It's a pure and authentic joy to know that my artwork can make someone's day.

Client: Checkmate Co., Ltd. | Industry: Real Estate | Location: Tokyo, Japan

As part of the real estate company Checkmate Co., Ltd.’s centennial anniversary special project, I was commissioned to create the artwork for the two elevator banks of the building in Shinjuku, Tokyo to refresh the space interior.

The theme is “Tokyo” day and night. Included in the “Tomoyo-Universe” are: 24 Tokyo landmarks; 20 animals; 22 words (English, Japanese and Spanish); and 20 random objects and many more. How many can you find? Come visit and find out for yourself!

Location: Kabuki-Cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Material: Vectorized artwork printed digitally on Vinyl decal

Client: Jeff Tang | Industry: Theater | Location: Brooklyn, NY

Artwork commissioned by Jeff Tang, a brilliantly talented composer and songwriter, for his theatrical song-cycle production: “Such Strange Gravity: Songs of Gotham” performed at Brooklyn’s National Sawdust’s Summer Lab series.

The musical numbers tell a story of the old and new NYC, the exploration of identity within its evolving sceneries, often fascinatingly mysterious, dark, yet hopeful. I drew this piece while listening to his composition, a fully inspiring journey; a kaleidoscope of hidden memories.

Client: Alba Linda Tokyo | Industry: Cosmetics | Location: Tokyo, Japan

The owner of the Japanese cosmetic line “Alba Linda” proposed an illustration that depicts the essence of his passion and message of the beauty brand, which included a thematic scenery and elements that represent Japan and Mexico in a whimsical manner.

I wanted the packaging to stand out; something you would be curious to pick up and try because of the curiosity to find unexpected objects and elements hidden in the scene. The soap, by the way, is magically foamy and wonderful.

For more info on their cosmetic line or to try on their products, visit Alba Linda Tokyo.

Client: The Jewish Board | Industry: Non-profit Organization | Location: New York, NY

The request was to illustrate the New York I see and feel. NYC for me, is a map of culture and diversity filled with unique and colorful energy where every corner you turn, you see strong individuality but also a sense of community. It’s not always about the rough and tough. True New Yorkers always have a helping hand.

The Jewish Board is “New York State’s largest network of mental health services” and ensures “New Yorkers to get the mental health support they need–regardless of culture, gender identity, ability, or age”.

As an advocate for mental health awareness myself, it was an honor and a fun project to work on and hope this piece puts a smile on many New Yorkers wherever and whenever they see it. Thank you for the opportunity!

Client: United Nations/UNESCO | Industry: International Organization | Location: Myanmar

It was my childhood dream to one day work for the United Nations/UNESCO/UNICEF to contribute something to make a difference for children in need.

I’m beyond thrilled and honored to have been commissioned to create a coloring book for children in Myanmar produced by the UNESCO. This project was executed in lieu of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal Agenda on Education (SDG 4), in pursuit of quality education for all; a fundamental role in human, social and economic development in the region and the world.

The 11 illustrations I so enjoyed drawing depict a story of two friends in pursuit of higher education and their dreams. Lovely story written by Emily De, Stephanie Roach and Esther McFarlane. Myanmar translation by Hnin Wut Yee Win. Thank you for Min Jeong Kim, Head of UNESCO Office in Myanmar and a friend, for proposing this project and initiative to me.

You have no idea how happy this makes me, looking at these children opening the book to learn the importance of education and how integral they can one day be to the society and the world.

Client: United Nations/UNESCO | Industry: International Organization | Location: New York, NY

It was an honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the United Nations Global Education First Initiative for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As the 71st General Assembly Session kicked off in the summer of 2017, the UN GEFI introduced my illustrations that depict each of the 10 target education goals in hopes of raising awareness for all global citizen and world leaders how together, we can help countries achieve equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all.

Client: Komei Violin Workshop | Industry: Music | Location: Kanagawa, Japan

A special childhood friend pursued his passion and interest to become a violin maker. After graduating from Kunitachi Music Academy majoring in violin making, he moved to Cremona, Italy to acquire training in the artistry and craftsmanship of violin making. (Its traditional violin craftsmanship is declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO). Subsequently traiining in Milan, Italy to further his knowledge, he then imported the skills he acquired and created his own workshop back home.

He requested for a series of spot illustrations that depict the essence of these beautiful instruments. To get inspired, I visited his workshop in Kanagawa, Japan. Mesmerized by the tools, the smell of wood and the raw shapes that later becomes functional musical instruments, I was incredibly inspired and impressed. As a result, I created these whimsical animals playing the violin and cello.

To find out more about his wonderful creations and his service, visit here.

Location: San Francisco, CA

Billy requested to include three cities that are close to his heart: SF, Seattle and Pittsburg. He gave me freedom to add my whimsical touch to create a fully-customized and personalized artwork for his new home in Seattle. Final artwork was digitalized and printed to 36”x24” size.

