Hello!
My name is Yu, but I usually go by Yuey. ( It can get quite confusing. )
I’m a Japanese illustrator based in sunny Los Angeles, where I live with my husband and our three kiddos.
I have worked on various projects as a freelance illustrator for about 5 years. You can find my work in publishing projects and licensed products including stationeries, greeting cards, toys, and games.
After having my first child, I reconnected with my love for children’s books. It’s my humble mission to spark curiosity for the world and inspire kids to find strength within themselves through imaginative stories and wonderfully strange characters.
My inspiration comes from observing the intimate details of everyday life; an oddly shaped strawberry from a farmer’s market, seeing someone’s face lit up by a piece of music, my son checking on his pet hermit crabs…just to name a few. I love capturing moments where a little bit of magic sneaks into a simple slice of life.
When I’m not drawing, I like to pursue other interests like picnics, listening to live music, traveling, and reading manga next to my grandma tuxedo cat.