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Spraygraphic Interview with Artist Kenji Nakayama
By Spraygraphic | August 6, 2008
Spraygraphic Interview with Kenji Nakayama
SG: Please tell us about yourself?
KN: My name is Kenji, originally from Hokkaido, Japan. I am an artist/graphic designer now. I used to be an engineer when I was in Japan, and was a sign guy and I still paint signs which I still really want to do more…
SG: Where do you currently live and work?
KN: Boston, Massachusetts.
SG: What mediums do you work with?
KN: Mostly enamel, spray paint, and acrylic, ink..etc
SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.
KN: I start off my each project from shooting photos with my pentax, then I work on the image I picked on my computer, using a photoshop, sometime, illustrator. After I finalize the image, I just print out as many sheets as I need to cut, and then I cut each layer of stencil by hand, it normally takes me 1-2 months to complete. I usually spend 2 to 4 days to paint the background, then after I finish with the background, I stencil over it. It usually takes 3 to 6 hours to complete the stenciling process.
SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?
KN: I always have at least a few other things going on with me, sometime I wish I could just focus on my own project, but I have graphic design jobs and some other stuff, and since each project requires a great amount of time. I don’t really get blocked to create stuff, but before starting a new project, I sometimes sit on my desk for like a week trying to finalize the idea/image…since I spend 1 or 2 months to produce new series, I am really picky about my subjects now.
SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration?
KN: Music always! My daily life, meeting people and my job.
SG: How did you get into doing art for sneaker companies.
KN: I was doing custom shoes for the past 3 years, and I can use illustrator and design soft, and one of my friends works for converse, so he gave me an opportunity to design their product red shoe, and luckily it turned out well and the company liked it. I was also doing graphic design for them as a freelancer. And now I’m in a full time position…
SG: What kind of deadlines do you work in when doing art for a sneaker?
KN: Its a very short term, but whatever the deadline…that is my deadline. Its a bit different compared to my own art projects.
SG: Do they ever say change this or change that?
KN: Yea all the time! Sometimes it goes through without any changes, but I always expect to have a revision, and that’s how they direct the design, I guess.
SG: If so, how much are you willing to change?
KN: When I am not sure if I am doing it right I am always expecting to be redirected.
SG: Where has your work been seen?
KN: US, UK, Norway, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, Italy…
SG: Where will it be seen next?
KN: New York, then Melbourne, Australia.
SG: What is your dream art assignment?
KN: Always try to be happy with what I’m doing and always trying to get better at what I’m doing. At the same time, I never want to be satisfied with what I have done.
SG: What is your favorite color?
KN: Navy Blue
SG: Who is your favorite artist? And Why?
KN: Too many to mention, and the reason why I have that many favorites is I have been looking them up and learning a lot from them. Anything could be called art or crap. Everyone has different tastes, for me there is no “best artwork” for everyone. I would always like to see what is going on now, get inspired, and keep my direction goin a certain way.
SG: What book or magazine are you reading now?
KN: I look through lots of magazines and books especially about art/design/music/fashion, but I wish I have more time for reading. I read more books when I’m on a trip.
SG: Ever do a self portrait? Where is it now?
KN: Never have done a self portrait. Maybe one day, I may, but right now, I don’t want to show my face even though I don’t really do anything illegal.
SG: Where is your favorite place to hang out?
KN: Good Life Bar, Proletariat, my work studio “OverKill Studio” with my mates.
SG: Any final words of advice?
KN: I am not that great to advise people, but one thing I can say is do whatever you enjoy.
Topics: Artist Interviews, Asian Artists, Graffiti-Art, Graphic Design, International-Art |
One Response to “Spraygraphic Interview with Artist Kenji Nakayama”
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April 7th, 2010 at 2:26 am
Went to find the “Famous when dead” gallery today…they have closed so i checked the back catalogue on their site and found yourself…I have a gallery in australia that sells prints and originals…i like your work….have a hybrid of artists i represent etc check the site…Im in Melbourne Fitzroy just of Brunswick st…