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News & Features

Featuring up-to-date News and Features.

















  • News & Features Works 2022.04.18 Kazuhiko Ifuku for Seibu Sogo

    Four works by illustrator Kazuhiko Ifuku based on the themes of New Life, Sustainability, Mother's Day, and Father's Day will decorate the windows and interior of Sogo & Seibu from April to September. Kazuhiko's characteristic happy-go-lucky style will be on full display! Please take a look if you're in the neighborhood.

    There will also be a limited pop-up shop for Kazuhiko starting April 15th (Fri), where limited-edition umbrellas decorated with his illustrations will be available for order. Don't miss out!     

  • News & Features Works 2022.04.15 Clare Owen for Fika Mother's Day Packaging
    Claire Owen illustrated the limited edition Mother's Day package released by Fika, a Scandinavian confectionery. The box has a gorgeous atmosphere that envelops you with tenderness and love. The box's texture and shape are also crucial for lovers who want to keep it forever. And the cookies inside are just as delicious ❤️ It Would make a great Mother's Day gift!  
  • News & Features Works 2022.04.15 Jenny Bowers for HOLLANDISCHE KAKAO-STUBE Spring Limited Packaging
    Jenny Bowers has created the packaging illustration for the Spring Limited Edition Baumspitz from Hollendische Cacao Stube. The cute illustration conveys the cheerful mood of spring, and inside the box is a white chocolate-coated Baumkuchen with a fresh lemon flavor, perfect for this season.    


















  • News & Features 2021.04.08 Laura Denton for ELLE Japan May issue
    Laura Denton has illustrated the Beauty page for the May issue of ELLE Magazine. Her illustrations show step-by-step instructions on how to relax the body and the mind.  
  • News & Features Works 2021.04.07 Emily Eldridge for ASOKO de Art
    Emily Eldridge and goods and sundries store ASOKO bring to you the second collection of their popular "Asoko de ART " project! Featuring a variety of practical and pretty items, such as mini eco-bags and mask cases. Be sure to be seen with these bright, vivid items available now at the ASOKO Online Store.    
  • News & Features Features 2021.03.12 Artist Q&A featuring Clare Owen
    For the seventh episode of our Q&A series, Clare Owen has graciously allowed us a peek into her everyday goings-on. Her lifestyle and character are clearly reflected in the warm colors and very introspective subjects of her illustrations.  

    1. What is your morning routine?

    I'm a rubbish morning person. I need a few cups of tea before leaving the house, and then I cycle to town where I have a studio. I then have another cup of tea, a catch up with my studio mates, and finally start work! 

     

    2. Where do you like to work?

    At the moment I'm working out of my house. It has a lovely view of rolling English hills, and I get to be with my cats all day, so I don't mind. But I usually work from my shared city centre studio which has a horrible view (of a  grey car park), but I love to be with my friends there.

    3. What are your favorite materials?

    I love the versatility of working on the computer, but nothing beats collage; I find it very therapeutic. I also love painting with gouache. I love the flatness. 

     

    4. Who or what is your biggest muse?

    France! I've always been a francophile, and I just love french design, illustration, and architecture. I also love French girls' style (yawn, cliche I know). I particularly love visiting flea markets there and finding old ephemera. It always has the most beautiful typography and vintage illustration. 

     

    5. When you start working, what do you do first?

    Once I've found an audiobook or podcast to get stuck into, I'll usually start finding references for a job to help inspire me and help me draw. 

     

    6. What are your favorite subjects to draw?

    Cats, because there's a lot of subtle humour in cats, they're just little punks that do what they want. Also, people and flowers, I love the diversity and beauty in both of them, and it never gets repetitive. I could draw just those forever. 

    7. Who are your favorite artists?

    So so many! I love a lot of midcentury folk because they worked through several disciplines, particularly The Eames, Alexander Girard, and Corita Kent. More recently, I love Carson Ellis, Ryo Takemasa, and Blanca Gomez, and outside of illustration, I love Vivian Mailer, Anni Albers and Linda McCartney, and Beyonce ;)

     

    8. If you could see how one artist works from beginning to end, who would it be?

    I would love to see how Girard worked, its a graphic style that could easily be replicated with a computer nowadays, but to see how he did in a time before digital would be fascinating. 

