Amazing ArtWork... Thanks to Ryo Nyamo
If you were ...
» a proverb: Better to ask the way than go astray.
» a comic book character: Suneo (in Draemon)
» a fictional character:a kobold (in D&D)
» a song: And your bird can sing (the Beatles)
» a musical instrument: Drums!
» a board game: Fauna
» a recipe culinary: Miso soup
» a city: Yokohama (Japan)
» a monument: Fushimiinari-taisha Shrine
» drink: a cup of oolong tea
Entrevistas - Interviews - インタビュー
Gil - Tell us a little bit about yourself. When did you start to work with illustrations and how this path led you to board games?
I'm Ryoko Hayashi, my pen name is ryo_nyamo. I'm from Japan. I like drawing, illustration and design.
Since I was a kid, I love watching cartoons and reading comic books and this influence me to draw and illustrate. My first artwork was at the age of 6. My interest with this was fully developed when I was at my university studies. My first job was at an advertising agency and this was the very first place wherein I was able to make drawing, illustration and design a serious commitment. From hobby it became my work, it became my passion. Until I met my husband, who was my boyfriend back then. He was a web engineer and also as a hobby, he designs board games. Our meeting was I can say perfect because my interest collaborate with his. We both have interest in one field, that is drawing, illustration and board game design.
Gil - How many games have you done the artwork for, and in which projects are you working right now?
I already did 22 games artwork.
Right now I am working with a three games project.
The first game is the "String Savanna". The theme is all about researching animals inside the savanna in Africa.
The second is the "Sail to India". The theme is about the voyage and trading from Lisbon Portugal to India.
The third is the "Patronize". The theme is about supporting talented people for honor. The game model was the house of Medici.
Gil - Your style varies from the more “serious” or to the more cartoonish, how do you coordinate the line of work for the different styles of board games?
My working style is more on cartoonish. Working on different theme and style is a little bit difficult so for me to get them coordinated, I need to finish the first task before jumping to another new task. In this way, my concentration and my imagination will only focused on that artwork and when it’s done, I can shift and divert my mind to another kind of imagination. In this way, everything will be coordinated and smoothly done.
Gil - where do you get your inspiration and how do you do the research for your drawings?
I got my inspiration from my fellow designers, as I played their games, I find it very engaging and so fun. From that feeling. I was able to imagine and create an idea in drawing my own work. Also my husband’s designs. Everytime he makes his own game, he will explain clearly the mechanics and from there, different ideas burst in my mind and I was able to develop my own characters. Internet is a big help in my drawing. I made internet as my tool for researching. I rely on it in browsing animation, reading articles and blogs related to games and animations.
Gil - How do you credit the success of a game to its illustrations? How important they are to the success of a game?
Illustrations had a big impact on the game itself. It made the game come to life. Players lasting memory of the game has something to do with it’s illustrations. I believe that a well done illustrations contribute a lot in the success of the game.
Gil - Which are your favorite games and your favorite games designers?
My favorite game is Dixit. It was designed by Jean-Louis Roubira and the artist was Marie Cardouat. This game is like a book. It contains many colorful illustrations and by seeing every cards of the illustrations, it's like your are taken out of your world and traveling to another journey.
My favorite game designer is Susumu Kawasaki, his games are all elegant. And he is the pioneer of Japanese game designer aiming at an overseas advance.
Gil - Do you think that board games can be use for an education purpose?
In order to make education be more interesting and lively, we need to incorporate games in the learning process. Games that are lesson patterned. In this way we will be able to arouse student’s interest and enthusiasm and games will keep student be more engage in the learning process.
Gil - What you know about Portugal? Have you ever visited Portugal?
All Japanese students learned in History (school subject) about an account of how firearms (arquebuses) were brought to Tanegashima Island in 1543 by Portuguese sailors ("introduction of guns into Japan"). Based on that, firearms were called Tanegashima-ju (firearms of Tanegashima) and had major impact on the Sengoku period.
I've never been to Portugal although I had seen and known Portugal through television, internet and this inspires my husband and me to design a game patterned by a Portugal settings.
