Re-Discovering my Artistic style

Beautiful artwork by my toddler

 I'm currently in the process of restarting my blog and possibly other social media outlets after more than a year of radio silence. I'm also trying to set up my new studio space in our new home. This is a crazy adventure especially since it's right before my due date for baby number 2.  I've been taking online classes and youtube tutorials in the hopes to discover my own true style. In the past, I felt like I'd only tried to paint things I thought would sell. This was successful up until a point. I did sell some original art pieces but I quickly faced burn out. Because, I quickly stopped being passionate about what I was creating, I felt that it didn't reflect how I really wanted my artwork to be perceived. 

When people liked my artwork I always thought, 

"Yeah this piece is good but I know I can do better."

What I really wanted to achieve in my art was hard because I think I lacked the skill. So now is the time to really delve into what my style could potentially be. 
I took several classes from skillshare (I've had a subscription with them for a couple of years now) one of which I really like was Chris Hong's class called, "Steps to creating vivid portraits with Coloured Pencils." As it took me out of my comfort zone of strictly using watercolours and onto coloured pencils. Another lesson I've been enjoying is Andy J. Pizza's "Find Your Style: Five Exercises to Unlock Your Creative Identity" among others. I found out about his course after following his podcast for some time. 

Although, I can't share all of my progress as some of it is quite abstract, like creating a schedule or having a creative mindset etc. I will try my best when and I can to post regularly amongst the caffeine and sleepless nights.

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The Art of Howl's Moving Castle: A Book Review

Like anyone, I love practically all of the Studio Ghibli films since I was young. However, I was late to the party when getting my hands on any of their art books. After a short visit to my local library, I came across a huge selection of art books based on films by Studio Ghibli or the artworks of Hayao Miyazaki himself. So I just had to get my hands on one of them!

What is this book about?

This book covers the artwork, sketches, storyboards and character creation through every major scene from the animated film, "Howl's Moving Castle". It's an incredibly well-documented book of all the major scenes throughout the film, which also includes the incomprehensible side notes by Hayao Miyazaki himself. It covers a lot of different parts such as the ideas that went on behind the scenes of creating the movie, as well as background scenery to the choices made during the character development.  You also get to read comments about the artwork from other artists involved in the production.

How has this book helped you as an artist?

This book has been an incredible reference book and a resource for inspiration. Going through each page bit by bit has been an incredible journey in itself. But, I love about it most is that whatever mood you are in whether you want to paint landscapes, people, monsters, interiors etc. You will find some great reference point in this book. 

How I use it to improve my artwork is to study the image and try and reverse-engineer the process it took the artist to get to that final image. This trick has been a great learning tool for me, but only to do just copy but try to look at real-life studies as well and apply the techniques I see another artist's doing to try and achieve the look of how I want it to look. The images are so vivid and detailed that it's not hard to pick up some techniques.  

Also, it has just been a wonderful place to look when I'm feeling uninspired!

I feel like detailed illustrated books like these help you understand the movie that much better. If you're like me and you've seen the movies a few times but you want to know more, I recommend this book as the artists' and director's comments give just a little more insight into the inner workings of the movies. 

Anyway, if you haven't seen the film. Go do it now! 

Do I recommend this book? YES, and especially to artists who are interested in background design, character design or just have a wild imagination and are a fan of the film. 

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"Hajime" Magazine Collaboration with Tokyo Collective

(Own photo)

(Image credit: Julia Nascimento, Instagram: ns_julia)

April 2018 was the month where I participated in a group show for the very first time with Tokyo Collective also known as “トコ”.

What's Tokyo Collective?

Tokyo Collective is a group of local artists, foreign and Japanese that come together every few months to collaborate on a quarterly magazine, published by the artists' themselves. The purpose of this group is to offer a platform for artists to work together on an exciting project and create something beautiful. 

(Image credit: Julia Nascimento, Instagram: ns_julia)

I was really lucky to be able to be apart of their very first publication called "Hajime". The literally meaning of "Hajime はじめ” means "to begin" which perfectly coincided with the artist brief we were given which was to recall our first impressions of when we first moved to Tokyo. 

For me, I focused mainly on food illustrations as I was the most surprised by the ingredients and the whole dining culture in Tokyo in general. 