     

    9. How do you get over a creative hump?

    I write lists, think about what I want to get out of my work, what I feel my portfolio is missing and what brings me joy. This usually reminds me why I love being creative, and is enough to get me out of a slump. 

    10. If you were to make a 10 piece series, what would it be about?

    Paris! 

     

    11. What other art forms would you like to try, or already do, and why?

    I'd love to so many things! I've dabbled in ceramics, so maybe have a more serious practice there, or maybe jewelry.

     

    12. What book have you read recently, or what is your favorite book?

    I love anything by David Sedaris.

     

    13. What sort of music do you like?

    I know everyone says this, but all sorts! I love Hip-Hop, Jazz, Indie, and Pop. I feel very fortunate that I get to listen to what I want when I work.

     

    14. When you meet another creative, what are you most interested by in them?

    I love seeing other artist's studios and spaces.

     

    15. If you could move anywhere and live comfortably/freely, where would it be?

    I'd like to live in a big house perhaps near the sea. Have enough room to have a big messy studio and space to foster animals.

    16. What is your ideal vacation?

    I love New York. I've been once and would love to go back again. I love just walking around, visiting supermarkets, sitting in parks. I love all the touristy stuff, but I also love all the boring stuff. I just want to drink it all in!

     

    17. What do you do when you have to be home with nothing to do?

    Loooong baths.

     

    18. If you had unlimited resources, what would you create?

    I would create a show (theme unknown!) but with work across all sorts of disciplines with a thread running through them all.

     

    19. What is your favorite meal?

    Pancakes!

    20. If you were to throw a party, what kind of get together would you organize?

    A big dinner party with all the lovely people I know, with a big long table serving tasty veggie food, and then dancing after to all our favourite songs.

     

    21. Where is your favorite place to be around the location you live in?

    I live in Bristol and I love sitting by the river with a beer on a lovely sunny evening.

     

    22. What are some new skills you would like to learn?

    Goldsmithing, sewing, fluent french! So many!

     

    23. If you were to talk to someone who doesn't know too much about art, what would you say to convince them to try it out?

    It can be an amazing antidote to stress. We all need less stress, and maybe being creative can help.

    24. What is your favorite palette? Please name at least 3 colors.

    Pink, navy blue, and brown.

     

    25. What time of day are you most able to concentrate?

    The afternoon.

     

    26. What time of day are you most relaxed?

    Nighttime, after a bath, and just before bed.

     

    27. Do you have a favorite distraction?

    Duolingo!

     

    28. How do you unwind?

    Trash TV and a glass of wine.

     

    29. What is one word of advice you would give yourself 10 years ago?

    Be kind to yourself! Everyday!

    30. What is one thing about yourself that you hope won’t change?

    Empathy :)









