Meet Yuko Kudo | Multi-hyphenated Human & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yuko Kudo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yuko, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Being a multi-hyphenated artist and an entrepreneur, “Balance” was something that I questioned a lot. The line between what is work and what is not are so subtle. “unwinding to watch a movie” can turn into film analysis. I often joke that we take our foot off from gas pedal, but we don’t have a break. Being an artist is being present to life. Something that I learned from my recent podcast guest Corrie Legge, is to look for harmony instead of balance. Harmony seems more than binary, colorful, even pause or dissonances are embraced. Harmony also gives me the impression that it’s ever-changing rather than to keep. And I want my life to be more colorful and playful in all aspect.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a multi-dimensional artist and Executive Producer at Untapped Storytellers. My current projects are Short Documentary series “Untapped Storytellers” which follows the stories of independent mission driven artists, and “Dear Asian Girls” a short documentary that follows the story of three Asian Female Theatre artists who moved to NYC to pursue a dream of Broadway. I love telling stories of artists and amplifying their voices.

What sets me apart is that I’ve always been multi-passionated human and I consider my artwork as an invitation rather than end product.

For a long time assumed that I was supposed to focus on this “ONE THING to hone in”. And almost felt guilty for not being able to find that one thing. I felt like I “start over” my career so many times. That was never easy as an Asian woman and an immigrant. But because of that I pride myself for integrity and work ethic.

Once I started to lean into that multi-faucet element that’s when things start to open up. I embraced the seasons in life and focused on relationship with people. What we can do through art with people became my passion. Through Art & Creativity so many things are possible. Now as an EP of Untapped Storytellers, I work with artists, art enthusiasts and organizations that want to implement arts and culture into their work from all over the world. Human centered ethical work environment is needed no matter who you are or what industry you are in. Our work is an invitation to that world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well I’m currently based in NYC, I would LOVE to get some suggestions in Miami area. An itinerary can look like… starting a day with a nice long walk with a good cup of coffee. You can walk around the Riverside Park by the water. You can grab a cup of coffee from Hamilton or the Chipped Cup. As far as amazing food selection, definitely explore Queens for all kinds of cuisines that are available.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
National Asian artists Project (NAAP) It’s founded by Baayork Lee who originated the role of Connie Wong in A Chorus Line on Broadway. NAAP showcases the work of Asian-American theatre artists through performance, outreach and educational programming.

I’m so grateful for Baayork and this community. Being in this community opened up my path as an artist, educated me about the industry and led me to people who I consider family.

Website: www.untappedstorytellers.com (If you wanna check out my personal www.yukoislovelivelife.com)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untapped_storytellers/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/untapped-storytellers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UntappedStorytellers

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Zj01BdM-LQyoBDpdtuXIA

Other: email Contact@Untappedstorytellers.com

Image Credits
@Yuko Kudo @Shino Frances @Michael Cutrone @Layra Marz Photography