Toasts & Memories illustrator-Miyabi Shuu

A collaboration between inooknit and an aggressive-style photographer, Chang Yu Hsuan. Chang Yu Hsuan began her work photographing and interviewing creators who live in the city. Miyabi is a Taiwanese illustrator who has relocated to Tokyo. She wanted to rediscover her cornerstone through living abroad. Miyabi left Taiwan hoping to shift her environment and to learn more about herself. To her, the ability to create is what motivates her, and music also found its way to join her on this adventure.

I was born in Tainan and am currently active as an illustrator. I am also in charge of marketing planning at Moon Romantic Taiwan. Sometimes I work as a DJ at parties. I also enjoy strolling around, and I like toast. 

I grew up being influenced by my painter mother and I've been drawing since I could remember. And I started building my career as an illustrator in 2017. 

Many of my works are the contributions of the extended thoughts of my imagination and my memories. I’ve always liked sketching woman figures, and as a woman myself, it allows me to seek answers from my own body. Well, anyone or anything that inspired me recently… There were many inspirations, but I would say the biggest inspiration is from my friends. I see them being responsible and determined about the well-being of their lifestyles and their creative works. I think it’s beautiful to witness people working hard together. It’s really motivating, and it makes me want to be a better person.

Honestly, I was just a little tired in Taiwan and thought it would be fun to travel around, and maybe the environmental change could help me restart “my game.” The time I spent in Japan really helped me regain confidence, and I even made the decision of being a freelance illustrator while I was there.

After my 3-year journey in Tokyo, I learned from my friends back in Taiwan that, before my trip to Japan, showing my feminine side wasn’t easy for me, but at the same time, I craved to have that characteristic. Little did I know, I was constantly changing and evolving. And I realized that our perspective changes when we’re more confident, that we can see the world with an open mind.

I actually have never designed an album cover. So far, my designs are for EPs and singles. The first collaboration invite was from a Japanese band クレナズム based in Fukuoka, to design a cover for their EP「花弁・いつかの今頃」. I was fortunate that the design was nominated at 2020 ILLUSTRATION MUSIC AWARDS in Japan. I was very honored to have my design exhibited along with many incredible works by many respected Japanese artists at Art Front Gallery for a month. I was so happy! 

The most memorable collaboration was probably with a Taiwanese designer, FuYue. I wore FuYue’s design at the 2021AW product launch and performed illustration work. I think it was one of the best experiences in recent times.

Lately, I started taking supplements after freshening up in the morning. XD And then, I would have toast for breakfast, and I would go over my calendar and do some work to get my brain going. 

I rarely wear flat shoes because I’m not confident about my feet, I usually look a little awkward wearing them. However, inooknit shoes surprised me! They look gorgeous on me, and even though they’re flats, they make my legs slender. I especially like the strap design, and the shoes are very soft, too.

I have decided to focus more on my creations. I’m working on too many things right now, I should have priorities.

Photographer/ Chang Yu Hsuan @shotbyje9_3

About Miyabi Shuu

Born in Tainan city. She is currently active as an illustrator. Working in marketing planning at Moon Romantic Taiwan. Miyabi works as a DJ at some parties, as well. She likes to take a stroll, and she likes to eat toast.

Instagram: @shuumiyabi