Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you:
My name is Hiné Mizushima. I was born and raised in Japan, where I majored in Japanese traditional painting before working as a designer and illustrator in Tokyo. I later moved to Rome, then Paris, and then NYC with my husband. About seven years ago I moved to Canada with my family, and started making three dimensional handmade craft/art as well.
Your current job:
Slow crafter, needlefelter, illustrator, and stop-motion puppet animation video artist. I made several music videos for a Brooklyn based alternative rock band, They Might Be Giants. My felt sculptures have been exhibited in many galleries in US & Japan, and have also been included in books and magazines (featured in the current issue of UPPERCASE!). I sell my felt creations and prints on my Etsy handmade shop (https://www.etsy.com/shop/hine).
In which city are you located?
Vancouver, Canada
A word to define what kind of worker you are:
Slow.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..):
iMac, iPhone, Instagram, iPhotos, Twitter.
What does your office space look like?
It’s a very small, but bright, home-studio, which is, of course, much messier than it looks in the photos, but which is also my favorite space. An iMac & a printer on a big desk and there are lots of drawers and boxes, which hold many types of materials & tools (mostly craft & art supplies) while my favorite objects (including a cat!) and my artwork are everywhere. Everything I need for my work is here. I even make my stop-motion videos in this tiny room.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working?
US & UK alternative rock, 80s British new wave, etc… At the moment, I’m listening to Belle and Sebastian, The Postal Service, They Might Be Giants, Morrissey, The Specials, Brigitte Bardot.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
I always use an agenda and write my entire schedule on it. Also, just before going to sleep, I write down on a Post-it what I have to do the next day.
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
Actually, I’m the one who needs the tips!!
You’re better than your colleagues to:
Not yelling at computers.
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
Relax, you will not die.
What is your best tip for saving time?
Do not spend too much time on the Internet! (Like I do)
What is your routine start and end of the day?
First thing in the morning, I turn on my computer and check emails, while I drink a cup of tea with milk. And at the end of the day, I do five minutes of easy exercise (like an old lady), take a bath, and then read a book in bed.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
Cameras and crafting tools (felting needle, scissors, nippers, etc…).