Jeff Nishinaka is a paper sculptor from Los Angeles whose handcrafted work is commissioned around the globe.
Jeff Nishinaka at a glance
- Based in: Los Angeles, California
- Medium: Paper sculpture
- Known for: Layered paper relief sculptures for ads, fashion and film
- Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, Art Center College of Design, Pasadena
- Career: About 30 years
- Clients: Microsoft, Starbucks, Ralph Lauren, Johnnie Walker
- Special commission: More than 40 custom sculptures for Jackie Chan
- Teaching: Instructor at Academy of Art University, San Francisco
- Website: jeffnishinaka.com
“Trying not to overwork or force paper into submission, he lets the beauty of paper speak for itself.”
He earned a BFA in Illustration from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Paper became his medium of choice during a class project where he created a multidimensional fish sculpture. He has created more than 40 custom sculptures for Jackie Chan and his work has been featured in ad campaigns for Microsoft, Starbucks, Ralph Lauren, and Johnnie Walker. He also serves as an instructor at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
- Born and based in Los Angeles.
- Uses paper as his primary sculptural medium.
- Creates monochromatic works in relief.
- Over 30 years of professional experience.
- Teaches at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
His sculptures achieve remarkable depth through layering, and his work often draws from floral and faunal inspirations. Each sculpture begins with a rough sketch and research, and he uses simple tools like an X-Acto knife, tweezers, and glue. His work has been featured in The New York Times, V Magazine, and The Atlantic. He feels paper has an energy of its own, and he tries to release what is already there.
“To Nishinaka, creating art for clients is just as fun as it is teaching it. He serves as an instructor at Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where he says ‘fresh young minds’ inspire and motivate him to continually refine his skills.”
You can see more of his paper sculptures on his official website: Jeff Nishinaka’s Official Website