Uyo Takayama was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan and currently based in Kamakura, Japan. She graduated from Vantan Design Institute and completed the Palette Club School. She worked as a fashion designer and graphic designer before becoming an illustrator. After more than a decade as a carer for a family with a difficult illness, she was able to focus on her work again.
She wants to express something fun and a little bit futuristic, but deep down it touches the heart, something that will remind the person who sees her illustrations and picture book of their earliest memories. She wants to offer something as instant and unforgettable as possible. A picture book [Fluffy Riley and Little Elizabeth] was published in November 2021 from Thousands of Books.She was in charge of the illustrations. She currently working on a picture book illustrating a picture book to be published by Shogakukan in spring 2022. Also working on two picture books in collaboration with international authors. At the same time, She working on visual illustrations for advertising for several clients.
Awards
2001 Mobile Art 2001 [Stylus Award] 2014 Chapter 62 [Asahi Advertising Award 2013] Second Category Award] Client : Austrian Airlines 2021 International Children’s Book Festival [Nami Concourse 2021] Finalists (picture book “Me chan (Means Miss Me): Text and Illustrations by Uyo Takayama) 2021 Brightness News Agency [Brightness Award No.22 (Theme : Happiness)] Grand Prix 2021 Hiiibrand [Hiii Illustration 2020 International Competition] Winners