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Jodi Sam

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illustrator ∙ writer ∙ fashion stylist ∙ daydreamer

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Jodi Sam

  • ABOUT
  • ART
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love art

January 12, 2017 Jodi Sam
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What have I been working on and is coming soon? Why, it's my joint art exhibition, the first one show in Vancouver since 2010! Am honoured to be holding it with my talented & wonderful friend and artist Sleepless Kao (aka Kaori Kasai) and at the beautiful space of Branches & Knots in Kitsilano area of Vancouver.

Please come join us at our Opening Reception on Fri Feb 10 from 6 PM - 9 PM. There will be drinks & snacks along with a special sale on Branches & Knots merchandise. It runs until Tue Feb 28.

I'll be sharing the original blotted line drawing illustrations for “tokyo trend” report I did for The Bulletin Magazine and my popular “bubbles series” for the first time in North America.

Sleepless Kao (aka Kaori Kasai) is an artist-in-motion, who graduated from Setsu Mode of Tokyo in fashion illustration, travelled to live and work in San Francisco, Hong Kong, and now Vancouver. She has written and illustrated three children’s books, Monchan’s Bag, Emily and the Mighty Om and Duet for Simply Read Books, premiers her new original large paintings and limited edition prints.

https://www.facebook.com/events/735412966617341/

In notes & thoughts, events Tags art exhibition, tokyo, vancouver, tokyo trend, bubbles series

Superfoods & Aromatic Accents

September 26, 2016 Jodi Sam
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Realized that it has been over 3 months since my last blog post.  I have to admit, I feel amazingly guilty......though I have been updating my Instagram account.  So, will finally share here my more recent work of superfoods & aromatic accents, lavender & hinoki--Japanese cypress.  Most of these were used in my "tokyo trend" reports.  Food has always been a big part of my life, especially healthy ones.

Have been very fortunate to be living in Tokyo for the past 6 1/2 years, cause Japanese produce is really fresh & delicious, plus some (sometimes imported) superfoods, have been having super healthy meals!

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, foodie in tokyo

tokyo trend Update

September 26, 2016 Jodi Sam
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My first "tokyo trend" report for the Bulletin magazine was for their Jun 2014 issue.  Fast forward to Oct 2016, "tokyo trend" will be taking a break.  I am known to be a hermit at times, but this absence has nothing to do with that.  Am working on something rather sudden & major right now, and will be announcing it once it is ready.

The above are my Oct 2016 and Jul 2016 reports: no-romantic sheers and backpack & midi skirt.  It's been a lot fun writing, illustrating for the Bulletin, focusing on what's new & popular in Tokyo and reporting back to Canada. I hope you all had enjoy reading the reports as much as I have enjoyed creating them!!  Thank you!!

In notes & thoughts Tags tokyo trend, blotted line drawings, fashion

JS Blotted Line Drawing Supplies

June 1, 2016 Jodi Sam
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I've posted and even did a PechaKucha presentation about how I create my blotted line drawings (jodisam.com/blog/2014/04/07/blotted-line-drawing-aries/ and jodisam.com/blog/pechakucha-from-daydreams-to-ink-and-pixels/). Thought that it would be interesting to share with you some of the supplies I use for my works, cause am a rather particular & habitual person and insist on using certain items.  The following are an essential part of my so-called "art kit".

Every year when I visit home, I always bring back a couple of things with me.  The first is Clearprint's Design Vellum that is made of 100% cotton fiber.  I know that there are many types of tracing paper available here in Japan, but this is the only one I have used for my blotted line creations.  I find Clearprint's Design Vellum clear and thick enough for tracing and blotting, especially because it is made of cotton fiber.  Just love natural materials.

The second is tape--low tack masking tape, or painter's tape.  I used 3M Scotch-Blue Painter's Tape for Delicate Surfaces for a number of years until this February when I discovered Frogtape Delicate Surface Painter's Tape!  It was only when my art supply store ran out of the 3M one I went to Home Depot store to buy it, and when I was speaking with a staff there that he recommended Frogtape to me.  I must use low tack tape to secure my tracing/blotting paper and watercolour paper to a board in order for me to blot my illustrations with ease and be able to completely remove the tape after the blotting is finished and inked dried.  Even with the most low tack tape, the watercolour paper can still sometimes rip when the tape is being removed.  But I have to say that with Frogtape, such damages happen less.

