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Tomoni Shintaku
1982 Born in Hiroshima, Japan
2005 Bachelor of Fine Arts Kyushu Sangyo University, Fukuoka
2013 Shinjuku Culinary Institute, Tokyo
2016-2018 Activities in Singapore
2019-2020 Activities in Los Angeles
2021-Currently Living in the Netherlands
1982 Born in Hiroshima, Japan
2005 Bachelor of Fine Arts Kyushu Sangyo University, Fukuoka
2013 Shinjuku Culinary Institute, Tokyo
2016-2018 Activities in Singapore
2019-2020 Activities in Los Angeles
2021-Currently Living in the Netherlands
Published on April 1st, 2025. Artist responses collected in months previous.
Talk about some of the logistics of your art practice. What systems do you have in place to help streamline your workflows?
In my daily routine, I have scheduled time for drawing, painting, or other visual arts, as well as for filming and editing. This structured strategy keeps my creativity flowing regardless of my mood or physical condition. By having set blocks devoted to art, I remain committed to producing new work, even when inspiration feels out of reach. Over time, this consistency has helped me sharpen my skills and discover new sources of motivation. Rather than relying on sudden bursts of energy, I simply follow my schedule, which prevents procrastination. The act of creating on a regular basis also grounds me emotionally, offering a constructive way to channel stress or anxiety. Whether I feel tired or energized, I use that designated window to focus on expression and improvement. Through this ritual, I’ve seen a clear development in my style and technique, and it has become an integral part of my identity. By carving out time each day, I ensure my creative spirit remains alive, establishing art as a constant aspect of my everyday life. By building this foundation, I can stay consistent in my growth.
What is some advice for someone who does not have any experience who would like to pursue a career like yours?
After graduating from universities or other educational institutions, many artists experience difficulty balancing creative work with the need to support themselves through employment. While this challenge often becomes a central concern, there is a more fundamental issue at play: establishing a reliable system for consistent artistic output. Depending on an artist’s temperament and working style, the methods for creating such a framework can vary greatly. Some require daily rituals to ensure they practice their craft, while others rely on project-based plans. However, one common thread that seems vital for most is maintaining strong connections with fellow artists. Creative communities can provide encouragement, honest feedback, and a sense of camaraderie that keeps motivation high, even during rough patches. Nurturing these relationships ensures a supportive network of people who understand the struggles and successes inherent in the creative process. Additionally, maintaining contact with like-minded creators can spark fresh ideas, foster collaborations, and open doors to unexpected opportunities, fueling long-term development. Ultimately, by prioritizing both a sustainable process and meaningful bonds with peers, artists are far more likely to achieve ongoing progress and fulfillment beyond the classroom.
What was the lowest point in your art career and how did you overcome those adversities?
One of the most distressing experiences I have ever faced took place on X (formerly Twitter), when a statement I posted ignited a firestorm of controversy. As notifications swarmed my account with accusatory comments and outright abuse, I was thrust into a situation I had never expected. The relentless stream of hateful messages proved overwhelming, and it soon became clear that my words had been misinterpreted or used as fuel by those eager to spread negativity. Even now, I consider that incident deeply traumatic, as it stands as a vivid reminder of how quickly digital platforms can transform into battlegrounds for public shaming. Moreover, I feel weighed down by what some call a “digital tattoo,” forever etched into the internet’s memory, where redemption can be painfully elusive. Although time has passed since that event, I cannot say I have truly overcome its impact. At this point, all I can do is let the days go by and hope that public attention fades, trusting that my own recollections will eventually lose their sharp edge. In the meantime, I have no choice but to endure, carrying the lingering shadow of that painful experience wherever I go.
How did you come into the type of artwork you are doing now?
Ever since I graduated from art college, I’ve been steadily working on my craft without any major breaks. It hasn’t been a grand journey filled with dramatic achievements, but rather a persistent effort to create, experiment, and refine my skills. Years ago, I had a close friend who was also an artist—someone I admired and relied on for mutual support. However, after he started a family, his priorities shifted, and he ultimately chose to step away from making art altogether. While I respect his decision, part of me still misses the camaraderie and creative dialogue we once shared. Nevertheless, I continue to forge my own path, driven by the belief that consistent, genuine work can eventually speak for itself.
What was an epiphany in your art practice that took you to the next level?
Working abroad, particularly in places like Singapore and Los Angeles, completely transformed the narrow perspectives I once held as someone who grew up on a relatively insular island. Being exposed to a variety of people, cultures, and values challenged my preconceived notions and forced me to adapt in ways I never imagined. Everything from daily life to work environments demanded that I remain open-minded and learn how to function in unfamiliar settings. By engaging with colleagues and friends from different backgrounds, I discovered fresh ways of thinking and gained a deeper appreciation for global diversity. This experience ultimately broadened my worldview and taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. Even small interactions—like trying new foods or picking up cultural nuances—helped me understand that there is more than one way to approach life and work. Above all, working abroad showed me that embracing change leads to profound personal growth, and I remain grateful for how those experiences reshaped my outlook on the world.