  • News & Features Works 2021.01.26 Jenny Bowers x HOLLANDISCHE KAKAO-STUBE Valentine Package
    Jenny Bowers has illustrated a limited edition Valentine's Day package from Holländische Kakao-Stube. This year's theme is an amusement park, which conveys a fun atmosphere full of love. It's a great gift for someone special or a treat for yourself.   Holländische Kakao-Stube 2021 Valentine's Day products Available at: Holländische Kakao-Stube stores Product price / Sales period ・Kakao Baumspitz ¥1,782 (tax included) Sales period: Saturday, January 9 - Late February ・Classic Baum ¥1,296 (tax included) Sales period: January 13 (Wed) - February 14 (Sun) ・Chocoladen ¥2,052 (tax included) Sales period: January 13 (Wed.) - February 14 (Sun.) ・Bretzeln ¥1,296 (tax included) Sales period: January 13 (Wed.) - February 14 (Sun.) ・Margaretenkuchen (Chocolade) ¥2,376 (tax included) (available only at Ginza Mitsukoshi and Isetan Shinjuku stores) Sales period: January 13 (Wed) - February 14 (Sun) Sales will end when all items are gone.
  • News & Features Events 2021.01.06 2021 Cowabunga Exhibition
    The CWC Gallery & Shop has officially opened, starting with an auspicious exhibition featuring this year's zodiac, the Cow.   2021 Cowabunga features illustrators worldwide giving their take on the Cow, all of them available exclusively at the CWC Gallery & Shop online store. The word "Cowabunga" originates from the Hawaiian word "kupaianaha," which means "I did it!" a sentiment all of us can relate to after making it through 2020. Make this coming year a success by livening up your or an acquaintance's surroundings, and let's welcome a fresh and artistic start to 2021!   Bijou Karman   Yuri Shimojo   Punimelt   Berry Aktuglu   Victoire Avril  
  • News & Features Features 2021.01.05 Artist Q&A featuring Brolga
    For the sixth installment of our Q&A segment, Australian artist and muralist Brolga has graciously answered a whole lot of questions for us! His illustrations feature a motley crew of funky and colorful beasts who love to play and eat and have fun. Brolga himself seems like an artist who loves to find joy in their everyday life, and it clearly translates to his work. Without further ado, here's Brolga:   1. What is your morning routine? I usually wake up and read the news. I'll then get up, make avocado toast for breakfast and be at my desk around 10 am.   2. Where do you like to work? I work from home and that's where I've found is optimal for me. Everything is so efficient that way. Plus, if I need to work late, I can still see my partner. Or if I need to nap during the day, I can do that easily. I really like the idea of being able to work from home while living in cool places. 3. What are your favorite materials? When I was younger, I couldn't stand mechanical pencils but now they're all I use! My favourite that one is by Aristo, I found it in Seoul and it has a nice and thick lead. Other than that, it's my iMac, scanner and Wacom tablet. These are the things that I use the most.   4. Who or what is your biggest muse? Travelling. 5. When you start working, what do you do first? When I start working on a new project, I'll do lots and lots of research to get a grasp of the subject. I'll then begin with super rough sketches to try out ideas that quickly pass by.   6. What are your favorite subjects to draw? Creatures that have never existed before. 7. Who are your favorite artists? Some of my favourites artists include Pablo Picasso, Tom Wesselmann, Stuart Davis, John Chamberlain, Reg Mombassa, Roy Lichtenstein, Fernand Leger.   8. If you could see how one artist works from beginning to end, who would it be? John Chamberlain. He up metal and old cars to make these fantastic sculptures. I heard when he was too old to do it himself, he used to sit in a swivel chair in the middle of a huge studio and direct his assistants on how to crush them.   9. How do you get over a creative hump? There's lots of ways to get over a creative but they're all based in finding intent and excitement to make new work. Sometimes, I'll book a trip to a country that I have never been before. Other times, I'll simply try a medium that I've never used before.   10. If you were to make a 10 piece series, what would it be about? My dream is to organise an exhibition where I travel to another country and spend time visiting scrap yards and antique shops. I would gather up all these interesting items and at the end of the trip, I would assemble them into artworks and have an art show in that country. I could do that in 10 countries no problems.   11. What other art form would you like to try, or already do, and why? I love old Beatles-esque illustrations, so I would like to learn how to use an airbrush.   12. What book have you read recently, or what is your favorite book? I recently read "Down and Out in Paris and London" by George Orwell, which I loved. My favourite book is probably "The Town and The City" by Jack Kerouac. 13. What sort of music do you like? I listen to lots of different music. We're talking a mix of indie, house, ambient, folk and rock n roll.   14. When you meet another creative, what are you most interested by in them? I like to ask questions about the practical things that I struggle with. Like how to properly send a print in the mail or how they handle certain situations.   15. If you were to collaborate with another artist living or dead, who would it be and what would you do with them? I would like to collaborate in fireworks with Chinese artist, Cai Guo-Qiang.   16. If you could live in any era when would it be? Right now is good but any era before smart phones is sounding better and better.   17. If you could move anywhere and live comfortably/freely where would it be? If I could live in a new country every year, I would. I would love to live in Bangkok. I would also love to live on a small Pacific island. 18. What is your ideal vacation? Anywhere warm, swimming and surfing.   19. What do you do when you have to be home with nothing to do? I tend to my garden, I cook and try new recipes, I waste time online reading about UFO's and Australian sports on the internet, I draw and sketch new ideas, I pester my partner.   20. What is one thing you want to do this year? I would simply like to see my family. My state has been barred from traveling to other states in Australia during Covid and I miss my family.   21. What are three things you want to do within the next 5 years? I would like to start creating more pop-up styled installations and exhibitions. I would like to write a children's book. And I would like to buy a house near the beach.   22. If you had unlimited resources, what would you create? If I had unlimited resources, I would push it towards helping other people.   23. What is your favorite meal? Over the past year, I've perfected the toasted ham and cheese sandwich. It includes; pickles, tomato, ham, cheddar, pesto, tzatziki and spinach.   24. What is your favorite drink? There's a few; Bunderberg Ginger ale, Iced tea, wheat beer.   25. If you were to throw a party, what kind of get together would you organize? I would get a realllly good Beatles cover band and put them in the backyard of a big mansion (with a pool). I would then invite all my family and favourite people. Done.   26. Where is your favorite place to be around the location you live in? I have a magical park down the road from my house. I has saved me during Covid and it now holds a dear place in my heart.   27. If you had to give a tour of your city to an artist you admire where would you take them and why? I would probably throw them on a bike and show them the Keith Haring mural nearby and then ride around the city and look at all the cool, old buildings in Melbourne. 28. When you see artwork that you think is good, how do you react? I'll get consumed in it for a moment and afterwards, in someway, it would have changed me.   29. What is one job that you would do for free, even if it was hard and it took long? I would taste-test every ramen from Sapporo to Fukuoka.   30. If you were to teach a class, what would it be? Drawing Strange Things 101 31. What are some new skills you would like to learn? I would like to learn how to tuft a rug.   32. If you were to talk to someone who doesn't know too much about art, what would you say to convince them to try it out? I would say don't worry about being judged or trying to be good. Just have fun.   33. What is your favorite palette, please name at least 3 colors. Pink, electric blue, yellow, teal and black. 34. What is your favorite movie? Lost in Translation   35. What time of day are you most able to concentrate? Late at night   36. What time of day are you most relaxed? Late at night   37. Do you have a favorite distraction? I love an Australian sport called Australian Rules Football and I spend too much time thinking about it.   38. How do you unwind? I meet up with friends for a beer, see live music, garden or plan a future trip.   39. What is one word of advice you would give yourself 10 years ago? You have everything you need to achieve your dreams.   40. What is one thing about yourself that you hope won’t change? I hope that I never lose my sense of humour.
















