42. A creative career in illustration AND graphic design with Naomi Otsu

Hi! Today’s podcast is with ⁠Naomi Otsu⁠, New York-based illustrator and graphic designer whose work is inspired by the cities and cultures she grew up in.

Born in New York and raised in Tokyo, Naomi returned to New York to attend Parsons School of Design before kicking off her creative career which included time agency-side at Laird and Partners, Opening Ceremony in its hey day, until ultimately settling in to her full-time role as both an illustrator and a graphic designer.

Today we chat about what it’s like to work across mediums, how Naomi approaches new work with clients, how her work has manifested in many different forms from books, to wallpaper, and entire collection with The North Face, and how systems help her showcase her work on social media. 

Enjoy the chat + check out The Eater Guide to New York City ⁠OUT NOW⁠!

x M