Meet Japanese illustrator, 電Ｑ(DenQ).

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I produce works inspired by Japanese pop culture of the 80s and 90s. I collaborate with Japanese fashion brands and clients overseas. People mainly find my work via social networking sites.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Saitama is the land where I was born. A perfect city next to Tokyo.

I produce works inspired by Japanese pop culture of the 80s and 90s.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The good thing is that there are museums and galleries nearby. There are many art events in the neighboring city, Tokyo, which I like to visit often. I think that you can touch many genres of art just within a day trip.

There is not much dissatisfaction for me but summers here can get hot and harsh … I often get sick in the summer.

How did you start your career in art?

My career started when I submitted a contribution of a picture to an art magazine. When I saw them publish my work, I was very happy to see it. After that, I sent my work again and got the opportunity to have my work published several times. Recently, I often get work through social networking sites.

My career started when I submitted a contribution of a picture to an art magazine.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

I did not get much support from the people around me. Perhaps people think creative work is just about being stuck in a room. Actually, besides the creative work, I go out and do other work.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

To get to know more people from all over the world to hold solo exhibitions overseas. I would also like to do anime and game character design and collaborate with artists from different genres, such as singers and animators.

To get to know more people from all over the world to hold solo exhibitions overseas. I would also like to do anime and game character design and collaborate with artists from different genres, such as singers and animators.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

I would like to collaborate with MARVEL. I am a fan of the Marvel Comic Universe.

How would you describe the women around you?

I am inspired by many female artists from around the world on Instagram and Twitter.

I am inspired by many female artists from around the world on Instagram and Twitter.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

In the wide comic industry of Japan, ‘CLAMP‘ is a female comic artist group. I was amazed by their comics when I was a kid and soon became a fan. I learned about Copic (color marker) because of their illustrations. I started drawing earnestly after learning about them.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

I don’t think gender is very relevant.

Believe in your intuition and create without giving up.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Believe in your intuition and create without giving up. Even if you feel like you’ve ‘failed’, you can always complete the work without throwing it out. Go and experience various things. Even if you think it will not matter, there will come a time when it will be useful for your creation.

Photos courtesy of 電Ｑ(DenQ)