Behind The Creative: Sumire Shimada
Wendy Rosales
Join us in a conversation with the graphic designer and artist Sumire Shimada from Japan, where we follow her journey thus far and how the power of music led her to find passion.
Give us a short brief introduction on who you are?
I was born and raised in a small town in Saitama, Japan. Growing up I wanted to be a nurse, it wasn’t till I got to high school and started working as a writer that realized I wanted to work with celebrities. Then I studied Mass Media & Editorial Design at Tokyo Visual Arts, graduated in 2019, and moved to the United States. Currently I‘m a full time freelance graphic designer working with mostly Japanese brands such as Matsuya Foods, Wilkinson, Ito-Yokado, and others.
Has growing up in Japan influenced your career choice?
It would be different if I had grown up in Tokyo and not in a small town because when you walk around Shibuya or Omote-sando, you will see so many cool buildings, stores, and fashionable people every day, but most of the people I grew up with will stay in the same town, get a 9-5 job, and start a family there. I realized that doesn‘t suit me and once I got into school, I spent most of my time there and had many experiences working with amazing Japanese creators, which influenced me a lot.
Think back to your childhood. Was there someone or something that inspired you to be who you are today?
I would say my family is my inspiration. My Dad is the most caring and hard working person I’ve ever met. He is a little shy, so he doesn’t show affection that much, but he is kind to everyone and never says negative things. My mom, a huge fan of mine, is a supportive person. She always tells me good things about myself and motivates me even when I don’t know I need it. Lastly, my brother is also a hard working and smart person. He used to teach me math when I was in school, and I learned a lot from him. I don’t see them often now, but they always inspire me to be a great person.
Do you remember when your graphic design journey began?
I used to be a huge fan of Justin Bieber (I’m still a belieber haha) and I loved making his original merchandise for myself. I made some zines using his pictures from magazines, key chains, and rings. One time I made a T-shirt and uploaded pictures on Twitter. Then one of his crew members noticed me and I remember I was so happy and couldn’t stop thinking about what I was going to make next. On that day, I realized I wanted to be a graphic designer.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I’m obsessed with the history of celebrities. So I spend lots of time watching movies and documentaries in my free time. I wasn’t even born when he passed away, but one of my favorite celebrities is River Phoenix. In the early 90s, he chose to be a vegan at the age of seven and was an activist who taught about the well being of all people, animals, and nature, which made him more special. I also love googling about Studio 54. The pictures from that place are insane. I really wish I could go back in time and have one memorable night there. It’s like a real life movie and I just can’t stop thinking about it.
What’s something nobody knows about you that is essential to who you are?
This is a really hard question! But, I would say that I’m a lazy person but I keep it hidden from everyone except my family and closest friends. And that is the reason why I keep quiet on instagram haha.
What drives and inspires you to continue creating?
Music. I feel like music has so much power. You know when you listen to the song you used to love, it brings back memories from that time. It’s just so crazy to me. So when I don’t feel creative, I go to Spotify to play a song. Also seeing young, talented artists like Clairo inspires me a lot.
Which project that you have worked on has been your favorite so far?
The first animation video I made with my friend who is a talented photographer Yuri Horie and music producer Hiroya Tanaka from SUNNOVA. It was a project called “Cheer For Art” held by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Yuri visited the homes of models and creators and photographed their actual living spaces. We’ve known each other for years and have always wanted to work together, so it was a really cool experience.
What are some artists you would like to work with in the future? Do you have a dream collaboration?
It’s hard to choose, but I would die if I got a chance to work with Clairo. She is my muse and I just love her music and style so much.
As a woman and POC working in a male-dominated field, what is one thing you would want to change from your industry? Are there any stereotypes that you would like to break?
When I was in art school, I had a hard time dealing with stereotypical male teachers. We talked a few times, but they didn’t take me seriously and I still don’t know why but it upset me. Luckily everyone I’ve worked with since then is nice and that’s how it should be. It’s just so sad that people still choose to be rude or treat you differently because of gender or color or age. It is important to speak up and tell them what we think.
What do you hope to achieve with your artwork? What are some one term goals you hope to achieve?
I want people to recognize me from my designs! I am still searching for what my style is, but hopefully it is soon to be found.
Your designs are very unique to your style, where do some of your artistic inspirations behind your work come from?
When I design Instagram content, I try to use fun colors so people will stop scrolling and look at the design. But when I design merchandise for artists, their lyrics are everything. It has their colors and you can tell their character from the words they choose. So I like to use a line from their lyrics.
Where do you see yourself and career in 10 years?
It’s so hard to say, but I love creating, so probably doing something similar. But I’ve always wanted to work in the music industry, so hopefully I get the opportunity. Also, I’m not sure what platform I want to use, but I would like to have a community where I can share creativities with others and be my own boss.
For those wanting to start a career in graphic design what are some tips you have for them?
I know some people are like “I’m too late/old for this,” “Do I have to go to school?”, but you can always start by using what you have. There are so many amazing tutorials on YouTube for free! So start today and don’t forget to share your dreams out loud, it’ll help them come true.
Checkout Sumire’s work!