Yuzen Sketch Artist (Hand-Drawn Yuzen)
したえがきこう（てがきゆうぜん）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A traditional craft technician who traces patterns used in the Yuzen dyeing process onto silk fabric with ink or charcoal as a preliminary sketch, supporting the subsequent dyeing operations.
Description
The Yuzen Sketch Artist (Hand-Drawn Yuzen) is a traditional craft artisan who lightly traces patterns used in the Yuzen dyeing process onto silk fabric using ink, charcoal, or similar materials, handling the preparatory work for dyeing operations. They accurately transfer the original patterns while adjusting the strength and positioning of lines to account for fabric stretch and color bleeding. Precise brush techniques, a high sense of color, and specialized knowledge of silk and dyes are required. They inherit techniques in workshops and support the entire process through to completion.
Future Outlook
Demand as high-end Japanese attire remains stable, but a shortage of successors is a challenge. Market value is expected to be maintained going forward through demand for traditional craft experiences targeted at tourists and inbound visitors, as well as the development of new expressions utilizing digital technology.
Personality Traits
Excellent Aesthetic Sense / High Concentration / Meticulous / Patient
Work Style
Contract Work / Freelance / Individual Workshop / Workshop Employment
Career Path
Apprentice (Disciple) → Yuzen Sketch Artist → Transition to Yuzen Dyeing Worker or Paste Application Worker → Kyoto Yuzen Artisan → Traditional Craftsman Certification
Required Skills
Brush Line Drawing Technique / Color Sense / Pattern Transfer Technique / Precision Work Ability / Understanding of Fabric Characteristics
Recommended Skills
Color Theory Knowledge / Design Skills / Design Software (Adobe) / Workshop Operation Management
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | To accurately depict fine lines and patterns. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Uniqueness and aesthetic sense are required in the details of patterns and methods of line expression. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Long-term skill acquisition and continuous learning are necessary until mastery. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Few opportunities for quantitative analysis. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Primarily long hours of seated work and fine brush operations, with low physical demands. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Mainly individual work, with limited collaboration in teams. |
Related Qualifications
- Dyeing Technician
- Traditional Craftsman
Aliases
- Hand-Drawn Yuzen Sketch Artist
- Preliminary Sketch Artisan
- Yuzen Under-Drawing Artist
Related Jobs
- Kyoto Yuzen Artisan
- Yuzen Dyeing Worker
- Yuzen Stencil Carver