On screen first, then on paper. Every member gets their book every year; a 270+ page volume you can smell and lick. Drawn, written and designed by Luis. Made in and shipped from Japan.

• The Illustrated World of Luis Mendo •

Bookworm Central

Every year, towards the end of October, the "Jimbocho Book Festival" takes place in the streets of Tokyo's book town Jimbocho. Come walk with me for a bit. This time with sound.

November 01, 2024

THE REST

Tinker Tailor Lover Control

If you look at my work, you will see I tend to draw old school interiors and bygone era artifacts, like dial phones and typewriters. I unconsciously obfuscate the era where the scene takes place in. I do not know why I do this. Maybe because I think things used to look better?

October 15, 2024

MRMENDO

Putting the cart before the horse

This comic is a confession: I often struggle with making drawings based on stories. I prefer to work based on ideas, goals, feelings… all intangible things that a good drawing exudes when done right.

October 07, 2024

ARTIST'S LIFE

From Designing to Drawing

After working as a graphic designer for about 20 years in Europe, my life took a turn when I moved to Japan in 2013. Around 2014, I changed my career to illustration. Below are my thoughts on how I personally see the differences between the two professions and how the switch affected my life.

October 07, 2024

ART

The Home Stayer

When the covid-19 pandemic took over the world, we were asked to stay in our homes as much as possible. After living in Tokyo for several years, staying in my house all the time made me feel I could be living in any other city, it wouldn't have mattered that much.

October 03, 2024

MRMENDO

The Importance of Personal Projects

Personal projects are greatly underrated. I believe they are the very foundation of every commercial artist's career.

October 01, 2024

KINOKO FOLK

Kinoko Folk, intro tune 🎶

You might want to sit straight and resize your browser window for this. I am laying the ground for the series, and knowing about fungi is kind of a must if you want to know how they reproduce, live and die. It will make the series more fun and easy to write.

September 30, 2024

THE MASTERS

Lauren Tamaki

I have admired Lauren for the first day I saw her work. Her lines and compositions are utter magic. It made me happy to learn she had a past in the design world too. We met once in NYC but that was a too long time ago, I am still waiting for her to visit Tokyo one day.

September 30, 2024

PROSE

One Jacket Too Many

A man suffers the consequences of wearing too many layers on his wife's request.

September 29, 2024

ART

5:30 AM characters

I often wake up early, as you might know. It's on those moments that I just want to draw whatever comes out of my pencil. And it's also then that I often do my best work. Personal stuff that might have no apparent goal, but will become something later on.

September 29, 2024

TOKYO VISITORS

Daria Mussienko

Daria's work is of the kind that beats you in the gut. Her lines are so energetic and dynamic that you would sell your soul to get her hand to be attached to your wrist instead. At least, I would! Academically trained, she's found her way into drawing on a highly personal note.

September 27, 2024