For pen nibs, I mainly use Speedball Hunt Globe Bowl Pointed 513EF (for regular lines) and Zebra Mapping No. 2586 (for fine lines).  I have a number of nibs, but somehow always reach for these two.  For ink, it has to be Platinum Carbon Ink in Black. I swear by this waterproof, lightfast, pigment-based carbon ink!  I get the darkest, waterproof lines from it, and one bottle lasts forever.

In terms of paper, I don't use top-of-the-line watercolour paper, though I would love to, simply because of the unpredictability of blotting.  I don't know how many sheets of paper I have thrown out because of too much ink and other silly mistakes that comes with this method of illustrating.  I like a true white, somewhat textured, grained paper, and of what is available in Japan, I choose to use Canson Montval Watercolour Paper that is cold pressed, 100% cellulose, and of good weight (300g).  It does have its limitations where I cannot do too many washes with it, but considering the type of painting I do, it currently fits my needs best.

For watercolours, I just tube paints from a number of makers: Schmincke Horadam (my favourite, though most expensive), Maimeri MaimeriBlu, Winsor & Newton, Holbein, and so on.  And lastly, I use traditional Japanese & Chinese brushes, not the typical western watercolour ones.  They are of a bamboo body, with natural fiber hairs.  This makes them light, and enables them to pick up and distribute colours beautifully.  They help me bring my work to life.  I think it's also because they were the first brushes I ever used when I was a child, and I never really gotten away from them......

Well, this is a pretty long and extensive list.  I hope it gives you more insight into with what I create my illustrations with, since most of the work you see here are digital images of the actual paintings.  Am old school--I love love love things that are tangible and have depth, texture, look & feel to them.  Below is the finished painted that has been scanned and ready for my "tokyo trend" report for Jun 2016!

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In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, creative process, tokyo trend

Retro Sweet Tooth - Koppepan

March 18, 2016 Jodi Sam
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A little late in posting, since it's already mid-month, but here's my Mar tokyo trend report: retro sweet tooth. Simple childhood memories are making retro school meal items desirable again. Koppepan, plain bread rolls, with various fillings is one of them--especially sweet ones with customizable options!

In notes & thoughts Tags tokyo trend, foodie in tokyo, blotted line drawings

Keeping Warm - Haramaki & Bunny Slippers

January 26, 2016 Jodi Sam
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For my Feb tokyo trend report: waist warmers--haramaki. I personal wear one at home, and a thinner, black cotton one under my winter clothes when am out.  Am also posting some work-in-progress photos as well! Enjoy and stay warm everyone!!

In notes & thoughts Tags tokyo trend, blotted line drawings, fashion, creative process

Kakigori - Natural Ice

September 30, 2015 Jodi Sam
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For my Oct tokyo trend report: traditional Japanese desserts are making a major comeback--kakigori is now highly sought after as the new "chic" & "luxurious" sweet and not only in the summer, but all year round. Simple is best, these premium kakigori made from natural ice can easily cost 1000 yen or more! Shown here: matcha & strawberry flavour.

***Natural ice is ice made in the great outdoors, with ponds of water frozen by nature, and handled by dedicated craftsmen. No freezers are used in the ice making process. There are only 5 of such traditional ice-makers (companies) left in Japan***

And here is a picture of the real ones I ordered, though both were of matcha flavour. Lucky to have tried 2 of the 5 ice made by the rare natural ice-makers! The ice really is different, and melts in your mouth like soft, fluffy snow!

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, foodie in tokyo

Process & Progress

August 16, 2015 Jodi Sam
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Am in the process of writing a new book, a project that has taken up much of my creative time.  Hence, many of my recent blog posts are about things other than my illustrations.  Am posting a few work in progress pictures of my summer "tokyo trend" report--fashion inspired by the French Riviera.