  • News & Features Works 2020.08.24 KENZO MINAMI "DEAD FEELINGS"
    Japanese actor Ryo Yoshizawa wears KENZO MINAMI's "DEAD FEELINGS" SS2020 tie-dye T-shirt on the cover of "DVD ShiRyo", his debut fan DVD!   This photograph will also be featured as a drawing on the cover of this week's upcoming Big Comic Magazine! Check it out with this season of "DEAD FEELINGS", available at NEPENTHES!  
  • News & Features Features 2020.08.17 Poppies by Stina Persson
    Studio Flow: "Poppies" by Stina Persson CWC Artist @stina_persson_illustration creates luscious illustrations with her loose and flowing watercolors. Enjoy the poppies! [embed]https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEC_REJpSQf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
  • News & Features Features 2020.08.06 ARTIST Q&A! -Genie Liang-

    For our third Artist Q&A series, we asked Genie Liang some questions about some of her work habits!

    1. What is your morning routine?

    Coffee to sip on, sketchbook drawing, emails. Then add milk to the same cup of coffee after lunch.

     

    2. Where do you like to work?

    I work from home, but I like to go out to try new environments to work from.

    3. What are your favorite materials?

    Pilot Kakuno pen I have 4 now, it’s a nice simple pen.

    4. Who or what is your biggest muse?

    Time & love.

     

    5. What are your favorite subjects to draw?

    People in motion, futurist ideas, and scenes with calming compositions.

