Creator Interview: Hideyuki MORI

Sakura Exhibition began in 2009 as a way of introducing to the world the charms of Japanese creators. Now in its fifth year, the exhibition will tour the world with stops in places such as Tokyo, Los Angeles, Holland, England, and Vietnam. TOM sat down with illustrator Hideyuki MORI, the main organizer of the event, for an interview.

Creator Introduction
Name: Hideyuki MORI
Creator’s Portfolio Page: http://otakumode.com/HideyukiMORI

TOM: How did you start drawing?
MORI: I have always been drawing pencil portraits on calligraphy paper since I graduated from college. Even though my style has not changed much from then, I wasn't drawing as an illustrator. I began illustrating after I became interested in publishing my work on SNS and started making a name for myself through MySpace activities.

TOM: What is your work environment like? How fast do you work?
MORI: After sketching in pencil, I scan it and color it in Photoshop. I use a Wacom tablet. The time it takes to complete a work isn't always the same, but it usually takes around two to three days. However, there are times when I don't publish anything new for a few months.

TOM: Your illustrations have various touches to them. How did you develop such a diverse style?
MORI: I only started the layering color style after I became an illustrator and had to fulfill requirements in order to take part in a competition. However, I don't draw in that style very often nowadays. I mostly do watercolor style coloring on a calligraphy paper texture. Recently, I have also been playing around with a more approachable, comic-like style.

TOM: What would you like to draw from now on?
MORI: I would like to draw something in the style of Franco-Belgium comics, a manga that's something between a comic and an illustration.

TOM: A message for your fans around the world please.
MORI: I will work hard every day to bring the charms of Japanese comic illustrations to everyone in the world! I will take part in exhibitions abroad and plan my own as well. My major task is organizing the competition known as the Sakura Exhibition. There might be an event near you, too! If it comes to you, please come join us. If you would like to see our exhibitions in your country, do let me know!

Check out our picture collection of the talented Hideyuki MORI, and don’t forget to SUKI him! Keep it here for even more interviews with some of the most prominent creators in the otaku world!

Sakura Exhibition:
http://2013.sakura-ex.info/e_details_of_contest.htm
https://www.facebook.com/SakuraExhibition

Creator’s Portfolio Page:
http://otakumode.com/HideyukiMORI

This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.