Q1. Can you tell us about yourself?
My name is PHI. I’m an artist and freelance illustrator based in Osaka, Japan. My work is often inspired by everyday experiences, which I then translate into words or short narratives, which then expands visually through cartoon-style art. I produce both commercial illustration and personal work across a wide range of formats, from books and CD covers to character goods and apparel.
Q2. What inspired you to become an illustrator?
I started working as an illustrator in 2017. After graduating from university, I knew I wanted to pursue art instead of following a conventional career path, so I asked my parents to give me one year to see if I could make it work.
Of course, things didn’t take off right away, and there were times when I was uncertain about the future. But through exhibitions and personal commissions, I began forming connections and gradually built a career that I’ve been fortunate to continue to this day.
Q3. How did your current “cartoon style” evolve?
I studied design at an arts-focused high school in Osaka, where one of my teachers at the time was extremely particular about “form”. We were constantly challenged to create "beautiful shapes," and even small mistakes were met with brutal feedback. At the time, it was intimidating, but looking back, I’m grateful. That experience instilled a natural sensitivity toward structure and form that still shapes my work today.
While I describe my illustrations as “cartoon style,” I’ve never tried to define my work within a specific genre. What resonates with me about the term "cartoon" is the emphasis on distortion and the use of geometric shapes as well as lines to convey ideas.
Q4. What inspired your recent food-themed illustrations?
I really love food — so much so that if I hadn’t pursued art, I probably would’ve become a pastry chef. I’ve always had a deep interest in cooking and the culture around food, and it’s something I’ve wanted to study more seriously.
Close up of "SPICE" and "ISCREAM"
The pasta-themed piece was originally created for the cover of my portfolio. If you look closely, you’ll notice four or five tiny figures nestled in the pasta, all in different processes of cooking art. This piece titled “SPICE”, reflects my desire for my illustrations to serve as a kind of "spice" — not the main dish, but something that enhances and complements the final product.
On the other hand, “ISCREAM” was created for a group exhibition centered around puns. I wanted a concept that could be understood in both Japanese and English, and the phrase “I scream!” felt like the perfect mix of humor and imagination.
Q5. Are there any artists or works that have influenced you?
I’m a big fan of Ran and the Gray World by manga artist Aki Irie. I was especially struck by the cover design — the way the motifs connect, the flow of the lines, and the overall composition were beautiful.
Cover illustrations from Ran and the Gray World vol.1 and 2
That sense of visual rhythm is something I kept in mind while working on this food series. Her stories lean toward fantasy, but there’s always a grounding in everyday life. I think that blend of the surreal and the familiar has naturally found its way into my own work as well.
Q6. What’s next for you as an artist?
I’d love to try working on 3D figures. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to paint a white statue of Billiken, a local cultural figure in Osaka. It was my first time painting a 3D object, and I got to try techniques like spray-painting with acrylics. It was incredibly fun and refreshing to work outside of my usual process.
As a next step, I’m thinking of creating my own sculptural work from scratch. I’m currently preparing for a solo exhibition this August in Osaka, and if all goes well, I hope to showcase my first 3D piece there.