Toronto Craft Alert

Miki Sato is a Toronto-based illustrator who uses a mixed media approach to creating her designs. You may have recently seen her work in our inaugural craftoon feature (or take a look here). In this interview with Amy Borkwood, Miki discusses a bit about her process and creative inspirations.

Can you tell me a bit about the process of your work?  How does your work come together, from initial idea to finished piece?

The ideas usually come to me when I let my mind wander, or while thinking of subject matter or situations that would be interesting to illustrate. After doing a rough sketch, I then think about what material I want to use for each section of the illustration, and the colour scheme. I dilute acrylic paints with a lot of water, and sort of “dye” fabrics and papers to the colour I want (this step sometimes takes a few tries). As for cutting the different parts, I use tracing paper. I trace out each part and tape them onto the backs of the different materials and use them as a guideline for cutting. I’m hoping to get a light box sometime in the future because it would really speed things up. From there, I put the many pieces in place using clear, acrylic gel medium. I’m actually in the process of making time lapsed videos of myself working on illustrations from start to finish, and I also do live streams sporadically (which is pretty much the time lapsed videos in real time). Here and here are the links if you’re interested.

What draws you to working with so many different mediums: fabric and paper, ink and thread (and more)?

I’m actually not sure where I first decided to try my hand at doing layered things. I think experimenting for school projects made me realize how fun and interesting it was. In a way, it can be limiting and hard to illustrate particular things, but I’m up for a challenge to try and figure out how to make it work. Sometimes I find myself wanting to go back to regular painting and drawing, but in the end I always go back to this mixed media technique.

When did you first become interested in art-making?  What was your early work like?

I really liked drawings and thinking up things to make since I was pretty young, so I think what I’m doing now is a natural progression. My very early work was pretty different from what I’m doing now, and it was heavily influenced by Japanese animation and comics. I guess it might still be visible in how I draw certain things, but probably not as much. I was actually considering going into animation or special effects for movies before deciding to take my chances at illustration.

You went to OCAD for illustration.  What was your art school experience like?

My experience was pretty positive. I learned a lot about concept building, composition, and style, but also the business aspect of illustration. My classmates were talented, my professors were great, and I really liked the environment that OCAD provided. I already miss going to classes there, even though it’s only been half a year since I graduated.

On your Flickr I noticed your recent trip pictures from Japan.  Did that trip influence your work in any way?  Were you able to pick up any textiles/papers while in Japan?

When I was young I took frequent trips to Japan because all of my relatives live there, but it had actually been two or three years since I last went back. I still remember these beautiful landscapes I saw when I was younger, and I think that has a lasting influence on me. For this trip I went to many tourist locations and to more secluded and nature-filled places, so it sort of reignited that influence. I didn’t really do much shopping for papers or textiles, but I went to a lot of bookstores and had to hold myself back from buying too much. My luggage got significantly heavier for the way back!

Which artists/makers are you interested in and influenced by? Do you have any favourite local artists or artisans?

There are too many to pick! Of course, Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli films really influenced me when I was growing up, and I still am a pretty hardcore fan. As for Torontonian illustrators, I love a lot of my classmates’ work, which can be found on a student-run website listing them all and the works by Yuta Onoda. I also enjoy Jared Andrew Schorr’s  whimsical, paper cutting illustrations.

Are you working on any new projects right now?  What are your art-making plans for the near future?

Right now I’m working on a few things. Aside from the time lapsed videos and live streaming, I’m also working on some smaller illustrations to eventually sell in my store, and possibly putting together a small compilation book of black and white line drawings. And of course, more crafty things like brooches and magnets.