From fan to creator - Kozue (MOSH8) turned her love for music into a creative career. Winning a music festival design competition she never expected to win launched her into the world of music illustration. Today, her artwork plays a huge role in the concert experience for fans of bands such as HEY-SMITH, 10-FEET and many more! In this interview, she shares how she took the leap into the industry, the inspiration she draws from music and live performances, and her strategies for managing stress in this competitive field.
ー First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story! Would you please introduce yourself?
I am Kozue from MOSH8, based in Morioka. MOSH8 originally started as a textile goods brand that my friend and I created about 15 years ago. We would import cotton from the USA, make and sell pouches and bags. However, as we both became mothers, it became difficult to continue, but I am still using that name as a kind of brand name for myself. I still make some textile goods from time to time to this day!
ー What made you want to become an illustrator and what were your first steps?

I’ve loved drawing since I was little, and in elementary school I often drew pictures of Dragon Ball and Gundam (laughs). But I actually never thought about becoming an illustrator. The turning point came with a festival called KESEN ROCK FESTIVAL held in Iwate. This festival used mekuri (nameplates commonly seen in rakugo performances) and accepted design submissions for them. About 7–8 years ago, I decided to apply with my design for the band MONOEYES. My submission was chosen for two years in a row, and I still vividly remember how happy I was at the time (though I was so emotional I could hardly watch the live performances (laughs)). It was then that I thought, “One day, I want to design merchandise for artists!”. That moment sparked something in me, and I started drawing more and more. Later, I was approached by Mr. Kuronuma from a live house in Morioka, and he gave me the opportunity to design T-shirts. From there, my career gradually started expanding.
ー Can you tell us a little bit about your illustrator name, MOSH8? How did that name came about?
There isn’t much meaning behind it, but I’ve always loved going to concerts and used to mosh a lot, so I took that word. The “8” comes from billiards’ 8 ball.
ー You design illustrations for artists and festival merchandise. Who are your personal favorite artists aside from your work?
If I had to list my favorite artists, it would be LINKIN PARK, SUM41, coldplay, The Chemical Brothers, ELLEGARDEN, Pay money To my Pain, LOSTAGE, Nulbarich. The music I listen to changes depending on my mood, but I always have music playing at home or in the car.
ー I’d like to ask a bit about your creative process! How does an idea come to life? Do you need something to be creative, such as a specific environment? Also, how long does it usually take for you to finish an illustration?

Going to concerts lifts my mood and sparks ideas. Sometimes I get ideas during the concert but end up forgetting them, so I try to do rough sketches as soon as the concert is over. I’m also a big fan of western cartoons—I often watch SpongeBob and The Simpsons. Their use of colors has probably influenced my work. Interestingly, I find myself especially creative when I’m feeling irritated (laughs). Back in school, I was bullied, so every now and then, I think, "I’ll show them!" (laughs). If I am quick, I might finish an illustration in a day, and sometimes it takes two to three days. And, of course, I always listen to music while drawing.

ー How does it feel to see people wearing merchandise that you've designed?
Going to concerts and festivals and seeing people right in front of me wearing merch I designed always makes me so happy! At 10-FEET concerts, when the intro music starts and fans hold up their towels, seeing so many of them with my design almost brings me to tears. In my heart, I’m shouting, “Thank you so much!”.

ー What was the most special project or design for you so far?
It was 10-FEET’s Chinese zodiac T-shirt (the rabbit T-shirt). It was my very first design job for a band, and I was very excited to work on it. Thankfully, the feedback was amazing—I received lots of DMs and gained many new followers.
In Morioka, I had the opportunity to sell illustrations and merchandise at an event where we did a "draw a logo in 3 minutes" activity. I was deeply moved, as many people came, even from other prefectures.
If I have a clear goal, I work on it tirelessly until I achieve it. When there’s something I feel I need to do, I throw myself into it completely.
ー You’ve already worked on merchandise for various artists and projects, but is there an artist you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
It would be MONOEYES. Up until last year, whenever I went to a festival where they were playing, I carried a design for MONOEYES with me so I could hand it to their vocalist, Hosomi Takeshi, if I ever got the chance. I carried it around so much that it got all worn out, so I actually think I need to remake it soon.
ー What has been the most challenging period in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?
I’m only 3 years into my career, so there is no particular period I could name as the most challenging, but it was tough when at a job I was spoken to in a very rude manner. Not everyone will be rooting for you, so you really have to become stronger.
I am actually not the toughest person, so way back before I became an illustrator I once fainted from stress. Since then, I gradually learned how to manage and avoid stress. If facing something doesn’t work, sometimes it's better to just walk away. I realized I don’t have to achieve everything and it’s okay to live within my limits. For example, if there is a person I don’t get along with, I don’t have to force myself to spend time with them. If there is a genre of illustration I cannot draw, I don’t. I used to not be able to think that way, so that was probably the reason I was struggling. So now, even though I’m a single parent, I can work freely and at my own pace, living a stress-free life.
- skateboard painting (2022)
- skateboard painting
ー Are there things you wish you’d have known before becoming an illustrator?
I went to a design school, and looking back, I wish I had taken the classes more seriously (laughs). In the end, I had to learn everything anew as an adult. If I had already had a clear dream of becoming an illustrator back then, I probably would have studied more diligently. But through that experience, I was able to develop my own unique style, so in the end, I have no regrets.

ー What is your approach to achieving your dreams or goals?
If I have a clear goal, I work on it tirelessly until I achieve it. When there’s something I feel I need to do, I throw myself into it completely. At the same time, I think taking breaks and doing nothing is just as important. When I feel stuck, I talk to seniors or friends in the same industry to clear my mind. I think that connections with people are invaluable. Many of the opportunities I have now come from the relationships I built in my 20s. Back then, I went to nearly 100 concerts a year and saw so many performances. And if I was invited out for drinks, I’d never say no—it’s easier to break the ice after a few drinks (laughs).
ー Speaking of dreams, do you currently have one?
My dream… I think the best thing to do is to enjoy the present, so I don’t always set specific goals for myself. But it would be nice to design merchandise for bands I love, such as MONOEYES or ELLEGARDEN.
ー And last but not least, what is your “why”? Why do you do, what you do?
I already mentioned it earlier, but it would be the connections with people. In my 20’s I worked at a radio station and had the chance to meet many bands and their staff. Even though it's been over 10 years since I left that job, I’m still in touch with the friends I made back then, and I even get work offers from them. As for those whose contact details I’ve lost—if you happen to see this interview, please reach out to me (laughs). Also, diving into the things that I think are fun is a reason for me as well. Even if I lack experience in something, if it sounds interesting, I’ll give it a try. If I am asked “Can you do this?”, I say yes, even if I can’t, and then I’ll study like crazy behind the scenes (laughs). In the end, I think the most important thing is to enjoy the present.

Interview & Translation: Olga Mazlina
To find more about kozue, check out her instagram!
INSTAGRAM