MAM
KDY 2016: Celeb illustrator Yuko’s 10 ways to stay ahead of the curve
JAIPUR: Finding the right balance between passion for art and client expectation has been a perpetual struggle in the design and illustration industry. Artists and illustrators often hesitate to aim big due to lack of exposure or self doubts to perform in the market. But not Yuko Shimizu.
A celebrated illustrator, Shimizu is well aware of all these aspects having been there and done that. Thus, while addressing the young creative minds at Kyoorius Designyatra 2016, she did away with the ‘this is my work’- type of presentation. Instead, she shared ten tenets that she learned from her own experiences, which could help young illustrators meet international standards.
Her answer to the theme, ‘Why Am I Here’, was ‘to influence at least one person to chase his/her passion as an illustrator.’ Enumerated here are her 10 gems:
1. Take at least one small risk everyday: Warning illustrators from being complacent and taking the comfortable route of sticking to the tried and tested style, Shimizu encourages them to try one new thing each day to keep the work refreshing. Don’t overdo it by making a sudden drastic change in how you work because that may upset your work flow. An inch at a time is good enough.
2. Clients love photography way more than illustrations: It’s a reality and Shimizu’s advice is to admit it and then deal with it. How? Come up with ideas that cannot be replicated in a photograph. Unlike a photograph, the only thing holding back an illustration is the artist’s imagination.
3. Have high ambitions, work harder for it: Shimizu isn’t an advocate for mediocrity. She believes there is no harm in dreaming big, provided one has the diligence to back it.
4. Learn to say no: Don’t take a project that will take your sleep away, and I don’t mean all nighters, Shimizu says, adding that every illustrator stands for something, and shouldn’t compromise with what they strongly feel about despite monetary considerations. It is okay to say no. Shimizu, however, understands that sometimes artists have to take hard calls to pay their bills and work for what they love.
5. It is okay to turn down a job: Resonating what she mentioned before, Shimizu opines that turning down a client for the lack of time or otherwise shouldn’t trouble an illustrator as there is always another artist to take up that job.
6. Help others, especially new comers: Shimizu strongly believes that for the illustrator community to function and thrive, everyone has to be supportive of each other. “If there is a work you cannot commit to, don’t hesitate to recommend others. And those who have made a name for themselves can look out for the new emerging illustrators by references,” she advises.
7. A project isn’t successful until the client thinks so: Shimizu asks young professionals to bear in mind that their personal verdict on a piece of work isn’t valid as ultimately it should satisfy the client whose ideas they need to bring to life through art.
8. Once you commit, give your 100 per cent to finish the task: While Shimizu gives enough leeway to illustrators to back away from a project, once someone commits to an assignment, there is no turning back. No matter how complicated the process is, delivering work on time should be the artist’s prerogative.
9. Some things are more important than money: Shimizu encourages working for non-for-profit organisations because sometimes it adds more value to one’s work than what a client may pay. What’s more, when there is no money involved, illustrators can give their creativity a free run.
10. Put your anger to work: Working as an artist can be a gruelling and complicated experience. There is enough reason to get angry or feeling strongly about something. “If bitching to your friends and family doesn’t help you get over an issue, channelize it to your work,” she advises.
MAM
JBCN Education appoints The Other Circle for PR mandate
Mumbai agency to lead communications for progressive K–12 group.
MUMBAI: JBCN Education just circled in a fresh voice because when your classrooms already think outside the box, the next logical step is to get the story out of the classroom. JBCN Education has appointed Mumbai-based communications agency The Other Circle (TOC) to handle its public relations and strategic communications mandate. The partnership aims to amplify the institution’s distinctive Educreative philosophy, which blends rigorous academics with experiential learning, creativity and values-led development.
TOC will shape JBCN’s narrative through educator-led thought leadership, media engagement and strategic storytelling, fostering deeper conversations with parents, educators and the academic community on modern, meaningful learning.
JBCN Education, senior vice president for marketing Nikhil Sharma said, “Every institution has a unique narrative, one filled with innovative learning, passionate faculty, and the next generation of Changemakers. The Other Circle’s strategic approach and deep familiarity with the education sector make them the right partner to strengthen our brand presence and forge meaningful connections.”
The Other Circle Group of Companies co-founder & CEO Aakanksha Gupta added, “The best communications work happens when the story is already true—you just have to find the right way to tell it. JBCN Education represents a powerful shift in how learning is imagined and delivered in India, and that story is rich: a philosophy that’s lived in the classroom, educators who believe in it, and outcomes that speak for themselves.”
The appointment marks a new phase for JBCN as it seeks to lead national conversations around progressive education, inquiry-based learning and preparing students for an interconnected world.
In an education landscape where the real competition isn’t marks but mindset, JBCN isn’t just teaching kids, it’s teaching the country what forward-thinking learning can look like, and now it’s got a voice loud enough to make sure everyone hears it.