He is an accomplished, state-of-the-art dentist. If you are in the Bay Area, go visit William Lee, DDS & Associates and you’ll certainly be in good hands!

Client: PS107 | Location: Brooklyn, NY

My friend whose son attends PS107 in Brooklyn asked me to contribute an illustration for their annual Art Day activity. The artwork printed on a large size paper transformed one of the school rooms into a buzzing hive of little creative artists where they got to color the artwork freely as they wish. The result was a tapestry of unexpected colors, a joyful collaboration between us.

Client: Checkmate Co., Ltd. | Industry: Real Estate | Location: Tokyo, Japan

I had the privilege to design a piano, my first ever attempt. The theme is constellations and the title is “When you Wish Upon a Star”. 

This was a Yamaha U1D black upright piano my mother used to play when she was in her 20’s. My aunt took it for adoption to convert it into a street piano for everyone to play at her building’s lobby in Shinjuku. In a time like this, can’t be a more perfect way to wish for peace and love. It was also part of her company’s 100th year anniversary special project which I am honored to have been part of.

If you love to play the piano, come by and share your music! 

Polish finish and design transfer by Piano Design Studio

Location: New York, NY

Adam requested a special illustration as a surprise 1 year-old birthday gift for his daughter, Nora. The cityscape includes NYC with memories of the family, places they visit and love, and their portraits hidden around the magical and whimsical town. Final artwork was digitalized and printed to 17” x 11” size.

He is a commercial aircraft pilot, his wife a nurse, his daughter an explorer, and his dog Lucy, a kind soul.

Client: Guernica Magazine | Industry: Editorial | Location: New York, NY

This spot illustration accompanied Nathalie Handal’s interview with filmmaker Kamal Aljafari about the poetry of memory and displacement in Palestine through his film, “Recollection”. I depicted my own interpretation of the filmmaker’s narratives while watching this powerful film.

The article is published on Guernica online magazine. “Guernica is a non-profit magazine dedicated to global art and politics, published online since 2004. With contributors from every continent and at every stage of their careers, we are a home for singular voices, incisive ideas, and critical questions”.

To find out more about the incredibly inspiring and brilliant poet, Nathalie Handal’s award-winning works, click here.

Client: Katsura Sunshine | Industry: Performance Art | Location: Tokyo, Japan

Katsura Sunshine, an exuberant Toronto-born Canadian traditional “Rakugo” comic storyteller, commissioned me to create an artwork to express the “Sunshine World of Rakugo” freely and creatively. I created a seamless triptych illustration depicting the unique world of storytelling he navigates along with some Japanese cultural elements.

It’s evident that both art and laughter are universal and have the power to cross borders. Go check out his monthly performance in NY and Tokyo and treat yourself for a good laugh! Schedule and ticket information here.

Location: New York, NY

Yvonne requested to include four cities that are close to her family’s heart: New York, Hong Kong, London and Jackson Hole. These cityscapes bring her family cherished memories and will be hanging at their home, digitally printed on gallery wrap can vas sized 5 ft x 3 ft.

The challenge is always to bring different cities together to create a seamless one single scene adding whimsical objects, animals and words.

Location: Marion, IA

My second cousin grew up in Mexico City just like myself, and the latter half of his life, in Texas, now residing in Iowa with his lovely family. He contacted me to draw a tattoo design that depicts his background, a summary of his heritage and what he cherishes the most.

The result is a Texan bull skull decorated in a Mexican sugar skull style with elements that represent objects with symbolic meanings from both Mexico, Texas and Iowa. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of Life, therefore the overall depiction is rather positive and full of energy.

While drawing this, I got to travel through the journey of seeking my own identity as well and what it means to have grown up in multiple, diverse culture. To be able to embrace such privilege is indeed, a celebration of Life.

Location: Hoboken, NJ

Beth bought her dream home in Hoboken, NJ in the midst of Covid. She wanted to bring a positive vibe by informing her friends and family her new address and love for them considering the restrictions of gathering and visiting loved ones. In 2021, she requested to add significant events that took place in her life throughout the year, reprising the same for 2022.

Client: DSG for RR Donnelley | Industry: Agency | Location: New York, NY

While working with the RR Donnelley creative team, I was asked to draw a New York City scenery with full creative freedom. Staying up all night to draft the sketch was a well-worth and fun process, seeing the paper fill up with buildings and creatures, growing bigger and bigger.

The artwork was later scaled up into an 8ft x 8ft mobile wall. One of my very talented colleagues hand-crafted the mobile wall and after a great weekend of teamwork with sweat and laughter, the client presentation went successful and the wall later became a room divider at the photo studio’s lobby space, located at the Starrett-Lehigh Building in Chelsea.

