TokyoDex has been working with Jay Shogo for many years and we are honored to feature him in our first ever “DexStories” article.
We recently caught with Jay after live painting at one of our recent events and chatted with him about his work and his relationship with TokyoDex.
How did you first meet TokyoDex?
"The first time I met TokyoDex was in 2012. It was right when TokyoDex was doing their 2nd Red Bull Curates Canvas Cooler project.
It’s been roughly 5 years since, and in that time, TokyoDex has given me numerous opportunities to work with brands like Red Bull, Heineken, Zima, Mini Cooper, and at events such as Rainbow Disco Club and Roppongi Art Night."
"I used to do design work for apparel and eyewear brands but after I decided to pursue my own passion and what I love to do, I found myself here as an artist. Right now, art has become something I live for and I find it immensely fulfilling. I’m determined to keep working as an artist until I die or as long as my body holds up!"
What goes through your mind before or during painting?
"Normally, I don’t think so much before my live paintings.
We do have meetings beforehand, so I come up with all of these different types of strokes and what I do is I connect those lines together to eventually make them into shape. Tonight I had a lot of pieces to complete so I just made numerous lines in the limited amount of time I had. Little by little you can see those lines evolve into shapes. From those shapes, I find inspiration and change them into concrete forms and images like leopards or unicorns or parrots. I don’t really decide on what I’m going to draw in the beginning stages. For this event, I was given a concept from the client beforehand, so I did intend to draw wings, but other than that, I just came with an open mind and improvised."
Is there anything different about working with TokyoDex?
"Whenever I work in Japan, I find TokyoDex the easiest company to work with as an artist. Not only does TokyoDex take care of management but they also introduce me to companies I would have never been able to work with otherwise. Also, when I go to the sight, the preparation for me to paint is 100% complete when I arrive. They make it so easy for me to do my work every single time. TokyoDex makes the whole process fun, and and there is also this satisfaction and excitement I feel after I finish, so much that it keeps me up at night. That’s how much fun it is.
Because the TokyoDex Creative Director, Daniel is an artist himself, he understands how artists feel and what they need to do good work. The other members at TokyoDex also make the environment easy for us to work in and everyone is super friendly. When you’re creating something together, you feel that everybody is moving towards the same direction and goals and that’s a great feeling.
I truly believe that TokyoDex will change the art industry in Japan."
Jay Shogo
http://www.jay-shogo.com
Since 2009, artist Jay Shogo has been creating his artwork exclusively using Sharpie permanent markers. He uses 20 to 100 Sharpies per painting.
Jay started his career as a retail salesperson in a small boutique in Tokyo, Japan,where he grew up.
He then became a clothing and eyewear designer for a Japanese apparel company, and eventually founded his own company in 2005.
Jay now has two brands, “High Light Cavalet” for clothing and “beik” for eyewear, both in Tokyo.
Jay’s experience of travelling all over the World has been a huge influence on his work.In 2009, he visited the U.S. for the first time and he has been inspired by both the American culture and people.
His work is his journal where he expresses his feelings and personal experiences.
During his time in America he has learned a lot of different artistic techniques and uses acrylics,spray paints, and Sharpies for both his canvases and murals.
His art can be seen at “5POINTZ” in New York City, “Wynwood Walls” in Miami, and various locations across Tokyo.