These four illustrations were created in 2000 using Dr Marten's inks and plain black Indian ink applied by paintbrush on textured watercolour paper. This particular brand of ink was chosen as they are extremely vibrant. This project was to show contrasting ideals about Japan, for example fusing the cute with the traditional, the robotic with the artisan model, the future and the past, which Japan does so very well.

The project was criticized for being "too cartoony", a comment which I can now understand with aftersight and illustration experience. If I were to do this project again I would refrain from adding facial details and I would use a thinner line and perhaps a less busy but more delicate wash of colour.