Location: East Providence, RI

A close friend of mine proposed a full-color version of my existing NY Skyline with additional personal elements scattered around the city. New York has a special meaning to her: it’s where her career flourished; it’s where she ran the NY marathon; it’s where she met many friends and it’s where she met her future husband. After she moved to Rhode Island to start a family, she wanted a keepsake of NY in their new home.

Coloring the skyline was a surprisingly pleasant process. The final artwork was printed on a 40” x 40” paper and she later framed it to be hanged in her new family home in East Providence.

Client: Mauricio Serrano Jewelry | Industry: Jewelry | Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Acrylics, ink and gold leaf on paper.

The source of this particular illustration’s inspiration featured the gorgeous bold ring designed by a brilliantly talented visionary friend and designer, Mauricio Serrano, from his jewelry collection “Facetas”.

The reflection of each surface reminded me of Mexico; its perpetually golden sunset, the abundance of flora/fauna and the rich culture/history. When I wore this ring, I was immediately drawn to depict a Dhalia (Mexican national flower) interacting with the ring, a subliminal magical connection between the two.

It’s always such a bliss to know that another creative soul is working his way towards his passion and dreams. This piece will soon find its home on his new showroom’s wall in Mexico City. So exciting!

To purchase, browse and discover more of his beautiful jewelry pieces, click here.

Client: The Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services | Industry: Non-profit Organization | Location: New York, NY

The Jewish Board was founded over 140 years ago in New York City. Today, the organization raises community awareness and provide human services for all New Yorkers, “regardless of religion, ethnicity, cultural background, gender identification, ability or age”.

As The Jewish Board’s most successful fundraising events, the Cycle of Support Ride for Children's Mental Health funds numerous mental health programs for kids in New York City and Westchester.

I was offered an opportunity to depict 10 icons that highlight the essential statements that focus on the campaign’s goal.

To find out more about the organization’s contribution to the community, click here.

A dear married couple friends of mine requested a custom illustration as a school graduation gift for their son. The seamless landscape tells a story of the life this brilliant boy has lived so far: places he’s lived and visited, surrounded by his loved ones and hobbies.

His adventures so far span 4 countries but all connected by one ocean that continues leading him to an exciting future full of possibilities, dreams and stories while much love and cheers from his family and friends will also continue guiding him.

Our plan is to continue adding the landscape as he sails off to the future. I’m already excited how the future seamless artwork is going to turn out next to this one.

Printed on stretched canvas with wooden floating frame

Client: The Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services | Industry: Non-profit Organization | Location: New York, NY

The series of illustrations requested for the Cycle of Support Ride for Children's Mental Health was to depict the energy of the day of the event. People of all backgrounds and age participate in the ride for a good cause, so though the subject is serious, I wanted to bring a fun community feel to it.

The money raised during the event will eventually fund numerous mental health programs for children in NY. So happy to have contributed in raising awareness for such an important issue.

The illustrations were later adopted into subway platform signage, email blast, website, banners and other marketing materials by the marketing team at the Jewish Board.

To find out more about the annual event and how to participate, click here.

Client: The Home Depot | Industry: Retail | Location: Atlanta, GA

The Home Depot, one of the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Commissioned by the RR Donnelley creative team in Atlanta for their client The Home Depot, I was tasked to illustrate two-dimensional objects and products that will then blend in with actual products within an environment. The objective was to create an engaging atmosphere at the lobby bay of the headquarter office, replacing plain shelves with stacked products.

Combining 2D artwork with 3D actual products certainly accomplished an unlikely fun space.

Visionary creatives | Executive Creative Director: Elizabeth Asch; Creative Director: Luke Sevcik; Account Executive: Michell Grosenick; Account Director: Pek Suan Yew Wyland

Client: Narita Corporation in collaboration with “NPO: The Shinjuku Kabuki-Cho Kuyakusho Street 3A Society” | Industry: Charity Organization | Location: Tokyo, Japan

During the COVID-19 quarantine period in Tokyo, I had the opportunity to volunteer and design a facial mask accessory and packaging.

The charm acccessory was developed by Narita Corporation which doesn’t require a hole and easily removable!

The concept of the two designs I created was Hope and Light. The wine glass motif was inspired by the shape of the illumination trees that light up the street of Kuyakusho Street in Kabuki-cho, Tokyo.

All sales proceeds go to donations to continue the annual tradition of lighting up the street brightly and colorfully from early November till end of February in lieu of revitalizing this exciting part of town where it never sleeps. This part of Toko was especially hit hard during the pandemic. I hope the lights bring hope and comfort to those who were affected.

Industry: Science and Research | Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Artwork commissioned by the Furukawa Laboratory for their website’s Lab Culture page.