(Image credit: Julia Nascimento, Instagram: ns_julia)

Many of the artists were from totally different backgrounds, some were originally Japanese but had grown up in an entirely different prefecture, some came from overseas but had already experienced the expat life in another part of Japan before coming to Tokyo and there were artists like me, who came to Tokyo from abroad. Everyone had their own unique backstory and it was really interesting to discover more about what each person wanted to share. 

(Image credit: Julia Nascimento, Instagram: ns_julia)

(Image credit: Julia Nascimento, Instagram: ns_julia)

(Own Image)

If you'd like to get your hands on a copy you can visit my online shop at 

http://nataliebleakly.storenvy.com/

You can also see snippets from the opening party on my youtube channel vlog.

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Starving Artist Tag Q&A

I love writing blog posts like these as they are fun and require little preparation hehe.

I first found out about the "Starving Artist Tag" through watching Sadiesavestheday's Youtube video about it. I thought it would be really fun to do so I decided to take part. 

What's a Starving Artist Tag?

I'm not sure where the name came from originally but no, it's not a series of questions about how broke artists are (although on some days there might be some truth to that 😅). It's mainly a series of questions asking the artist about how they got into art, their process, their inspirations and so on.

So let's get started!

1. What's your favourite experience as an artist?

My favourite experience is the process of coming up with an idea, experimenting with it using different tools and working through them until I find something that works. Another thing I love is when you can finally add colour to the art piece. I normally do an initial pencil sketch before I start adding paint but, I have a bad habit of rushing through the sketching process because I love the painting so much. 

2. What's your least favourite experience as an artist?

I think self-doubt for sure. Especially when working to a brief or for a client, I always go through the emotions of feeling inferior before starting the project but, it always turns out well in the end. It's easy to compare yourself to others when now you can get access to an array of incredibly talented artists by only a few clicks away. When I'm in a funk I normally distance myself from social media and try to spend more time outside being inspired by my surroundings. 

3. What are your dreams/goals for your art? 

My main goal is to be able to make art freely for the rest of my life whatever that looks like. I think the worst thing would be if my hands were cut off or something like that so I couldn't paint anymore, that would really suck. 

4. What's your favourite medium and why?

Right now, it's pencil and watercolour paints. I love the finish it leaves as well as how easy it is to blend colours. I used to paint more with acrylics and I've also dabbled in oils and digital painting. I would love to get into painting with gouache as I love the smooth finish you can achieve with it. 

5. What inspired you to do art/ Why do you love it?

I was first inspired when I was a kid and would often doodle animals all over my textbooks. In elementary up until secondary school, I would lock myself away in my room for hours on end drawing my favourite anime characters. I had a classmate who also loved drawing and we would spend copious amounts of time creating our own fan art of our favourite characters. We even created our own monthly magazine where we would print on our home printers and share with our family and just each other. 

After that, there was a long gap where I didn't paint or draw anything at all and only got back into art after following a few of my favourite artists on youtube. I realised it wasn't too late for me to get back into my childhood passion. 

6. What's the favourite piece you ever made and why is it special?

I have a few favourite pieces that I vaguely remember from my childhood, but there was one piece that I remember I'd painted like it was yesterday. Sadly, I don't have a copy of it anymore but it was a still life piece of glass objects and a vase but blown up onto a large canvas. It was part of my GCSE art exam that I'd submitted for and I was so proud of it. I'd spent so many hours on it and it ended up looking so perfect that I couldn't believe that I had painted it.

7. Who/ What are your biggest artistic influences?

A lot of YouTubers to be honest. But just to name a few:

- Kelsey Beckett

- Holly Exley

- Lioba Brückner

I could a file on my laptop called "Inspiration" which is just teeming of incredible images that inspire me. So there are a few artists in there that I can't remember the names of sadly.  

8. What did you learn from being a fulltime artist?

I'm not yet fulltime but, I've been on the fence about whether or not to quit my day job in order to pursue this art thing fulltime. I've learned so much even up until now but, so far since starting I've learned that the sooner you start the better and to be hardworking and consistent in everything you do. 