    6. Who are your favorite artists?

    MIQ, Little Thunder, Milkbbi, Joyce, Yue, Chloma, Bahi JD, Ehiorobo, Mushbuh, Punimelt, Freddy Carrasco, Minipete, Juli Majer, A Bluer Don Juan, James Jean, Ikegami Yoriyuki, Yoshitaka Amano, Fumiko Takano, Eizin Suzuki, Iris Van Herpen, and more.

     

    7. If you could see how one artist works from beginning to end, who would it be?

    Junya Suzuki of Chloma. I’d love to see the concept to execution of their clothing ideas.

     

    8. How do you get over a creative hump?

    Turn off my phone, close my laptop. Drink something hot, go for a walk. Repeat daily for 1-2 weeks.

     

    9. What other art forms would you like to try, or already do, and why?

    Ceramics, Glass blowing and fashion design. I like how textures and color combinations are the main components in these art forms. I draw mostly figurative works, so these are very abstract to me.

    10. What sort of music do you like?

    A mix of things. I like exploring and listening to things without context. My favorite genres are ambient, dream pop/shoegaze, house, bossa nova, post-rock. And occasionally classical composers like Claude Debussy or Erik Satie and film composers like Joe Hisaishi and Susumu Hirasawa.

     

    11. If you were to collaborate with another artist living or dead, who would it be and what would you do with them?

    Wednesday Campanella - an animated music video.

     

    12. What is your ideal vacation?

    A journey to a different city every couple of days, learning about what to eat… then eating it. And sleeping.

    13. What is one thing you want to do this year?

    I want to finish my next book. I’ve been working on it this year and it would be a great wrap up of this chapter.

    14. What are three things you want to do within the next 5 years?

    Publish more books and comics, grow my studio / online shop, get a pet snail.

    15. What is your favorite drink?

    Coconut boba milk tea, no sugar.

     

    16. If you were to teach a class, what would it be?

    Figure gesture drawing.

     

    17. What are some new skills you would like to learn?

    I’d like to learn 3D.

     

    18. What is your favorite palette, please name at least 3 colors.

    Pale lilac, sky blue, yellow.

    19. What is your favorite movie?

    Whisper of the Heart.

     

    20. How do you unwind?

    Lay on the ground and listen to music.

     

    21. What is one word of advice you would give yourself 10 years ago?

    Follow your heart and don’t be afraid. Every drawing is another small step. Be unwavering in your goals and keep walking steadily. -also, in hindsight, don’t throw away your sketchbooks!

    22. What is one thing about yourself that you hope won't change?

    I hope I’ll always try new things!



