How hard is it to become a british illustrator in Japan?

[aliceinwonderland]

Hello there!

I have recently graduated from an illusration degree here in wales but i am longing to move to japan and pursue my career there. i fell in love with japan last year when i visited and have missed it ever since. i also think that my work is best suited to japan, as i create cute little characters that i think woulf be more appreciated in japan.

Although , saying this , there are so many japan illusrators working in japan already. But i really feel that my work has something special to offer , if someone would just give me a break!

I just wanted to ask, how hard would it be for me to break in to japan and be a successful illusrator there?

How should i go about it as i have no clue. Should i try and build my illlustration career here first then move to japan o is it easier to get noticedwhen you are in japan urself. How would i go about getting a job before i arrive in japan?

Does anyone know any adresses, organisiations, design studios or companies i could send my illustration work to, to get some interest in my work?

sorry about all the questions, but i would be so grateful if someone could give me some of the answers, its my dream to live in japan!

thank you
Alice xxx☝

 

[Iron Chef]

This kind of question gets asked every so often and unfortunately the reality of coming to Japan as a fresh face with little or no prior work experience, little or no language ability, and no connections to assist you with things like securing housing, transportation issues, etc., is extremely difficult. My advice would be to first establish yourself here for a few years, get the experience, develop an impressive portfolio, check your resources and search for some sort of opportunity that might open the door for you to travel abroad.

Your language ability here is an absolute must by the way. Regardless of your chosen profession, non-Japanese who work for private companies but don't speak even a little of the language are few and far between (although they do exist, not counting most big-name Eikawa). So I suggest that if you are indeed truly serious about this endeavour then you should consider studying as much Japanese as possible. At any rate, good luck with your dream. Nothing is ever impossible after all.

 

[nice gaijin]

Iron Chef's advice is very sound, I'll only add that as an observation, the illustrators and animators that stick out in my mind are the ones who have created successful characters or storylines in their work. Concentrate on those character-creation skills; not just the art, but the entire world around them. A character that evokes an emotional connection or reaction is the one people will remember.

 

[aliceinwonderland]

hey guys thank you so much for the advice, it was really hopeful. i kind of guessed the answers i would get, i no how importnat it is to speak japanese and i am goin to start learning it as soon as i can.

does anyone know of any illusration companiesin japan that i could send samples of my work to?

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

Japan Illustrator's Association
Japan Illustrators' Association

Illustrator jp.net
【イラストレーターズJPネット】イラストレーターの検索データベース / 株式会社アートバンクのオフィシャルサイト


Illustration Competition Information
イラスト公募・写真コンテスト情報掲示板 ｜ 株式会社アートバンクのオフィシャルサイト【イラストレーターズJPネット】

http://alsp.web.infoseek.co.jp/mywebart-art_003.htm

 

[yukio_michael]

You should definitely build your carreer first, with a strong emphasis on independant work and illustration. You're frankly going to have to do more than just draw cute characters in order to get a job in Japan.

First, there are more than plenty of people who are illustrators and graphic designers in Japan--- this isn't an industry where they actually need to bring in people from the outside. Second, you might not be familiar with the way that the graphics design and illustration industry works--- It's not exactly an enjoyable one--- and as a woman, don't expect to be paid equally for equal work. Third, that I know of, outside of English conversation and teaching, as well as Jobs where knowlege of English is necissary such as support, etcetera, Japan does not have persay an active role in employing foreigners in any field, again, that I know of... (Anyone please correct me...)

In the design and illustration industries, Japanese companies will hire Japanese workers first and foremost because, a) they are familiar with the language, customs, culture, keigo (polite business Japanese), and b) will work longer and harder than foreigners will work, for less pay. I know of plenty of Japanese who have worked in the art & media industries in Japan, as Japanese, and the work is not exactly a pleasant one.

If you want to live in Japan, the first step is to learn the language--- that said, you have to realise that Japan isn't exactly a welcoming country where it comes to foreign expatriots--- You'll practically need to mary your way in, in order to live there for any time more than a year or two...

Japanese is a big commitment for sometimes not much gain, before you begin learning a language you may never use, you should try to talk to as many people as possible who work in your industry--- Find out publications (like Tokion, Metropolis, etc) that are about Japan, but are as well in English--- try to fish out leads for contacts, etcetera...

I wish you good luck.

 

[MajideSaiaku]

Congratulations, you've suprisingly chosen the most difficult way to make it in Japan ever.

The protectionism of the industry is just one of many high high hurdles in your way.

Still, some good advice here, just have a shed load of patients and prepare long long in advance.

Frankly, Japan could do with a few more of us Gaijin, nothing like an invasion, but yeah, I think a few more of us would do.

Just remember to seriously considor the advice of those of us here with very indepth experience of Japan, and feel free to ask anything, Jref is here for helping inform you, so use us, anyone who's lived in Japan and regular's this forum signs on knowing their wisdom will be sought.

 

[Kinsao]

Iron Chef and others gave good advice.
Not that I know much about it, but it sounds sensible, particularly about language skills! It's very hard to find work somewhere if you aren't fluent in the language.
Good luck!
I hope that you have a distinctive illustration style, and don't try and make it to be 'Japanese like', because a touch of 'European-ness' in your style could make it stand out over Japanese competitors!