9. What do your family and friends think of you being an artist?

Actually, they are all really supportive! I remember my dad telling me that it's a shame to waste your passion or talent and to give up on your childhood dreams if you have the chance to start. That was the biggest push that had motivated me to want to start painting again. All of my family are incredibly creative so it makes sense that they would be so supportive. My husband has always been supportive and has been an incredible rock in my life whenever I go through times of self-doubt. 

10. Was becoming an artist your childhood dream? If not what is?

Since I was very young all I wanted to do was make art and be able to spend as much time on art as I could, whatever job role that would turn into. 

11. What advice can you give to people who want to be more artistic or creative?

The advice that helps me a lot is to not pressure yourself to be amazing so quickly. An important part of the process is to enjoy the process! If you want to start painting, you are probably going to spend a lot of time perfecting your style so make sure you enjoy it. 

12. Were you supported to pursue art as a child?

Of course! My family has always been supportive. I remember my parents used to take us to art classes all the time. They probably thought it was better than getting a babysitter and we seemed to really enjoy it. 

13. Do you make money off your art?

Yes, I do. 

14. What do you want to improve on/aspire to be with your future art?

I really want to make a very comprehension artbook one day. I want to be able to have a really hefty body of work so I can look back on and also for other people to enjoy. I want to make something that I'm proud of. 

15. What feelings do you try to express in your art?

Melancholy. Haha no, I'm just kidding. When I paint people, I really want to show a certain beauty where the painting is telling you their life story. When I paint food or objects I want them to look really delicious and inviting,  almost enabling the viewer to touch it. 

16. What is your favourite thing to paint and why?

My most favourite things to paint are models or women that inspire me through their hard work or their beauty or even both! There's this certain attitude that you can portray through a painting, much like a photograph but with way more control for the artist. I love creating background stories to the people I paint and I love that you can give them interests and personalities that people can relate to. 

17. What's the strangest thing I've painted?

I didn't paint it but I sculpted it from clay. One time for a school art project I was trying to go out of my comfort zone and try my hand at sculpting. I was trying to sculpt a head and it ended up looking a little too realistic, like a real severed head. So my sisters would often take it and place it in random areas throughout the house in order to scare me or my mum for giggles. It worked most of the time.

18. Have you ever been hung up after you started a commission? How did handle it?

Fortunately, this hasn't happened to me yet. So far I've been really diligent at nipping it in the bud before the issue becomes serious, which has helped me to avoid situations like this. So far, all of the clients I've worked with have been great! I think a lot of the time when you're starting out you're willing to take on any project, even the ones that just sound terrible for the exposure. It's easy to fall victim to bad working conditions when you're desperate and have bills to pay. That's one reason why I've been debating whether or not to go fulltime as for now I can rely on my day job to keep the lights on and the hot water running.

19. Do you admit that paint smells good?

Ummmm... No. I'm more of a paper person, to be honest. hehe.

20. What would you tell your younger self?

Don't you ever give up!

If you want to take part in the tag, here are the questions:

The Starving Artist Tag
1. What's your favorite experience as an artist? 
2. What's your least favourite experience as an artist?
3. What are your dreams/goals for your art?
4. Whats your favourite medium and why?
5. What inspired you to do art/why do you love it?
6. What's the favourite piece you ever made and why its special?
7. Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
8. What did you learn from being a full-time artist?
9. What do your family and friends think about you being an artist?
10. Was becoming an artist your childhood dream? If not what is?
11. What advice can you can give to people who want to be more artistic or creative?
12. Were you supported to pursue art as a child?
13. Do you make money off your art?
14. What do you want to improve on/aspire to be with your future art?
15. What feelings do you try to express in your art?
16. What is your favourite thing to paint and why?
17. What's the strangest thing you've painted?
18. Have you ever been hung up after you started a commission, and how did you handle it?
19. Do you admit that paint smells good?
20. What would you tell your younger self?

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Top 5 Art Supply Stores in Tokyo

So you are in Tokyo for a short while and you need to get your art supply fix in a short space of time. Then,  you have come to the right blog!

Here's a concise list of the best places I've found in and around Tokyo. These stores mainly focus on traditional art supplies rather than stationary. Although, some of the stores mentioned do carry cute stationary supplies too if you are in need. Let's get started!

