FAQ

Iyashi-Kuro is not just a brand or an artist's pen name. It holds deep personal meaning for me as an artist and an individual. Like many others, I have faced challenges in both my physical and mental health. To navigate the hardships of life, I created an alter ego called Kuro. It became my response to the darkness I encountered, a guiding presence that helped me find my way back to a brighter path when I felt lost. This persona has been instrumental in my self-exploration and in gaining a profound understanding of who I am. Now, I am driven to share its positive impact on me with others. Thus, the name has evolved from Kuro to Iyashi-Kuro, encapsulating its significant meaning. Iyashi, which translates to "healing" in English, carries a connotation beyond cure or soothing. It embodies the notion of both physical and mental restoration. Kuro, meaning "black" in Japanese, adds depth and symbolism to the name. With this name, I aspire to raise awareness of others' pain and let them know they are not alone. I strive to contribute to mending dark thoughts and promote healing for all who encounter my work. (Also, it can be pretty fun to say or shout! Iyashiiiiiiii ku-ro, something I personally find funny)

Kuro is a kemonomimi. Which means beast ears, a humanoid character that possesses animal-like features. You can also think of them as a hybrid. Would a kemonomimi be considered a furry? They don't seem furry, but they can blend into the crowd when stealth is needed, but a lack of fur would be a dead giveaway. I would like to say that Kuro wasn't always a kemonomimi or female. As they were always changing.

I am drawn to Japanese culture for a few reasons, mainly because of its beauty and design. I admire their way of life and wish to learn more about their culture. Also, as a part of Kuro, I am trying to reach a larger audience that struggles with mental health; as such, I am experimenting with giving them a mixed background between Asian and Western. Something that people could relate to but also might enjoy looking at. Not to mention that Kuro is depicted in an animated style that originated in Japan many years ago.

The selection of colours for my characters is deeply rooted in their development and growth. Each colour represents a unique aspect of their journey, and while the hues may evolve over time, they retain a consistent meaning of transformation and progress. Initially, I embraced a pinkish-maroon shade. This colour embodies physical health, reflecting my characters' resilience and vitality as they navigate the challenges of the physical realm. It represents their ability to overcome obstacles, heal, and thrive. Alongside the maroon, I introduced a vibrant yellow shade. This yellow hue embodies the essence of mental health, encapsulating the inner strength, resilience, and positive mindset that my characters cultivate. It symbolises their journey towards emotional well-being, inner peace, and personal growth. To further emphasise these aspects, I incorporated lighter variations of the colours. The lighter maroon shade signifies a gentler phase in the characters' physical healing journey. In comparison, the lighter yellow shade represents the blossoming of mental well-being and the radiance that comes with it. These carefully chosen colours serve as a visual language, conveying the transformative nature of my characters' experiences and reflecting the profound connection between physical and mental health. (pinkish marron - 9f1d5a, lighter - f448aa, yellow - ebca47, lighter - fdf0c3)

The branding image features the character Kuro alongside rabbits, specifically a bunny. Kuro, a fusion of human and bunny characteristics, was created to foster connections with people. The presence of the rabbits symbolises a connection to nature, the yearning for freedom, and a deeper bond beyond human interactions. The interpretation of the rabbit representation within the branding image is open to individual perspectives. Some may perceive it as reflecting nature's growth and ever-changing qualities. The rabbit embodies the organic development process, symbolising how nature evolves and transforms over time. On the other hand, the rabbit can also be viewed as a symbol of vulnerability. It represents a prey animal that feels fear and senses potential threats in its surroundings, thereby seeking to protect itself and withdraw from the outside world. The intention behind the branding image is to allow viewers to interpret it in their own personal way. It encourages diverse perspectives, inviting individuals to contemplate themes such as the relationship between humans and nature, the dynamics of personal growth, and the complexities of vulnerability.

