Where we're from, and how we grow up, helps to shape who we become. Our pasts don't define us, but they're there, like a blueprint we're constantly building upon, and each one is different from the next. We're all unique, with different perspectives on the same things. I bring this up because perspective is such a vital part of design. Having a set of eyes that sees the world in a way that others can't, doesn't just open doors, it knocks down walls. In this business we learn so much from each other, from all our distinctive perspectives, that what ultimately sets us apart, is what can bring together something beautiful.
Nanae Nishimura, grew up in Japan; a world away from Victoria. As a child she never considered herself to be artistically inclined. Both her brother, and sister loved to draw. Nanae was just drawn to art, but left the actual creating to others.
In her early twenties she left Japan and made her way to the west coast of Canada. She began working in a sushi restaurant with fellow employees who quickly became family. Now, ten years later, and a Canadian citizen, Nanae's relationship with the art world has changed tremendously. Five years ago she picked up a camera, and hasn't put it down. Photography is something she's found a dormant passion for, and with it stirred ardent feelings towards design. She had always appreciated design, it had always been in the back of her mind. When appreciation grew into love, she decided the next step was to gain the education. English being her second language, Nanae knew school wouldn't be an easy task, but she's determined, works hard, and when you love something, it takes "giving up", off the table.
In her early twenties she left Japan and made her way to the west coast of Canada. She began working in a sushi restaurant with fellow employees who quickly became family. Now, ten years later, and a Canadian citizen, Nanae's relationship with the art world has changed tremendously. Five years ago she picked up a camera, and hasn't put it down. Photography is something she's found a dormant passion for, and with it stirred ardent feelings towards design. She had always appreciated design, it had always been in the back of her mind. When appreciation grew into love, she decided the next step was to gain the education. English being her second language, Nanae knew school wouldn't be an easy task, but she's determined, works hard, and when you love something, it takes "giving up", off the table.
We're thankful for the audacity that brought Nanae to Pacific Design Academy. She brings a perspective to our class that challenges us to think differently, push a little harder on convention, and to sometimes cock our heads in bewilderment. You could say she's a breath of fresh air; one that is sure to do great things.
Working at a Sushi restaurant, this next topic hits close to home for Nanae. Her infographic goes over the billion dollar tuna industry, and how our ravenous love of this tasty fish might mean our grandkids won't ever get to taste it.
Working at a Sushi restaurant, this next topic hits close to home for Nanae. Her infographic goes over the billion dollar tuna industry, and how our ravenous love of this tasty fish might mean our grandkids won't ever get to taste it.
or follow her blog nanadesignlab.blogspot.com/