1) TOKYU HANDS 

Locations in Shinjuku, Ikebukuro

Tokyu Hands is a well-known brand that is one of the best one-stop solutions for all your art and stationery needs. They have several locations all over Tokyo and the rest of Japan, but the most frequented store with the most variety is their Shibuya branch. Prepare your wallets as this store has floors and floors of art supplies, beauty, stationery, DIY, travel goods and more. If you only have a few hours to spare for shopping then this is the place for you.

2) TOOLS 

Locations in Shinjuku, Ochanomizu

Tools is another incredible chain that mainly sells art supplies from Japan. You'll find that each store caters to a different audience. For those that are really into drawing comic art and anime, you'll love what you find at the Tools' Shinjuku location found in one of the shopping malls by Shinjuku JR station.

The other store based in Ochanomizu only minutes away from the station houses a lot of popular Japanese brands of traditional art materials for watercolour art, oils, pastels, gouache, acrylic and Japan's recent new variation of acryl-gouache. 

3) BUMPOUDO

Location in  Jimbocho

Another incredible art supply store based in the heart of Tokyo's second-hand bookselling district is Bumpoudo. You can find this store just a few minutes away from Jimbocho station, and this store is teeming with traditional art supplies that you may not find at the previous two mentioned. If you have a bit of extra time or you want to explore a new side of Tokyo apart from the ever-bustling Shibuya and Shinjuku. This store is a great place for you to get lost in. You can even enjoy a nice quiet coffee in one of the many nearby cafes built for those book lovers roaming the streets. 

4) SEKAIDO

Location in Shinjuku-Sanchome

Sekaido is one of the major art supply stores in Tokyo that carries EVERYTHING. The nearest station to this store is Shinjuku-sanchome station along the Tokyo Metro line. It's also a short walk away from the Shinjuku JR station. It has your usual stationery and filing supplies on the first floor, but the main gems are found on the upper levels where you'll find Japanese and foreign art supply brands, artbooks and printing services. On the top floor, they also have a very sophisticated framing service too. If you really want to get into the meat of art supplies, easels and all, I recommend you visit this store first. 

5) LEMON GINZA 

Location in Ochanomizu

Lemon Ginza is another great store not too far form Tools' Ochanomiza store branch. This shop is my favourite store to visit to get my watercolour painting supply fix. They mainly cater to the nearby Architecture school as they have architect student supplies on the second floor. What I love about this place is that they not only have some incredible Japanese brands but some great French brands too. You'll find a well-balanced variety of quality sketchbooks, paper, colouring pencils, brushes, inks and other stationery. 

If you need a bit of help getting to each of these store locations, I've also created a video on my youtube channel taking you to each of these shops. Enjoy!

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Toyko Salaries: How much do I need to Survive?

So.

You've researched into the deep corners of the internet and you've somehow come across this page. You've read all the guidebooks, every blog and you've watched every youtube video about living in Japan under the internet sun (or a filament desk lamp). But, something just draws you to Tokyo...

Of course, if you chose to live outside of the major cities, making money and saving more of it would be much easier. But, since we're talking about Tokyo salaries, here we go!

Please note that in your second year of living in Japan, residence tax, national pension, income tax (if it's not deducted from your salary automatically) and national health insurance premiums will all start to kick in and slowly eating away at your grocery budget.

I will be basing my calculations on the current tax rates which are as follows:

• If you earn 1.95 million yen your taxable income rate is 5%
• If you earn 1.95-3.3 million yen per year the rate is 10%
• if you earn 3.3-6.95 million yen per year the rate is 20%
• if you earn 6.95-9 million per year the rate is 23%

On top of all of that, a flat rate of 4% will be added to pay for prefectural taxes. 

Each of the salary ranges below will have an indicator of income as well as a general cost breakdown. Because everyone has different financial situations and standards of living, please use this as a guideline and not as concrete data. There are several things you can get deductions for so please do your research more thoroughly!

