Inspiro girl: Kumako

Not only do I crush on all things Japanese, not only do I LOVE illustrations, I also crush on all things cute, because let’s face it, it would be rude not to, right?

So, imagine my excitement when I discovered Kumako.

Oh-so-pretty, muchos Japanese influenced illo’s - they’re the stuff of kawaii dreams!

Illo-girl Bea will soon become your new favourite lady - she’s fabulous AND she gives us a super-secret guide to HER cool haunts in Japan - see? You love her already right?

Describe the lady behind Kumako in 5 words…
Most people see me as: Playful, hard-working, loyal, friendly, PINK! I think I can agree to it!

What is it you do exactly?
I do illustration work on a freelance basis since 2001, but I also been modelling on and off since I was 14.
Besides this I recently started an online select shop selling nice goodies to Japan with my darling*babylove. So recently I’m busier than ever. But since I’m only doing things I love it’s not wearing me out.

Tell us all about Kumako, what is it? What’s with the name? When did you start?
Kumako is a nickname I got in Japan.

Whenever I introduced myself as BEA they all got it wrong and it came out as “BEAR”! I got used to it after a while and started using it as an artistname in 2004 because I wanted to have something cute, personal and easy to remember for the “TOKYO STYLE IN STOCKHOLM” event.

Kumako is my alter-ego. I may not be as cute as I drew her but she has my old hair-do, loooong black hair with a fringe and bangs inspired by the Japanese women during the Heian Era. You can find out more at www.kumako.se

How did you discover your talent for all things arty?
I’ve been doodling since I was 3 or so but I never went to any art-schools or have any fancy diplomas.
I just do what I love and hope that others will like it too!

What or who inspires your creations?
Dreams, my cat, eating cotton candy.
I get most of my inspiration just before falling asleep so I always keep a notebook next to the bed. Sometimes I get over-excited and stay up and draw until I’m finished completely.

Can you describe the design process please? Do you draw them freehand first or is it all on ‘puter?
I draw everything freehand and then I work in illustrator and photoshop with outlines and colouring. I have made a few sketches directly into the comp sometimes but I prefer to do it with a pen!

Tell us about your work space - do you work from home? DO you have a specific space where you create?
I travel alot so I work anywhere I can. But yes, I mainly work from home.
Kumako the character was created in a hotel lobby though, waiting to check in!

What’s a typical day in the life of Bea?
Right now I’m also running an online select shop to Japan (only in Japanese) so I wake up around 9-10, check email and orders, start packing and have it sent out. After that I’m free to do my own things. Mainly doodling, eating chocolate, drinking strawberry-milk, taking a book-break and in the evening me and my hubbie*darling cook together and usually end the day with a movie. The weekend I try to get out and enjoy shopping, sunshine and yummy food. I love sleeping in, so everytime I get the chance I sleep way past noon. There’s something about sleeping while being kissed by sunshine.

You live in Tokyo - we heart Tokyo - what do you love most about it and what would you recommend we visit?
It’s safe, clean and people at least try to be nice to you even though they don’t feel like it. The service is amazing! The standard of food is also AMAZING! People always say that Tokyo seems so expensive but that’s not true. I’ve been living a full year in London now and you can’t even compare!!! You can get away a lot cheaper in Tokyo with all sorts of things.

Recommended places… once again too many to name but you shouldn’t miss having a date on “ODAIBA“, catching a movie at the virgin cinemas and shopping in Roppongi Hills, and doing cosplay (dress up in various costume mainly anime/manga themed) while singing karaoke in KANDA! There’s also a karaoke place located near Roppongi Station which has a pool inside one of the rooms! I think it was called Lovenet Karaoke! But make sure to book in advance because it’s very popular. I also love the lounge up in Hotel Park Hyatt!! The view is super!
For the sightseeing I would recommend classics such as a Mt. Fuji, Meiji Shrine, Asakusa market and the countless hotsprings in Hakone just outside Tokyo. For the ones who don’t make it to Hakone I can recommend the spa “Oedo Onsen Monogatari” near Odaiba.

Do you have a style bible/mag/book you love?
ummm… I try not to get too influence by media.
I KNOW what I like and I don’t need anyone telling me what I should wear or like at the moment. But I do enjoy scanning around mags when I’m at the hairdresser etc.

Colour: rainbow and baby-pink
Food: sushi! Faves are akagai, uni, oo-toro
Place: Tokyo & Paris! And hometown Stockholm in the summer! I also loooooooooove Hawaii!!!! I’m planning to retire there!
Book: LotR, Harry Potter (the fave of the 7 is “the half-blood prince”), Memoirs of a Geisha is beautifully written too.
I also enjoyed Dante’s Divine Comedy and Bulgakov’s “The Master and Margarita”.
I always loved reading and recently I’m back on track with it. “Making time” to take a break and read a good book is more important than you can imagine.
Movie: I watch almost around 5 movies a week so it’s impossible to name only one… so instead I name a few!
The old Star Wars trilogy + episode III, Nausicaa, Lonesome Cowboys, Garden State, Marie Antoinette, BABEL, Lost in Translation, two sisters, the little mermaid, all David Lynch movies! Ahh, the list will just go on and on if I don’t stop here.
What’s next in the life of illo-girl Bea?
I am still in the middle of drawing my Kumako-manga, and I hope that after it’s released I will go into merchandising Kumako! I’d like to do a “Hello Kitty”, making all sorts of merchandise etc and promoting her. More near future things coming up is a two page spread called “stay cute with Kumako” every month in a Swedish/Japanese magazine called “Shoujo Star”. First issue out later this month(September 28th or so)! Keep your eyes peeled if you live in Sweden! I

What’s your advice for wannabee-illo-girls?
Work hard, never give up and NEVER copy anyone else’s work!

Finally, the colour pink. Discuss.
A colour that fills me with happiness, weirdly enough, almost giving me a tickle in my cheeks.
Pink candy usually tastes yummy yum.
The only colour I would consider drinking if I had to choose!

I luv most shades of pink although I mainly end up choosing baby-pink.

Visit Kumako at the super cute website: www.kumako.se or go friend her over at www.myspace.com/kumakofamily