FUSION: How do you begin initiating collaborations?
Dai Tamura: I almost never make the first approach. Instead, I focus on building my brand in a way that makes clients want to come to me. That means continuing to grow both my own value and the value of my work, every single day.
FUSION Who has been an inspiration to you when it comes to art?
Dai Tamura: The many manga series I read as a child. More than just following the stories, I spent a lot of time copying and recreating artwork from all kinds of series.
FUSION: Is there an athlete or artist you have been especially proud to work with?
Dai Tamura: I have deep respect for every single person I have drawn, and I take pride in every piece I have created. If even one of those experiences were missing, I would not be who I am today.
FUSION: Can you describe your drawing style and how it has evolved over time?
Championship in 2016 - a result that took three attempts and drawing 30,000 people professionally before I finally achieved it. My style back then was rooted in exaggeration.
But when I went independent and began absolutely no need to exaggerate them at all. focusing on athletes, I found there was I left all my trophies and plaques behind and completely reinvented my style into what it is today cool, realistic portraits with no exaggeration whatsoever. It was a bold decision, but it was the right one.
FUSION: What mediums are you most comfortable working with?
Dai Tamura: I draw by hand using oil- based markers.