For more exact numbers I found this site useful, The Japan Tax Calculator

210,000 yen per month

Let's start with the lowest. If you like sharing a room with eight other people this is the spot for you. With this salary, you can easily tuck into those conbini dinners each night. You'll be able to explore your artistic flare at various concoctions of rice, natto, nametake, tofu and seaweed. You could even save a few pennies by skipping eating altogether. You could live up to that "starving artist" stereotype at its best. Hobbies? Forget that, you're a true artist that doesn't need hobbies since all you can afford to do is to live, eat and breathe. Just like the greats in past times.

No, but seriously,
ANYTHING lower than this please run away. But, wait you're probably an artist and can't control your income month to month. Ok, so you can't run away but you have to SAVE those pennies.

Honestly, if you can survive on this per month. Please message me, what book are you reading? I need to know

Cost Breakdown:

If we assume, 

Rent - 60,000

Gas, Water, Electric - 12,000

Internet - 4,000

Food - 30,000

Tax  - 52,500

Transport - 10,000 

Total = 168,500 a month

So you'd have around 51,500yen spending cash. 

For transport, if you work for a company, most companies will reimburse your travel expenses the following month. But if you're mainly freelance or working from home. Just don't leave the house. 

250,000 yen per month

With this much, you'll be able to quite comfortably pay your rent and utilities, and be able to leave the house once in a while to grab coffee with a fellow artist friend. You would have also updated your conbini a la carte cuisine to your new second home 'Saizeriya'. Your main method of transport will still mostly be on foot, but you can nab a free rusted old bicycle from craigslist. You are living the dream. For entertainment, you can take part in any of the free events surrounding your local area like sitting in the park or wandering the streets looking for uniquely Japanese landscapes to add to your portfolio. Dating? You can still forget that unless you're planning on living together which will practically halve most of your bills. 

Cost Breakdown:

If we assume, 

Rent - 80,000

Gas, Water, Electric - 12,000

Internet - 4,000

Food - 30,000

Tax 25% - 62,500

Transport - 10,000 

Total = 198,500 yen a month

Notice I upped the rent a bit as well as the tax accordingly, leaving you 51,500yen to use however you please. Of course, if you share an apartment with a significant other or have roommates and are as frugal as hell, you can save a bit more than the above-mentioned 51,500yen per month. 

270,000 yen per month

You're still not hitting the big bucks but now you're able to afford to take the train once in while. This salary coincides with the typical eikaiwa teacher's monthly income. You can now move out of share housing and either get a roommate or live in government housing within 1-2 hours commute from the city centre. You can finally upgrade your client meeting to Mos Burger or just stick to e-mail correspondence using next door's internet. By this point, you will still be rationing art supplies but you'll be able to replace any well-loved tools twice a year. 

Cost Breakdown:

If we assume, 

Rent - 80,000

Gas, Water, Electric - 12,000

Internet - 4,000

Food - 30,000

Tax 25% - 67,500

Transport - 10,000 

Total = 203,500 yen per month

After bills, you would have around 66,500yen left at the end of the month to use freely. It's still nothing to write home about but at least you have a bit more breathing room than before. You'll also begin to notice that the more money you start to earn the more you end up paying in taxes. 

300,000 yen per month

Congratulations! You've finally made it out of the poverty line.  No more conbini dinners and no more Saizeriya dinner dates. You are living!

You can finally enjoy the fruits of your labour and start paying back those maxed out credit cards and start crying over your tax returns with a bottle of wine. Netflix? Check! Make sure to upgrade your Tumblr account to a new and groovy WordPress template now that you can afford the monthly premiums. For accommodation, you can finally live 30-40 minute commute away from the city centre.

You can also switch up your client meetings to hipster drip coffee joints in Daikanyama, or even try Starbucks and buy yourself a sakura flavoured Frappuccino, you've earned it!

Cost Breakdown:

If we assume, 

Rent - 100,000

Gas, Water, Electric - 12,000

Internet - 4,000

Food - 30,000

Tax 25% - 75,000

Transport - 10,000 

Total = 231,000 per month

Leaving you around 69,000 yen a month for spending cash. I upped the rent here since at this point it's not uncommon for some to start to move into bigger apartments and possibly start a family. 

350,000 yen per month

You are most likely making more than your peers at this point, as well as the general local populous. You'll finally be able to afford an actual bed instead of sleeping on a futon on the floor. Also, you can finally get that neck zit checked out at an English speaking doctor in Roppongi along with getting treatment for your back problems from sleeping on the floor all those years. 

