Spotlight: Kent Yoshimura
Kent Yoshimura is a multi-media creative and entrepreneur with a love for CPG, art and cognition. Throughout his professional career, Kent has directed content for global brands such as McDonald's, Lego, AT&T, Benjamin Moore, Ford, and many others. As an artist, he illustrated Master Davey and The Magic Tea House, which was released worldwide at all Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations, and his illustrations have traveled across children's museums throughout the US. Kent has been featured on NBC for his large-scale public art pieces, the New York Times for his mural work, and in TIME Magazine, Huffington Post, Men's Health, Vice and NPR for his YouTube videos. See more of Kent's work on Instagram and follow along to see his inspiring creative process.
A Q&A with Kent about the Viva LA experience
How has living in LA influenced your artistic style and the way in which you express yourself? Has LA influenced your choice of materials, media or message?
The immense diversity of culture that LA harnesses is beyond any other place I have ever visited, and having grown up here, I feel the influence of each of these culture every day. From colors to the themes, I'd like to believe there is something distinctly LA about the work I create.
What aspects of living in LA do you most appreciate? Which do you find most challenging?
The balance between city, ocean and mountain alongside the intermingling of cultures make Los Angeles a place I'm proud to call home. With greatness, however, comes the prices. As an artist and small business owner, the cost of living in Los Angeles continues to become more and more difficult over time.
How does LA inspire you to express yourself?
Living in LA is a city filled with constant stimulus. It's impossible to pinpoint one thing that influences me as I feel that I'm constantly influenced by the interactions I have with my surroundings.
How has your art helped you grow as a person?
There's a space and meaning behind words that make it impossible for humans to fully express themselves. Art, music, and all forms of non-verbal expression to me help fill those gaps in communication, helping us connect a little bit deeper with those around us.
How do you think art can be used to bring people in LA together?
In its ability to bring expression to a space, art (especially public art) can directly and indirectly affect the people who interact with it.
What advice would you give kids growing up today who love creativity but may not be exposed to art?
Another person's experiences should not dictate your own. We all have our own experiences - find the inspiration within it and create.
If you could have one big wish come true for the Los Angeles of the future what would it be?
For Los Angeles to become a sustainable, affordable, and diverse city.