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, creative process

tokyo trend - The Bulletin Magazine Jul 2014

July 9, 2015 Jodi Sam
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I started doing a monthly illustrated report on what is trending in Tokyo for a wonderful Canadian Japanese publication, The Bulletin, back in June.  Was a little caught up with other work, and unable to give it a proper mention here until now.  Apologies!

This is my second report for them, and the trend to note is "ballet a la mode" or "ballet fashion".  It has always been a trend for little girls, but these days, you can find its influences even for ladies in their late 30's to mid 40's!

Am very happy to be a part of The Bulletin family as a contributing illustrator.  Please do visit their website to check out the many interesting articles available!

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-2

In notes & thoughts Tags tokyo trend, blotted line drawings, fashion

Glitter & Gold - Am All Ears

June 20, 2015 Jodi Sam
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I don't usually like to use metallic or glittery paints, but thought that it would be nice for this illustration in particular.  Am using for the first time metallic gold paint and glitter with my blotted line illustrations.  Though it's hard to tell from the digitized images, the original painting does have another more eye-catching feel to it.

For my July "tokyo trend" report "am all ears" about earrings--large glittering gemstone ear clips that cover much of the ear, and earrings with very large and visible pearl backs are what many are sporting these days, especially as a contrasting element to causal, sportive outfits.

Now, I have to add the text and submit it to the editors!

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, fashion

Bean-to-Bar

May 29, 2015 Jodi Sam
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Love coffee and chocolate, and cannot be happy enough when the bean-to-bar trend hit Tokyo! This a preview of my "tokyo trend" report for June.

The bean-to-bar concept, no matter if it's the third wave coffee boom or the artisan chocolate craze, is transforming the foodie scene here.  Local roasters of coffee beans and coca beans are gaining momentum and lots of Japanese and foreign fans!

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, foodie in tokyo

Tokyo Trend – The Bulletin Magazine Mar & Apr 2015

May 21, 2015 Jodi Sam
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March's report is about "spring makeup--pastels & whites". What better way to welcome spring then with some fresh, shiny, sheer, and milky pastel colours? the limited edition collection comes in white packaging, making them even more eye catching!

While April is all about "80's blues". High waisted denim look paired with off shoulder lace top. It's the 80's again, but chicer!

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-10/ (Mar 2015)
jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-11/ (Apr 2015)

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, beauty, fashion

Salad in a Jar

April 21, 2015 Jodi Sam
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Here's the advance look into my report for May's "tokyo trend" in The Bulletin Magazine.  The final report is usually bilingual or just in Japanese, but I wanted to share with everyone the original English version here on my blog.  Have always found mason jar salads too pretty to pour out and eat!!

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, foodie in tokyo

tokyo trend – The Bulletin Magazine Feb & Jan 2015

February 21, 2015 Jodi Sam
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Am going to do it backwards this time, starting with my February's report of "midi & midi" where longer silhouettes are popular during the cold winter season--midi coat worn with midi skirt.

January's report featured "japanese twist granola", anything from kinako & matcha, to yuzu & honey granola, with cashews and almonds, and even sakura & sake kasu granola, with whole cherries and preserved sakura flowers!!

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-9/ (Feb 2015)

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-8/ (Jan 2015)

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, foodie in tokyo, fashion

tokyo trend – The Bulletin Magazine Oct & Nov 2014

November 18, 2014 Jodi Sam
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A bit of catching up: my "tokyo trend" illustrated reports for October and November issues of The Bulletin magazine. Ever wondered what's happening for men's fashion or how Urara-chan would look in glasses?  Well, here are your answers!  See "masculine floral and touches of red" (Oct) and "spectacles spectacles" (Nov).

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-5/ (Oct 2014)
jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-6/ (Nov 2014)

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, fashion

tokyo trend – The Bulletin Magazine Aug & Sep 2014

September 3, 2014 Jodi Sam
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There are the two reports I did for August and September issues of The Bulletin magazine. For August, it was all about "sweets & sweets" (drinkable desserts and pancakes), and for September, it was about "back to school" (school uniform inspired fashion). The illustration for latter report was used as an example in my PechaKucha presentation, "from daydreams to ink and pixels" back in July.

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-3/ (Aug 2014)
jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-4/ (Sep 2014)

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, pechakucha

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