You can also start hosting gallery events showing your artwork or being a part of a group show now that you can afford the gallery rental fees. 

Gone are the days of living as a "starving artist" in Japan. You can finally walk into your favourite restaurant Saizeriya and order the entirety of the menu. Still using that old WordPress site? Now you can upgrade your site and attach an online store selling your new collection of buttons. 

Tokyo salaries aren't great so most of the people you meet here won't be the 'get rich quick' types but, will actually appreciate what this beautiful city has to offer. Most Japanese nationals here will never see this kind of money, but they also know where all the bargains are and also get sent a 1-tonne bag of rice from their families in the countryside if they aren't already living with them.

Cost Breakdown:

If we assume, 

Rent - 100,000

Gas, Water, Electric - 12,000

Internet - 4,000

Food - 30,000

Tax 25% - 87,500

Transport - 10,000 

Total = 253,500 yen per month

Leaving you with 56,500 yen per month spending cash. It starts to get annoying since the more you earn the more tax you pay and the more you move to a bigger place you end up with around the same spending cash. Of course, you can change any of these figures based on your personal lifestyle expenses, so use this as a guideline and not concrete data. 

400,000 yen per month and above

You are now entering territory that has not been travelled by many but, you are living the life! You can afford a car, a nice mattress, a TV and a much bigger apartment. Also, you can possibly live 20 minutes away from any major station in Tokyo, as well as treat yourself to a new Wacom tablet or iPad and start working on your digital illustrations. You could even start a new youtube channel showing off your growing collection of the latest camera gear. 

Some people come to Japan in much more fortunate circumstances like being sent from their company from overseas on an expat package, living in an apartment in Roppongi with all their meals paid for. They will most certainly have a different outlook on life compared to those that haunt the discount sushi aisles at 10pm in the grocery stores. 

Cost Breakdown:

If we assume, 

Rent - 160,000 +

Gas, Water, Electric - 12,000

Internet - 4,000

Food - 30,000

Tax 25% - 100,000 +

Transport - 10,000 

Total = 316,000 + yen/month

Leaving you with around 81,000yen spending cash a month or more. 

Is Japan Expensive?

Of course, everyone has their own standard of living. For example, one of my friends needed to live within a 100-meter radius of four different dance studios, whereas, it could be something totally different for someone else.  

If you're more of a homebody, prefers cooking at home, hates drinking, socialising or shopping then your living costs will be significantly different to someone that does.

For artists, a lot of the art stores in Tokyo only sell quality products so you'll usually end up paying a pretty penny to update your tools. For printing costs and paper materials like business cards, flyers, posters and banners for yourself or your clients, this can also be costly as there aren't many affordable options around. Renting gallery space or renting a table at an art show can also add to the costs.

The worst thing you could do is to think that 250,000 yen is worth this much currency in your home country, so therefore you'll survive. This oftentimes doesn't work out. Most people gravely forget about the cost of train tickets, apartment down payment, buying a suit, going to the foreign supermarkets for cheese and that return ticket back home once a year to see your family. At the end of the day, it depends on how much money you think you need to live on, and Japan is quite possibly one of the perfect places to test that.

If there's anything I missed, or if there's anything wrong with my figures (I'm not a mathematician) please feel free to let me know! As I hate the idea of misleading anyone due to my incessant typos or lack of knowledge in a certain area.

Enjoy your time in Japan!

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Visas for Illustrators in Japan

Hello Creatives!

This has been a long awaited post and a big question on many creative's mind when taking the big plunge in moving to Japan.
I used to have another blog where I would post any information I think would help other illustrators and artists navigate the industry here but, the blog has been taken down since *cries*.

In this post I will walk you through all the visa options best suited for you as a creative working in Japan. There are 27 types of visa for Japan. The requirements to obtain these visas and the authorised activities vary for each of them.
After much research, drafting and editing, I've compiled a list of visa categories most helpful for the average artist/ illustrator.

*If there are any updates or anything I've missed please let me know so I can update the information below. Also bare in mind that I'm not a lawyer or an embassy, so please use this as a reference and go to your nearest embassy for more up-to-date information. 

