Yusuke Watanabe is an illustrator for children’s books and comics. With a background in law and politics, Yusuke left a career in sales to follow his passion for art and storytelling. Yusuke relocated to the United States to study storytelling at CalArts where he received a BFA in Character Animation. Originally from Japan, he now lives and works in Los Angeles as an Illustrator and Visual Development Artist. In addition to his love for art, Yusuke is also an avid chai tea drinker and plant lover. His ultimate goal as an artist is to illustrate children's books that inspire and bring joy to young readers. Yusuke (he/him) is repped by Lori Steel at Red Fox Literary.

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Upcoming Picture Books
A Fish Called Andromeda | written by Cynthia C. Huijgens, illustrated by me | Idle Time Press, November 25, 2022

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HONORS AND AWARDS
・The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2022, Category 2: Books for 6 - 8 year olds Finalist

・Chanticleer International Book Awards 2022 Semi-Finalist

・SCBWI DRAW THIS! December 2022 Winner

・Art exhibition, Sweet Superposition at the Bell Projects art gallery in Denver, Colorado 2022

・California Institute of the Arts Open Show 2022

・Background artist-“Wolf and Cub” directed by Marvin Bynoe-Finalists for its 22nd annual Fine Cut Festival of Films

・Background artist and prop designer-“Unfit” directed by Will Kim-Indie-AniFest, Independent Walk Competition World Premiere 2021

・California Institute of the Arts Gallery Night 2020

・California Institute of the Arts Open Show 2020

・California Institute of the Arts Open Show 2019

・California Institute of the Arts Open Show 2018

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REFERENCES
Nak Yong Choi (Concept artist at The Walt Disney Studio): knocknak@gmail.com
Cynthia C Huijgens (Writer, Creative Director of Idle Time Press): cynthia@idletimepress.com