We had the good fortune of connecting with Yoko Kaetsu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yoko, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Since I was young, I always liked drawing and as I got older I started getting into photography that later developed into pursuing a career in design. I always had the eye for those things and was fascinated by that world. I think I get this creative side from my mom, who was a fashion designer

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a designer that can wear multiple hats is a skill that sets me apart from others. Learning so many different aspects of design has allowed me to constantly be curious about what’s next to learn and master. Having built a tough skin from early in my studies has allowed me to see design from a different perspective; basically, not everyone is going to like your design and will always have an opinion on it, it’s on you whether you take it personally or not. I believe in the design world, you shouldn’t take opinions personally, while it is your own work and you take pride, people have different tastes. This is one of the many lessons I learned during my studies up to today in my professional career

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend to do some hikes, bike around San Diego as well as hit the beaches. Visit Little Italy, Downtown, La Jolla, Convoy area to explore the city on foot but also eat lots of good food. Then depending if its baseball season or not, take my friend to see a San Diego Padres game!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Every individual whom I had the opportunity to cross in life deserves a shoutout. Because each person I’ve met so far whether I am still in contact or not, has taught me a lesson and has allowed me to shape myself the way I am today. However, the biggest shoutout I’d like to dedicate is to my family because without them I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve had and they’ve always taught me from a young age to value opportunities and when you work hard, it pays off.

Website: https://www.yokokaetsu.me/

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