Talk about some of the logistics of your art practice. What systems do you have in place to help streamline your workflows?
In my daily routine, I have scheduled time for drawing, painting, or other visual arts, as well as for filming and editing. This structured strategy keeps my creativity flowing regardless of my mood or physical condition. By having set blocks devoted to art, I remain committed to producing new work, even when inspiration feels out of reach. Over time, this consistency has helped me sharpen my skills and discover new sources of motivation. Rather than relying on sudden bursts of energy, I simply follow my schedule, which prevents procrastination. The act of creating on a regular basis also grounds me emotionally, offering a constructive way to channel stress or anxiety. Whether I feel tired or energized, I use that designated window to focus on expression and improvement. Through this ritual, I’ve seen a clear development in my style and technique, and it has become an integral part of my identity. By carving out time each day, I ensure my creative spirit remains alive, establishing art as a constant aspect of my everyday life. By building this foundation, I can stay consistent in my growth.
What is some advice for someone who does not have any experience who would like to pursue a career like yours?
After graduating from universities or other educational institutions, many artists experience difficulty balancing creative work with the need to support themselves through employment. While this challenge often becomes a central concern, there is a more fundamental issue at play: establishing a reliable system for consistent artistic output. Depending on an artist’s temperament and working style, the methods for creating such a framework can vary greatly. Some require daily rituals to ensure they practice their craft, while others rely on project-based plans. However, one common thread that seems vital for most is maintaining strong connections with fellow artists. Creative communities can provide encouragement, honest feedback, and a sense of camaraderie that keeps motivation high, even during rough patches. Nurturing these relationships ensures a supportive network of people who understand the struggles and successes inherent in the creative process. Additionally, maintaining contact with like-minded creators can spark fresh ideas, foster collaborations, and open doors to unexpected opportunities, fueling long-term development. Ultimately, by prioritizing both a sustainable process and meaningful bonds with peers, artists are far more likely to achieve ongoing progress and fulfillment beyond the classroom.
What was the lowest point in your art career and how did you overcome those adversities?
One of the most distressing experiences I have ever faced took place on X (formerly Twitter), when a statement I posted ignited a firestorm of controversy. As notifications swarmed my account with accusatory comments and outright abuse, I was thrust into a situation I had never expected. The relentless stream of hateful messages proved overwhelming, and it soon became clear that my words had been misinterpreted or used as fuel by those eager to spread negativity. Even now, I consider that incident deeply traumatic, as it stands as a vivid reminder of how quickly digital platforms can transform into battlegrounds for public shaming. Moreover, I feel weighed down by what some call a “digital tattoo,” forever etched into the internet’s memory, where redemption can be painfully elusive. Although time has passed since that event, I cannot say I have truly overcome its impact. At this point, all I can do is let the days go by and hope that public attention fades, trusting that my own recollections will eventually lose their sharp edge. In the meantime, I have no choice but to endure, carrying the lingering shadow of that painful experience wherever I go.
How did you come into the type of artwork you are doing now?
Ever since I graduated from art college, I’ve been steadily working on my craft without any major breaks. It hasn’t been a grand journey filled with dramatic achievements, but rather a persistent effort to create, experiment, and refine my skills. Years ago, I had a close friend who was also an artist—someone I admired and relied on for mutual support. However, after he started a family, his priorities shifted, and he ultimately chose to step away from making art altogether. While I respect his decision, part of me still misses the camaraderie and creative dialogue we once shared. Nevertheless, I continue to forge my own path, driven by the belief that consistent, genuine work can eventually speak for itself.
What was an epiphany in your art practice that took you to the next level?
Working abroad, particularly in places like Singapore and Los Angeles, completely transformed the narrow perspectives I once held as someone who grew up on a relatively insular island. Being exposed to a variety of people, cultures, and values challenged my preconceived notions and forced me to adapt in ways I never imagined. Everything from daily life to work environments demanded that I remain open-minded and learn how to function in unfamiliar settings. By engaging with colleagues and friends from different backgrounds, I discovered fresh ways of thinking and gained a deeper appreciation for global diversity. This experience ultimately broadened my worldview and taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. Even small interactions—like trying new foods or picking up cultural nuances—helped me understand that there is more than one way to approach life and work. Above all, working abroad showed me that embracing change leads to profound personal growth, and I remain grateful for how those experiences reshaped my outlook on the world.
Find Tomini Shintaku on Instagram
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