The lab focuses on research in the field of molecular physiology, neuroscience and biophysics. The request by the lab’s brilliant founder, professor and scientist was to depict the culture of mad-scientists and researches exploring the curious world of science; examining cells & molecules, questioning formulas, experimenting possibilities, discovering accidental wonders and celebrating big with the team (with champagne!).

With immense admiration towards their research and contribution, it was also educational for me to learn about this fascinating world.

If you are curious about their lab culture, click here.

Location: New York and Texas

For the past few years, my friends Tommy and Shawn have been requesting a custom illustration for their holiday card. Each scene depicts the couple and their family prepping for the holiday season with a theme and hidden objects appropriate for each year. I usually draw them while listening to some holiday tunes and the process often brings me festive spirits and a smile.

Client: The American School Foundation | Industry: Education | Location: Mexico City, Mexico

I had the privilege to have attended the American School Foundation (ASF) during my youth in Mexico City. Here, I learned English and met many of my mentors who still influence me today and found long-lasting friendships with my classmates whom I’m still in touch today.

My former art teacher (and one of my mentors) requested me to draw a customized artwork for the school’s alumni magazine cover. As a proud alumni, I immediately agreed to contribute. I instantly wanted to depict a flying vessel that carries the old and new civilization and beauty of Mexico.

“The American School Foundation is a non-profit organization that delivers a high-quality American independent education to international and Mexican students. Founded in Mexico City in 1888, ASF is the oldest continuously operating accredited American School outside the U.S”.

My friend Beth who doesn’t look 50 at all, was turning 50, and she wanted to celebrate it big. It came with no surprise, as she is someone who always takes advantage of what life has to offer. She planned a big bash in New Orleans and asked me to illustrate her favorite motif, a mermaid holding a fleur-de-lis, to include in a few party favor goodies: A 12oz to-go cup (mainly for alcohol, if you know what NoLa is about!), a pin and a note card for the guests who attended the weekend winter celebration.

I made the mermaid look like her: Beautiful, blond with green eyes, ready to enjoy the company of her close friends.

Client: Think King | Industry: Retail | Location: New York, NY

A very talented, smart creative director who interviewed me for my first-ever job in New York City 20 years ago is now a successful and inventive business founder and owner (and a mother of two) helping parents around the country lead a practical lifestyle by making their multi-tasking daily cores less challenging.

After she left the corporate world to focus on motherhood, we remained in touch. One day, she requested me to draw some instructional illustrations for her products. Unlike my usual drawings, this project required specific technical skills and focus on details. It was a joy to collaborate with Think King.

Think King’s award-winning products have rare reviews, as they are not only practical but they are also stylish! You can purchase these products in many stores across the country or online. Check out their products here.

Client: Paco & Lucia | Industry: Apparel | Location: Kingston, NY

As an animal lover myself, I was thrilled to find out my dear friend also left the corporate world to focus on her passion as an animal lover, starting from volunteering at animal shelters, to becoming a foster parent for dogs looking for temporary homes. She soon found her own company, Paco & Lucia, a line of pet clothing. Collaborating with her very talented sister, the result is a stunning collection of clothing line that is influenced by the beauty of their home country, Peru. (I want a human version for myself!)

Whether for your own pet or as a gift, browse through their many beautiful products here.

Paco & Lucia donates a portion of sales to Abandoned Pet Project, and supports Best Friends Animal Society and the UCSPCA through various events and fundraising efforts.

Client: World Times, Inc. | Industry: Editorial | Location: Boston, MA

The WorldPaper was a bi-monthly publication that featured columns about emerging global issues and was an accompaniment to many international newspapers including the local Boston Globe.

As my first job out of college, I was an editorial graphic designer working mainly on layouts and pre-press production. Occasionally, I got to work on spot illustrations, which was way more fun.

Client: a! diseño | Industry: Design Publication | Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Back in the late 90’s when I was freelancing in Mexico City, a! diseño magazine was one of the most high-end designer’s and creative’s resources. Today, the magazine expanded to an online publication and continues to support and inspire artists and designers in the country.

A well-accomplished and amazing graphic designer friend, Rosemary Martinez, contacted me to submit an illustration for their publication. The magazine wanted something unique that spoke about my background so I included my motto in Spanish and Japanese along with a scribbly doodle.

Client: Pearson Education | Industry: Education | Location: Upper Saddle River, NJ

Through six degrees of separation, I was contacted by authors Cathryn Collopy O’Donnell and Kathryn Kelly to contribute my artwork for their Spanish textbook, Portales: Comunidad y Cultura.

The intermediate level Spanish textbook was published via Pearson Education to help students learn the language through connecting with communities and other disciplines. My artwork was featured in the section of “The World that Surround Us”, a comparative culture section representing a Mexican artist of Japanese descent.

My self-portrait oil painting dressed in a Mexican traditional dress, and the woodcut print of Mexican and Japanese traditional masks were used as a tool for students to understand cultural identity and how each of the elements described my background.