Yuko Shimazu Yuko Shimazu Yuko Shimizu

Award winning Japanese illustrator based in New York City and instructor at School of Visual Arts.

August 13, 2004

Three weeks of Summer Pre-College Program at SVA went by so quickly and smoothly, thanks to the faculty team; Keith Mayerson (right), Gary Panter (left), Jonathon Rosen and Natalie Ascencios, guest speakers and all the friend artists who helped us make this happen. Also, thank you all the students who worked so hard and made this such a rewarding experience for us teachers. Hope we will see you again soon!In September a continuing education class: “How to Start Out in the Illustration World (Marketing 101 for Illustrators)” will begin. It is a 8 session class for those who are serious about becoming working illustrators. Please contact SVA for more info and bulletin.

SVA’s Student Survival Guide 2004-2005 is out now. I illustrated wrap around cover as well as 5 spread pages and 15 spots.It was fun, but also a big challenge with a lot of work. Toward the end of the project, I had severe tendinitis, and both of my arms were covered with patches. I am happy with the result, and I feel more confident in my drawing skills after this intensive drawing marathon.

The handbook will be given out free to all SVA students in September.

August 3, 2004

Used to work at The New Yorker’s art department and always extremely helpful, Maximilian Bode is now a full time freelance illustrator. Congratulations, Max!  I am jealous of his beautiful Modest Mouse (band of my obsession right now!) illo in this week’s New Yorker.  According to a Rolling Stone article, a song that changed Isaac Brock’s life was “Life Is Still Sweet” by White Hassle, which is the band lead by friend-illustrator-musician Marcellus Hall. What a small world we live in, eh?

July 23, 2004

I just found out that “NY Times Travel Section” cover illustration has gotten into Society of Publication Designers 39th Annual SPD Awards. Also illustrations from “Entertainment Weekly” and “The New Yorker” has been accepted to SPD SPOTS Competition.

July 19, 2004



1) Happy birthday to me…(July 15), but I was working from morning till night making set designs for yet another fashion photo shoots with Cleo Sullivan. The results can be seen in new “SHOP etc. Magazine” second issue, on newsstands October 1.

2) I talked about my illustration process on Polish design site Webesteem Magazine. I often get e-mails from fellow artists asking about my medium and process, so I was happy to work on this project showing my sketches and ideas as well as finals. It was fun working with you, Dorian. Also, Thank you Kai Kiuchi for taking my portrait.

June 20, 2004

Peter Hamlin of HAMBOT just sent me photos from DFN Gallery group show opening. Thanks Peter!If you haven’t checked out the show yet, please do visit. I promise it worth your time. I am not saying this because I am in the show, I am saying this because the show is goooood. Artist in the show include such well known fine artists as: Kojo Griffin, David Humphrey, Julie Heffernan, and also well known illustrators such as; Mark Ryden, Clayton Brothers and Ruth Marten.DFN Gallery 176 Franklin St New York, NY 10013

June 18, 2004

Probably the coolest thing about being an illustrator is that I get to draw things I never imagined. Every time I get a new assignment, I do research on things I don’t know much about, and feeling a bit smarter than the day before. This week, I had done research on Kung Fu, Pathfinder, Argentine Peso, and stand up comedy, to randomly name a few.

The highlight was to check out gay fashion/porn stores on 8th Avenue in Chelsea for Pride illustration. A bit hesitant to go by myself, my studio-mate’s guy friend came with me. In one store, clerk thought we were a couple, and tried so hard to sell us a $100 dilxx! What an experience… To view the illo, please pick up The Village Voice next Wed.

June 15, 2004

I had a wonderful time at Art Directors Club’s Annual Illustration Portfolio Review.

Marcos Chin and me at our table (left). With my new “fake brother” Shingo Shimizu at a sake bar (right). Those who are new to the field or working toward becoming an illustrator, make sure you check out the web site by Shawn Barber. His FAQ is just amazing! Also, don’t forget to visit Red Nose Studiosite.Thank you for a wonderful time, and see you all next year!
DATE
All