KARUIZAWA VISITORS
Put a Whale in Your Life
The visit of wonderful human Matthew Smith {aka Whale} to Karuizawa reminded me of the need to welcoming more "givers" and rejecting all "takers" in my life.
February 06, 2026Irregularly Published Stories from a Tiny Studio Near Tokyo
Crafted by Luis Mendo
TOKYOMÓN
Tokyomón — Pilot
So you want to see Tokyo from a different point of view? Let us show it to you.
January 31, 2026
ARTIST'S LIFE
An Eternal Fight
Nothing comes easy and certainly not comics. A very real fight between me and my work.
January 24, 2026
ARTIST'S LIFE
Peek Behind the Cover
A little peek behind the process of illustrating a magazine cover. This time for House Beautiful Magazine.
January 16, 2026
PROSE
Twenty 20 Something
Why I do not wish you a year of happiness from January 1st, but rather everyday, from any day.
January 02, 2026
THE REST
The Year of the No-Horse
2026 Is going to be the Year of the Fire Horse, and since I am terrible at drawing horses, I decided to draw and propose alternative zodiac signs for the new year.
December 26, 2025
THE TOOLS
Directions to Find Your Style
Where I talk about how to find your personal style in art (or any other creative endeavor).
December 12, 2025
ARTIST'S LIFE
Self Publishing in Japan
Where I tell the lessons learned and the problems found when making a book in Japan.
November 28, 2025
UPCYCLED
A Case Against Ageing, Solo Show & Finder
Three stories born out of the same three client-rejected sketches.
November 19, 2025
NOTES TO YOUNG ME
It's Nice to Be Important, but It's More Important to Be Nice.
Although I fail often to act upon this wisdom, I really do try every day, and then am amazed how well it makes me feel.
November 05, 2025
NOTES TO YOUNG ME
To Be Interesting, Be Interested.
There are some wisdoms that keep coming back as pretty consistent life certainties, and this is one of those.
October 28, 2025
UPCYCLED
Ping Ding Ring & Unlovable
Two stories: one about our digital life madness, the other one about love. Made with the same 9 rejected sketches from client work.
October 21, 2025