"It was fun, because simply, people liked and enjoyed my drawings. This idea of being "thanked" and putting smile on people's face lie as a foundation to define my happiness, or a good deed."

Surely, making big deals on property contracts and selling products on media monitoring were somewhat "thanked" by the clients. But they didn't quite fit into her definition of good deeds.

"When I was working for companies and selling their products, I've encountered several occasions where I can't do anything to help the clients because of a company's policy or regulation. No matter how much more I wanted help, there was a strict limitation to it. Say, if I were selling my own products, I can make my own initiatives to accommodate people's needs."

In September 2009, after years of intensive corporate life, Yoko left a company (with a great selling record) to take hiatus. After sitting down, taking things easy for a while, the fun time she had with her illustration works flashed back.

"Ever since when I was small, I've been loving drawing. But I've never thought about making money out of it. But now, I can bet on my skills and enthusiasm to be thanked and support myself."

This is the moment when her idea of hospitality and originality converged.



Currently, Yoko is working as a freelance illustrator, drawing pieces for various clients. She is planning to exhibit and sell her works at upcoming Design Festa Vol. 31.

"Though I studied architecture in an university, I've pretty much self-taught how to draw. Some people say the way I draw is not "typical", but I consider my style as an originality."

Yoko smiled.




Yoko's blog is here. (The blog is written in Japanese, but other illustration works are viewable.)

If you wish to contact Yoko for project opportunities, please contact via EDGY JAPAN.