About DAISUKE IMAI

Since 2014, I have been working as a freelance illustrator, creating original goods and taking on commissions from both companies and individuals. The title "freelance illustrator" might sound cool, but to be honest, I didn't exactly choose this path—it was more like the only option I had. I struggled to fit in at school and in traditional workplaces. No matter how hard I tried, conventional ways of working just didn't suit me. Still, I kept doing what I could to survive, and before I knew it, more than ten years had passed. Thanks to the support of many people, I am grateful to still be able to create art today. I've never been good at expressing my feelings through words. But through illustration, I feel like I can be honest. Sadness, joy, surprise, humor—I try to capture these emotions in a way that is simple and easy to understand. Ever since I was young, my father, a movie enthusiast, influenced me with his love for American pop culture. That influence is reflected in my work, where I strive to blend a retro atmosphere with modern sensibilities. I don't have a fixed artistic style; instead, I adapt it based on the theme of each piece. I aim to preserve the warmth of hand-drawn art while using digital coloring techniques to achieve a vibrant finish. Because my health isn't very strong, I don't travel far often. Instead, I cherish the everyday scenery and moments around me. Lately, I've been enjoying riding my motorcycle through the countryside, watching birds and turtles in a nearby park, and chatting with my pet chinchilla. These quiet, simple joys give me new inspiration every day, and I am grateful for them. It would make me happy to continue connecting with people around the world through my illustrations.