See moreFeaturing a lively contemporary work by Japanese American artist Yuko Shimizu, this design brings a touch of whimsy to the Paperblanks collection. Originally created for a 2012 magazine article on the Dutch pension system, the illustration reproduced here demonstrates Shimizu’s artistic conception of “leading by example.”
A spirit of rebirth and blossoming is alive in this Holland Spring design. Reproducing a bright and lively contemporary work by Japanese American artist Yuko Shimizu, it brings a touch of whimsy to our Paperblanks collection.
Originally created for a spring 2012 article on the Dutch pension system for Plansponsor Europe magazine, this illustration was handpicked by Ms. Shimizu to appear in her 2016 book of removable prints called Living With: Yuko Shimizu. It was in browsing this publication that we fell for her unique art.
Yuko’s work combines her Japanese heritage with contemporary references, particularly comic books and graphic design. For each new piece she creates, many of which are commissions, she begins with a sketch which she then enlarges to the ideal final size. This is then loosely transferred to watercolour paper before she inks the drawing, scans it to her computer and digitally adds in colour. Her blend of international influences and diverse media add layers to subsequent versions of each piece, creating a unique piece of work.
Shimizu first studied advertising and marketing before devoting herself full-time to her dual passions of art and travel. Today, she works out of her studio in Manhattan when not travelling the world giving lectures and running workshops.
May Yuko Shimizu’s own personal reinventions and the uplifting work she has created for this cover inspire your own personal journey of growth, development and chasing your dreams.