Yuko Shimazu Yuko Shimazu Yuko Shimizu

Award winning Japanese illustrator based in New York City and instructor at School of Visual Arts.

Venice Illustration Workshop Date Change!

We have decided to change the date because the original date fell on the peak tourist season which may cost a lot more for the participants to travel. And, we announced it late this year, which doesn’t give participants enough time to arrange the travel. Besides, the hottest season of Venice may be done by then (well, hopefully), and maybe my favorite enoteca is back open because Italian vacation season is over. (I always go there at least once for lunch with my students.) Also, for Americans, you can take advantage of the long Labor Day Weekend in Italy.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS YEAR’S WORKSHOP IS CANCELED – It’s Official!!: Come To Venice Illustration Course 2010

I am really excited to announce that illustration workshop in Venice, Italy is officially coming back this summer!It is a six day long workshop for illustrators and aspiring-to-be in any level, takes place in Venice, Italy. Yes, one of the most beautiful and magical cities in the world! And last two years I had been teaching, I just had a complete BLAST. So much fun.The Course is limited to about 15 students. I teach, advise and guide each student according to your level, interest and personality. It is a workshop with specific assignment(s), but there is also a lot of one-on-one personal advising.

I met some wonderful people over the past two years, but what was even better was that a lot of the students found friendship that would most probably last for a long time.

If you are interested, please read the details on the organizer Teatrio’s website and contact them for enrollment and questions.

You can also learn about last year’s workshop, and see the students’ fantastic works and photos on my blog. There are some comments from the happy students, so please check that out as well.

I hope to have another memorable summer, with you!, in this beautiful historic city.

Summer (+ Fall) Event Schedule

First of all, I have updated SHOWS & EVENTS section and added some upcoming summer and fall event schedule.

If you are interested in joining a workshop in Xalapa, Mexico or in Venice, Italy, or come join hundreds of other illustrators for Illustration Conference in LA, or maybe waiti for a comic con in England in October, all the organizer links are all up! So, come join me at one of those events? That would be fun 🙂

I have to apologize again that last two to three months were so busy and everything feels like a big blur to me…., so I have missed posting some fun events that’s already ended, like Heiti relief charity show in Baltimore and my debut in Bogota, Colombia in an illustration exhibit. But I will back post those past events and links there too.

Earth: Fragile Planet Show At The Society Of Illustrators

I was at the Society of Illustrators earlier today to give lecture to SCAD students who were in NY for school trip. I had missed the opening for current Earth:Fragile Planet show that’s currently on view, so I decided to check it out on the way back. It is, a really strong and beautiful show. Lots of original works by illustrators. (I have one piece in this show as well.) So, please go check out. This summer show will be up till end of July.

Society Of Illustrators Book/Editorial Show Now Open

Society of Illustrators‘ Annual Book/Editorial showis now open. If you are in New York, don’t miss all the original paintings and drawings that got accepted into this competition. I am taking my SVA students up there for a class trip next week and they are very excited. The show is up till February 20th.Reception and award ceremony was held last Friday. I was excited to receive gold medal for this piece. Thank you judges and thank you ADs. I am really really honored.You can read my recent blog post about the creative process of this image.But actually, what excited me the most was that my high school classmate and talented Tatsuro Kiuchi flew in from Tokyo to this cold-cold New York to receive his Silver Medal! We kept in touch, but haven’t seen each other since our graduation. Wow.

On the photo, from left to right: Ai Tatebayashi, Hiromichiito, me, Tatsuro Kiuchi

Back From Hong Kong

I just got back from judging First Greater China Illustration Awards. We had a wonderful time judging by seeing some really strong works especially in unpublished category. Future of illustration in Greater China is bright! Congratulations on all the winners and applicants. The results will be released next February together with the publication of the Award Annual.Big thank you to everyone at Hong Kong Society of Illustrators and Hong Kong Productivity Council.

October-November Traveling Schedule

When I am in my studio, I don’t have enough time for anything other than work and work related things. So when universities, colleges and/or design organizations invite me to speak, I try my best to fit as many as I can into my schedule. (Although, unfortunately I cannot schedule them all recently.)

October and November have been extremely busy months for me.

I was at CCA in San Francisco mid month, then last week there was a one day trip up to Western Connecticut State University, then meeting with a faculty and students from Art Institute Florida the following day. Next week, I will be meeting with Marywood University at Type Directors Club as well as attending at School of Visual Art MFA Illustration program open house.

And the grand finale of all these is at the late month in Hong Kong for illustration competition judging and conference.

I have to admit that I over-scheduled and a bit exhausted, but I am looking forward to all the upcoming event, and of course a bit of a quiet time in December.

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