  • News & Features Features 2020.07.17 Artist Q&A featuring Stina Persson
                              Artist Q&A featuring Stina Persson!   1) what is your morning routine I go to the cafe across the street and get myself a great cup of coffee. Without coffee I wouldn’t function. 2) where do you like to work. I wish I would say anywhere, that I bring a sketchbook wherever I go, but it would be a lie. I really love working in my studio. Or on location, getting energy from the people and space around me. I hope to do more windows and murals once we’re back to traveling again. I plan to one day build a proper artist space in the attic of a barn belonging to our country cottage. But right now there is barely a floor and no windows…which means it would be a huge undertaking. It would be so dreamy though, and perfect for working large scale. 3) what are your favorite materials I prefer to work with liquid material like inks and water colours and sometimes combining with bits of paper to create harder edges. I never want my work to look to wishy-washy or fluffy, but to keep some weight and edge. 4) what are your favorite subjects to draw People and faces, details of clothing, shoes, and plants…and food stuffs. 5)if you could see how one artist works from beginning to end, who would it be Matisse or Picasso maybe.   6) how do you get over a creative hump Chaining myself to the drawing table, but pimping it with chocolate and coffee. Whip and carrot!   7) what other art form would you like to try, or already do, and why Sculpture and clay. It si so rewarding with to create something three dimensional. That why I love to bake too, three dimensional and possible to eat. What’s not to love?   8) what book have you read recently, or what is your favorite book Normal People by Sally Rooney. Such a good book. Now there’s tv-series, but I am worried it’ll spoil the magic. Another book, or book series are My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. And yes, I’ve watched the tv-series too. If the tv-version is great the books are…brilliant!                 9)when you meet another creative, what are you most interested by in them If they are nice, smart and have a sense of humour. Like with all people. And I am plays curious what a normal day looks like in people’s lives. But I am as interested in knowing that regardless of profession, I find it fascinating.   10) if you were to collaborate with another artist living or dead, who would it be and what would you do with them Matisse, please! We could happily cut bits and bobs of paper, and I would mostly listen as my speaking French is not so good! I am sure he has some good stories. And I would love to see how he makes is choices. I believe creating art is most about making choices, adding or taking away, keeping or deleting. That’s why I value the analogue part of my work so much and there are endless opportunities to change once you’re at the computer and I am not sure that is always such a good thing.   11) if you could live in any era when would it be My childhood 70’s! But I’m not sure I would be able to take the sexism from any other era. I am very happy I am a woman living in 2020.                               12) if you could move anywhere and live comfortably/freely where would it be Someplace warm, where my feet would walk on warm terracotta tiles. So…Italy!   13) what is your ideal vacation Italy, with my family. Finding a house in the countryside with a pool to keep my three sons happy and entertained.   14) what do you do when you have to be home with nothing to do Bake, cook and plan for dinner with friends. How I miss having dinner with friends!!   15) what are three things you want to do within the next 5 years Go to Japan! I briefly lived in Tokyo when I was 18, working in a Mexican restaurant…I’ve been back twice since and I was going this March.   16) what is your favorite drink Coffee, elderberry juice, and oaky, rich red wine!   17) where is your favorite place to be around the location you live in I love my studio and my home, both in a very green area of Stockholm, with lots of cafes, wine bars, thrift shops and parks. I love the entire area so much. Great for raising kids and finding colourful thrift store blouses- and to have an outdoor cat, like we do! [caption id="attachment_4700" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Mäster Mikaels Gata , Stockholm Södermalm[/caption] 18) what is one job that you would do for free, even if it was hard and it took long A real collaboration with someone like Dries van Noten or Miuccia Prada.   19) if you were to teach a class, what would it be Figuredrawing or color.   20) what are some new skills you would like to learn I wish I could animate my drawing. Unfortunately I have no urge to learn. I don’t want more hours in front of the computer.   21) what is your favorite palette, please name at least 3 colors Bright pink, yellow and nude.   22) what is your favorite movie Wong Kar Wai’s In The Mood for Love. Every frame is a piece of art.                 23) what time of day are you most able to concentrate Usually right before I need to head back home. I am trying to make it first thing in the morning, and I am getting there. It would make sense as I am very much a morning person.   24) what time of day are you most relaxed After a good lunch work out I am relaxed but alert.   25) do you have a favorite distraction A common distraction is scrolling Instagram, but that is a habit I’d like to give up. Working out maybe. Chatting with my kids, or cooking.   27) what is one word of advice you would give yourself 10 years ago Enjoy it, it is not so serious. And be more like a man, and say yes to things even if unsure of how to  tackle it. Things work out, and your margins are exaggerated.   28) what is one thing about yourself that you hope wont change I really trust other people. I believe people want to be good and do good. Well, not Trump, but the rest. View Stina Persson's Portfolio  
  • News & Features Works 2020.07.15 ALBION PHILOSOPHY × Nina Chakrabarti
    Nina Chakrabarti made an illustration for the newly opened "ALBION PHILOSOPHY" NEWoMan Yokohama store! Based on the concept of "Let's go get Happy.", you can experience the philosophy of Albion's beauty in this store. Nina drew a plant that is actually researched and cultivated in Albion!   A wonderful event is being held, so please be safe and come to visit! Nina's colorful and fun illustration is here!
  • News & Features Works 2020.07.14 Mushbuh × Fangamer × Namco Bandai for Katamari Damacy

    Bandai Namco and Fangamer has reached out to Mushbuh to create this vibrant Katamari Damacy poster, featuring everyone's favorite Prince of the Cosmos and a few of his cousins!

    You can practically hear Katamari On The Swing emanating from this beautiful Fangamer exclusive.

    Pick yours up today by clicking THIS LINK!



























































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