My art practice constantly evolves and has taken various forms throughout my journey. It began with transitioning from physical art to digital creation and eventually expanded to include online content. Along the way, I focused on working with female figures to develop my character and artistic style. Currently, my art practice is divided into two distinct areas. 1 - Landscape Work and Physical Health: My landscape work contributes to physical health in several ways. Stress Reduction: Immersing oneself in serene and visually appealing landscapes has been shown to reduce stress levels. My landscape art can serve as a source of relaxation and tranquillity, providing viewers with a mental escape from their daily pressures. Emotional Release: My work can provide a channel for individuals to release pent-up emotions. Expressive landscapes that capture the power of nature or evoke strong feelings can help viewers process and release their own emotional burdens. Connection with Nature: Studies have demonstrated the positive impact of time in nature on physical well-being. My landscape art can bring nature into people's lives, even if they cannot experience it first-hand. It can encourage viewers to engage in activities like hiking, walking, or simply spending time outdoors, benefiting their physical health. I like to think that this practice was born due to the death of one of my characters and also links to my physical work. I want to be seen as what's left of one of my character's memories they could have made and the once they did make. Memories or places they now dream of while sleeping peacefully. 2 - Character Work and Mental Health: Your character art can contribute to mental health in various ways. Emotional Expression: Characters with relatable emotions and experiences can resonate with viewers, allowing them to connect with and reflect on their feelings. My work with Kuro and their art can catalyse emotional exploration and self-reflection, providing an avenue for individuals to better understand and manage their emotions. Empowerment and Resilience: Through my work with Kuro, we can portray stories of personal growth, resilience, and empowerment. By depicting the artwork of overcoming challenges or navigating difficult emotions, we inspire viewers to find strength within themselves and foster their mental well-being. Awareness and Destigmatisation: With Kuro's art and as a part of their activist work, we raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Through art, we can shed light on various mental health conditions, fostering understanding and empathy among viewers. Therapeutic and Therapeutic Applications: Art therapy is a recognised form of therapy that utilises artistic expression to promote mental health. Our work, especially as it is child-friendly, can be used in therapeutic settings to engage individuals, encourage self-expression, and facilitate healing. In my creative process, Kuro, although not physically real, is an integral part of my art practice. My character work represents the essence of my artistic vision, making Kuro as much a part of it as I am. I encourage others to collaborate with Kuro, depicting interactions in a child-friendly manner, and to share their own art, whether depicting themselves with Kuro or creating their own persona. ~ Overall, my art practice combines landscape work that promotes physical health and character-based artwork that fosters mental well-being. It is a continuous exploration of self-expression, connection, and the power of art to inspire positive change.

When I first ventured into digital art, I began experimenting with Photoshop since I was already familiar with the program from my college experience. I didn't expect extraordinary results and simply played around with its tools. My initial drawings in Photoshop were basic, created using a mouse and blended with the smudge tool (although I don't necessarily recommend this approach, it worked for me at the time!). At that point, digital art was just a hobby as I studied interior design. As I progressed, I invested in a tablet to make drawing floor plans and buildings easier. I explored different software options, such as Adobe Sketch (which is no longer available). Since I was just starting out, I also explored various free apps and eventually discovered Sketchbook, which I still use. If you're a beginner, I highly recommend Sketchbook due to its user-friendly tool layout and helpful brushes. However, consider Clip Studio if you're looking for a more sustainable art program in the long run. It offers features comparable to a combination of Photoshop and Sketchbook, making it a versatile and reliable choice for digital art.

Initially, Kuro didn't have a specific age attributed to her, but in redesigning her character, it was decided that she would be 17. This choice was made for design convenience and to establish a stronger connection with kids and younger audiences while still relatable to older individuals. As a character, Kuro continually evolves and undergoes changes, much like a person does. Through my experiences in university, I realised that keeping her under 18 years old aligns better with my artistic practice and the image I want to convey. It's important to note that Kuro's age will remain consistent moving forward, as it is integral to her unique story. In fact, I am currently working on a storybook that will delve into Kuro's life as an individual, encompassing everything from her birth to the present day. This storybook is scheduled for release sometime in 2025 and will provide comprehensive insight into Kuro's journey as an individual and becoming her own person.

Kuro is not only an artist but also an art activist. Kuro was born unique in their world and faced adversity due to her differences, enduring harsh treatment and persistent criticism. Beyond her distinct hybrid nature, Kuro is an active member of the LGBTQ+ community. She identifies as non-binary and bisexual, embracing the pronouns they/them. Kuro's identity transcends gender norms and societal expectations, allowing her to authentically express herself. Kuro often uses her image in her artistic work, proudly showcasing her characteristic ears and tail. Through these depictions, she communicates that despite being different, she shares everyday experiences and emotions with others. Kuro's story encompasses the universal aspects of life, including birth, education, facing challenges, and being forced to flee her home at a young age. She embodies resilience and strength as a survivor. Kuro's art practice goes beyond mere self-expression. She actively engages in activism through her artwork, using her platform to raise awareness about critical social issues and advocate for equality, inclusivity, and acceptance. Her art is influential in sparking conversations, promoting empathy, and challenging societal norms. Kuro's art practice is deeply rooted in her experiences as a survivor, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and an advocate for social change. Her image challenges perceptions, fosters understanding, and inspires a more inclusive world. ~ for more info about Kuro and her life as an individual, a storybook is in the works and will come out sometime in 2025. It would depict everything about them, from birth to the modern age.