How I ended up becoming an artist in animation industry | Japan-based character designer/illustrator

Here's unveiling the path to becoming a professional character designer/illustrator from zero. The story behind how I started my art journey may not be relevant to everyone, but I hope this video will give some of you some inspirations and sort of encouragement. Thank you always!
Hello! I'm Toshi(ki) Nakamura, a professional illustrator/character designer in Japan who works on animated films/TVs and children's books.
現在は日本を拠点に海外のアニメーション映画、テレビ、CMのキャラクターデザインをしたり、絵本のイラストを描いています。英語力維持も兼ねて、英語vlogを投稿し始めましたが、今後は、海外の出版業界やアニメーション業界についてやtipsやチュートリアルなど、日本語での発信も考えています！ご興味ある方はチャンネル登録頂けると嬉しいです！
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:11 - What was I like in my childhood
4:48 - My health condition
5:44 - English journey throughout my school life
9:27 - College student in Japan
9:43 - Seize my dream
12:27 - Why did I choose animation?
15:09 - Art school life
16:57 - After graduation
18:53 - Finally I'm in!
21:24 - Take my advice with a grain of salt
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LINKS
X(Twitter) - / artoftoshi
Instagram - / artoftoshi
Newsletter (substack) - artoftoshi.substack.com/
Portfolio - www.artoftoshi.com
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Apple Pencil Grip: amzn.to/48dWnNa
iPad Pro Screen Protector: amzn.to/48aB4fm
Picture Books Pre-order↓
☆Listening to Trees: holidayhouse.com/book/listeni...
☆Feelings Are Like Farts: us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with my links, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!
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noteにて
キャラクターデザインと絵本制作について執筆およびメンバーシップを運営しております。
詳細はこちらからnote.com/artoftoshi
不定期でAnimation Aidというオンラインスクールにてキャラクターデザインの講師をしております。ご興味ある方は下記リンクより詳細ご確認ください。
X(Twitter) - animationaid?lang=en
Website - animationaid.com/
#dream #illustrator #characterdesigner #charactersesign #illustration #イラストレーター #フリーランス #procreate #イラスト #キャラクターデザイン #artvlog #絵本作家 #絵本 #英語 #英語学習 #childrensbooks #artschool #留学 #アメリカ留学

[@maouji-jw7gp]

Toshiさんが、なぜ海外のアニメーションのお仕事に就いたのかお聞きしたかったので、めちゃくちゃ楽しく拝聴しました！病気も克服されてすごいと思います。ありがとうございます😊

[@KencoKohi]

I admire your drive to get to where you are now. When I was younger I said I wanted to be an Architect, and I am not an Architectural Technician. I found a different path which kept me in tune with my passion in building/masterplan designing. Which is now allowing me to find my passion to paint and illustrate as i did back then! Hopefully my continuous drive to draw and paint more can get me to try something you do.
Anyways loved the video has thought me alot and cant wait to see the next one :)

[@hueywheel]

Hello Toshi, thank you for taking the time to sit down and share your personal experience with the world. It's truly eye opening to see your journey. I'm now curious about how you got into the book illustration, excited for the next video! : )

[@newflanged_]

Thanks for sharing a different kind of story to what we are used to see on social media. Sometimes plan B or C is not that bad :)

[@bingboyify]

wow, what a ride! glad you made it to become an ilustrator. i can tell from the characters you designed that you love disney style haha

[@maryanamyname]

Hi👋
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I was always interested in how other people develop in art, how they started, how they achieved results, it is always inspiring. I sincerely wish you success in everything that you will start!🤗
Waiting for new videos!
By the way, what kind of tablet do you have on your desktop? I've seen you use the iPad for sketches in previous videos, but I can't recognize the big one. It's just interesting what you use, what is more convenient for you to draw on personally, what software do you use to work on projects?

[@wes5519]

I've been waiting for this! Excited to watch it later! I'll update this comment when I do! 😁
UPDATE: I’m very thankful you made this video. I also have asthma and last semester (junior year of college) I decided to change my major from chemistry to art. I’m happy to see someone who was in a similar position as me was able to make it work in the industry! Can’t wait for your next vlog and your follow up video talking about how you started drawing picture books! Keep up the good work 😁

[@desireedlamini]

Yeeeeeeey 🎉🎉🎉🎉. I’m excited.
Thanks Toshi. I love hearing about other artists journey, and especially yours coz I love your channel ❤️💐

[@Fern8]

Thank you for sharing your journey! I'm not good at it but I love urban sketching as a hobby. :)

[@googiegold]

I loved this!!!Congratulations for your journey in art!! 🎀💫💐👩‍🎨

[@leifdux7277]

Great thanks for sharing your journey! I think it is unique!
How were you able to find a job all the way from South Africa?