Inside NOY's world: Where the wonder of unknown culture comes alive through the livelihood of fantastical creatures
1. NOY, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is NOY. I am from Osaka, and currently work as an illustrator in Tokyo. I’ve worked on various projects including merchandise, CD cover art, and editorial illustrations. I create most of my work using Risograph printing, a specialized technique that gives each piece a bold, textured look. I also operate the machine myself, handling both the creative and printing processes from start to finish.
2. What made you want to become an illustrator?
I started drawing when I was very young. I’ve always loved card games and I even used to draw my own original monsters. I especially liked drawing animals and creatures more than human shaped characters.
In terms of my career, I originally came to Tokyo to become a photographer. But when the pandemic hit, job opportunities in photography disappeared, and that’s when I started making and sharing my illustrations again. After posting some of them on social media, I started gaining followers and I got invited to take part in exhibitions. That gradually led me to take illustration more seriously as a career.
3. What inspired you to draw monsters and animals?
Like I mentioned earlier, I was really into card games growing up, like Yu-Gi-Oh!, Duel Masters, and Vanguard. However, I was more interested in collecting the cards and looking at the artwork than actually playing the games.
Back then, you couldn’t just search for images online, so the only way to see the artwork was by actually buying card packs and opening them yourself. That whole experience really shaped the way I create today.
── Was there a specific card that left a lasting impression or inspired you to start drawing?
Definitely. One card that really stuck with me was “Junk Warrior” from Yu-Gi-Oh!. I was super into the game during the era when this new type of card called “Synchro Monsters” came out.
(Junk Warrior from Yu-Gi-Oh!)
“Junk Warrior” had this jet-like form mixed with heroic elements, and the color scheme was very unique. The moment I saw it, I thought, “Whoa, that’s so cool,” and that’s what got me into drawing metallic, machine-like characters.
4. Tell us about your recent series featuring fantastical ocean nomads. What was your inspiration behind it?
As my overarching theme beyond just this series, I like to capture elements of culture and human life. I enjoy illustrating scenes like festivals or people cooking, moments that reflect everyday life and tradition. For the “Ocean nomad” series, I wanted to capture the feeling you get when you come across a new culture; the surprise, curiosity, fear, and excitement. If people can feel some of those mixed emotions through my illustrations, I’d be very happy.
── There’s something both cute and slightly eerie about your characters in this series. Were there any specific cultures you referenced?
(Close up of characters from the Ocean nomad series)
I was inspired by old indigenous oceanic tribes from places like New Zealand and Australia. I imagined what life might have been like before maps existed — how people crossed oceans from island to island. That unknown world really fascinated me.
5. What’s next for you as an artist?
I’d love to try animating my illustrations, ideally through working on music videos or other visual projects. I'm also personally interested in making my own game someday, so I would love to keep exploring new ways to express myself through different mediums.
→ View NOY’s Profile and Art Prints