Tourist Visa

  This visa category is mainly for travellers and tourist on a short term stay. Depending on your nationality you can qualify for the 90 day tourist visa which you get stamped into your passport upon arrival into Japan. However, this is limited to certain nationalities for example, USA, EU passport holders and others. But, I know for some, the limited time of stay could only be up to 14 days or even not permitted this visa type at all. So definitely look up the requirements for your passport.

  This Visa is most common for artists doing a short-term artist residency, or if you are doing an event. Note that legally you are not allowed to work or accept any type of Japanese Yen in the country for your work on this type of visa.

Instructor Visa 

This visa is mainly for those you are teaching in government schools or universities. Not to be mistaken with "eikaiwas" which are mainly privately owned English conversational schools. With this visa you can work as a professor teaching an art related subject at a university to even teaching English as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) at a Japanese public school.


Please note that on this type of visa you are technically not permitted to engage in paid activities that are outside of teaching. This may not be too much of a problem. But, it might a problem if you are teaching a subject which isn't related to design (i.e. English as a second language) and you take up freelance jobs on the side. This wouldn't be permitted on this visa!
For this same reason, I actually don't advise artists to come to Japan on this visa if they can help it. Unless if you are coming to teach Art or something related.
There are still upsides to this visa since you can see what life is like for working and living in Japan while having a guaranteed salary each month.

Specialist in Humanities Visa

(a.k.a general working visa)

This type of visa is very broad and covers a wide array of different industries including the design and creative industry. To an extent, it works as a catch for types of industries that weren't specifically specified in other visa categories.
Normally to obtain this type of visa you would need to find a local company in Japan to sponsor your visa as well as offer employment. On this visa you are able to work as many jobs on the side unless specified otherwise on your contract. To see if you can qualify for this visa type (and others) you would need to fill out an application for a COE, which stands for Certificate of Eligibility. This basically confirms that you are eligible to live and work in Japan.

Self-Sponsored Working visa

This visa category is the most common amongst illustrators and artists that I've met it Japan. In your passport it would look like the same stamp/sticker you would have gotten for your "Specialist in Humaties" visa that was mentioned earlier. It provides the most flexibility in regards to the type of work you can doing whether it be painting, illustration or web design just to name a few. But, it can be the hardest to get if you have just landed in Japan due to the list of requirements. It's not impossible to obtain but it does require a lot of time and leg work to acquire all the documents needed.
You would need:

• An accumulation of job long-term job contracts (I suggest of up to 1 year, at least).
• Able to make the equivalent or over ¥230,000 (around $2,000 USD) per month, especially if you are planning to stay in the bigger cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. You might be able to get away with less if you live in the rural areas or further out into the countryside. 
• Recommendation letters from your employers stating in Japanese how good you are of a worker and an asset to them.
• Get your employers to provide you with a "Zaishokushoumeisho"(在職証明書)which is a 'proof of employment' certificate. 
• Bring your Residency Certificate ("Jyuminhyo" 住民票) and copies of your Tax Certificates form your local Ward Office to show you have been a tax-paying law-abiding citizen for the past 2-3 years. 
• Copies of bank statements proving you have at least ¥JPY 500,000 (around $USD 4,600 at the time of writing) in your bank account. 
• Filled out application form for typical work visa extension, with an attached passport photo taken within the last 3 months.
• Copy of your "Zairyou Card" (Foreigner Card), Drivers license (if you have one), and passport.

The process of getting your visa could take months, so please don't leave it until the last minute! You want to leave plenty of time to get your documents in just incase immigration needs more documents from you, and you'll have buffer to get them handed in. I suggest do it at least 2-3 months before your visa expires.

On a side note, you have to let immigration know that you've quit or changed jobs two weeks after you've handed in your notice to your employer. If you fail to do this it could cause problems for you down the road. If you're really running out of time you can apply for a visa extension to show you are still looking for a job (I think at Hello Work?). You'll also need to have some proof that you are actually going to these interviews as they often check.

Artist/Cultural activities Visa

Ah.. the illusive Artist Visa.
From what I've heard, researched and talked about with friends who have had experience in obtaining one. It is one of the most hardest visas to get. Reason being, there are so many hoops you have to jump through in order to get one. It's a really great visa to have once you do get it, as it allows you to earn income through teaching, selling your art, getting involved in different art events/performances and more.

