Meet Miki Kinoshita | Background Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Miki Kinoshita and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miki, what inspires you?
As a background artist, I find inspiration in the world around me Whenever I go out, I love to observe the little signs of life, whether it’s the wear and tear on a roof from the elements, vines gently creeping up a wall, or a sticker left on a door by a passerby. Even the quirky yard decorations in front of a charming house tell a story. Every detail has a story attached to it, and everything combined tells the history of that place. What I see around me inspires my work and I try to capture the essence and character of the environments I create.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am influenced by my Japanese heritage in my personal work. Many people tend to reference the neon lights and busy streets in Shibuya or Harajuku, and I love those areas too. While many are drawn to the vibrant neon lights and bustling streets of Shibuya or Harajuku, I find a unique beauty in the rural landscapes where my grandparents live. The rice paddies and traditional homes are very nostalgic for me. I strive to authentically represent the locations, people, and concepts in my art. That’s why I want to experience things continuously so I can draw them as sincerely as possible. And through sincerity, the world comes to life and thus pulls the audience into the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my all-time favorite places to go is Gallery Nucleus. It’s a small gallery in Alhambra and they always have super interesting events and exhibitions, particularly those focused on the entertainment industry. When “Across the Spiderverse” came out, they had an exhibition of artworks inspired by that movie. The gallery also features a fantastic selection of zines, prints, and pins from local artists and I spend a lot of time looking through everything. If you’re an art lover who wants to go to a unique gallery, I highly recommend Gallery Nucleus! If you’re feeling hungry, you can grab food at Borneo Eatery, an Indonesian/Singaporean restaurant. Every dish I’ve had from there has been amazing and it’s a place I always find myself returning to!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family. They have supported me all throughout my studies and career and I am so lucky to have them! I am also super grateful to my friends who have been with me through thick and thin and have been by my side.

Website: https://www.miki-kinoshita.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flluryon

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miki-kinoshita/