Eku Uekura’s self-indulgent fixation in her illustrations - “I want both the costume designs and the girls in the spotlight.”

When it was just a side job, I had this rough schedule of going to my full-time job on weekdays and spending weekends and holidays doing personal work. Ever since I’ve taken on illustration full-time, however, I’ve been able to solely focus on my work and that gives me more leeway both physically and mentally.

Of course, I’m doing all of this while caring for my child, so things don’t go as scheduled if they get sick. While that is challenging, it would’ve been worse if I was still working two jobs. In that sense, it's a huge help to have a job that allows me to be flexible with my schedule.

There is. It’s hard to masterfully use a lot of colors together so I use themes that consist of four to five colors. I’ll choose the main color first and then other colors that correspond with the theme.

For example, the other day, I drew a piece with a “mature yet girly” theme. I initially chose pink as the main color, followed by red and white, which pair nicely with pink. From there, I went with black and brown to fit the theme’s “mature” aspect.

In an illustration class I took back in vocational school, I learned that overlaying textures on an illustration can instantly change the work’s overall vibe. After discovering how fun it was, I started to layer different things. In the beginning, I would overlay using photos I’d taken myself but then I noticed how cute stamp textures looked when I happened to stick them on the material collection books I’d buy. From then on, there was this period when I would overuse stamps in my pieces. I’d add them even if they didn’t match the picture. (laughs)

Recently, to ensure I use textures that match the picture, I don’t use stamp textures as much. However, whenever the stamps suit the illustration, people will tell me how cute they find the piece because of the stamps, which makes me pretty happy.  

I have a few things. First are the eyes. Lately, I’ve especially been spending a lot of time adding details to eyelashes. I draw them out while leaving gaps so that I don’t color them in completely. I think that this allows me to add more lashes and make them pretty.

That’s right. Among other things, I’m meticulous about the shape of the ruffles and how the skirt spreads out, making them look fluffy and cute.

Takako Shimura’s Aoi Hana. There are so many parts that I can relate to, like how the main character is a shy girl who can’t express her feelings in words properly. I love that anime so much, especially Shimura- sensei’s lovely and delicate art style.

It does. When making the art book, I envisioned “a stylish dress shop with a built-in cafe” so I thought it would be a good idea to have the exhibition revolve around the same theme. A lively interior decorated with ribbons and balloons and a special ceramic cake display. We even have merchandise, presents, and sweets prepared as well. I want this exhibition to have both a delicious and fun atmosphere.

Due to various circumstances, I haven’t been able to participate in exhibit and sales events for about three years so I look forward to being in the gallery and giving out autographs because being able to interact with everyone who comes is precious to me.

I’m just dying to do some kind of collaboration with a high-end brand. Recently, I had the chance to collaborate on the costume design for the dress-up app game “Pokekoro Twins” and I hope to have more chances to collaborate on projects like that in the future.