If I could refer you to a page or give you a list of what you need exactly like I did for the 'self-sponsored visa', I would but I can't sadly. If you visit the Japanese immigration website you'll see that all you need to do is to first fill in the Artist COE (Artist Certificate of Eligibility) to see if you qualify along with submitting enough evidence showing the artist activities you intend to do, not forgetting proof of past achievements in your art career. For example, any awards you've won, exhibitions you've had, critical reviews or newspaper articles and/or your resume. The more extensive and detailed as possible, the better.

But, with knowing all of this, it still doesn't guarantee your application will be accepted. As a lot of applications are taken case-by-case. There are a lot "extra" requirements that aren't published on the immigration website and possibly on any other site. A lot of these requirements are very specific to one's career and how much money they are going to make during their time in Japan. You need to be able to prove you can sustain yourself through that 'artistic activity' you are trying to get a visa for.

If you are really dead-set on getting the artist visa, the best thing I can recommend is to hire a visa lawyer that can help you with preparing the right documents if you are able to afford it.

Helpful links to steps of getting an Artist Visa
http://www.japanvisa.com/visas/japan-artist-visa

http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/01.html

Link to ArtistCOE http://www.moj.go.jp/content/000103458.pdf

http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRATION/16-1-1.pdf

Spousal/Dependent Visa

Whether you are a spouse of a Japanese national or a Foreign national with a valid work visa, you can qualify for a spouse/Dependent visa. This is great as the only loop hole you'll need to jump through is to actually be legally married. If not, this might take some time and a lot on coffee dates (..or tinder).

Another good point is that you'll be able to work on a spouse visa. For those married to foreign nationals that have a valid work visa in Japan you can qualify for the Dependent Visa. The main constraint on this visa is that you'll only be able to work up to 28 hours per week (around 4-5 hours a day Monday to Friday) with the valid work permit attached. Make sure to fill in the application form for this as it can easily get missed out.

However, if you are married to a Japanese National, you would qualify for the Spouse Visa which doesn't have any time constraints or limitations on however many jobs you can do.

Bare in mind that you'll need to pay income tax, health insurance and residence tax yourself depending on how much you earn. But, it's definitely possible to work as a freelance artist or illustrator on a Spouse/Dependent Visa.

In order to apply, you would have need to have done all the paperwork required for a Dependent/Spouse visa status. After that you'll need to file in a form called the "Eligibility to engage in other activites" such as paid work. Once, everything has been handed in you'll get a stamp on your "Foreigners Card" and you'll now be eligible to work.

Holiday working visa 

For this visa, only certain nationalities (Australia, New Zealand, Canada, U.K. just to name a few) can apply for this visa so double check with your embassy. This visa enables you to engage in employment to support yourself during your travels in Japan during the duration of your visa. Working Holiday Visas are issued according to the conditions agreed upon bilaterally by the governments involved, and so visa conditions may vary slightly because of this.

Many creatives from Holiday Working Visa eligible countries come to Japan on this type of visa first and then switch to a Self-sponsored visa or a generic Working Visa once, they've built a substantial client base or manage to become employed by a company.

To apply for this type of visa you would need to apply at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate within your home country. The application requirements vary from country to country but generally you would need to provide your passport, a resume, an outline of what you intend to do in Japan and proof you have enough savings to support yourself while in Japan. Make sure you apply for a re-entry permit into Japan if you do intend to leave and return to Japan during the duration of your Holiday Work Visa. You would also need to be under 31 years in order to apply.



So what do you do if you are applying form outside Japan? It kind of turns into the chicken or the egg situation where you need a visa to be in the country but you need to be in the country in order to get the visa. My best advice is to prepare well in advance and to keep trying. You basically have 4 best options:

• Come in through company transfer or sponsorship like a dispatch company for English teaching, or on the JET program. 
• Holiday Working Visa if you are eligible.
• Arrive on a Tourist Visa and apply for jobs the minute you land. (This is a little risky but it's still an option).
• Marry a Japanese National.

Link to all application forms
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/01-format.html


Good Luck!

+ Salaries all you need to know

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