Case 03_ Illustrator With CAF
They are easy to put on and take off, and allow me to relax and do my work in the office.PROFILE
Born in Wakayama Prefecture in 1991. He is an illustrator and graphic designer who draws with a POP touch and a unique atmosphere while being influenced by fashion and music culture. In 2019, he launched the art magazine "MUEEN".
810s CAF ¥4,500+TAX
What kind of media do you mainly provide illustrations for?
Yamamoto:I design flyers for events, CD jackets and goods for artists, and I also draw patterns for fabrics as a textile designer. I also design product packaging and zines.
A number of works painted by Mr. Yamamoto. If you look closely, you can see that the clothes worn by the figures all have patterns painted on them. The use of light colors is also a characteristic of Yamamoto's work.
You often use pastel colors.
Yamamoto:There is a French painter named Georges Barbier, and he is a big influence on my work. The combination of colors is very unique, and the patterns on the people's clothes are very nice.
What is important to you when drawing illustrations?
Yamamoto:I like to create textiles, so I try to incorporate patterns into my illustrations. For example, I draw in motifs in my paintings, such as the clothes of people like Georges Barbier. I think that's where I find my own personality.
What kind of place do you do the work?
Yamamoto:Basically, I do it at home. I am quick to want to take off my shoes (laughs).
Why do you want to take off your clothes?
Yamamoto:Because I want to feel a sense of openness, or rather, relaxation.
She told us that she "basically works at home," but on this day she was working in a shared office. Since they are sabot-type shoes, the hold is thin, and they are also very relaxing to wear.
Do you have anything in mind when choosing shoes?
Yamamoto:As for clothes, I basically only wear what I like. I am always particular about the colors I use, and today I went with a pinkish color. I try to choose shoes that are as simple as possible, because many of my outfits have a strong impact, and these shoes have no unnecessary designs, so they are very easy to match.
Mr. Yamamoto is currently wearing a model called "CAF," which is a cuff-type shoe that does not hold the calf in place. So it is almost like not wearing shoes at all.
Yamamoto:They are very comfortable. These shoes are easy to put on and take off, and it is nice and easy to work in such places. It is also easy to move when I squat.
Yamamoto is an illustrator and also works at "Tokyo Culture by BEAMS". She is surrounded by art every day of her life.
They are an adaptation of shoes originally made for the kitchen, with an upper material that is slip-resistant and easy to clean.
Yamamoto:I used to work part-time at a sushi restaurant once upon a time, and these shoes are similar to the shoes I wore there. But the design is very simple and easy to use in everyday life. I sometimes work at a bar called "Bonobo" in Harajuku, and I think they will come in handy there as well.
What are your goals as an illustrator?
Yamamoto:While I have been active mainly in illustration and design, this year, for the first time, I made ceramics and participated in an exhibition, created a magazine, did styling and direction, and created opportunities to do many other things besides illustration. Drawing pictures will always be my foundation, but I would like to do various kinds of work without being restricted by that.
810s CAF
CAF" is based on kitchen shoes used in kitchens and food factories. The shoes have a multi-stopper sole that is resistant to slippery floor surfaces, and the upper is made of a water- and stain-resistant material, making them easy to care for. The sabot-type design is ideal for everyday use as well as for camping and other activities.
¥4,500+TAX
