff Writer

Natalie Fear is Creative Bloq's staff writer. With an eye for trending topics and a passion for internet culture, she brings you the latest in art and design news. Natalie also runs Creative Bloq’s Day in the Life series, spotlighting diverse talent across the creative industries. Outside of work, she loves all things literature and music (although she’s partial to a spot of TikTok brain rot). 

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