Junichi Tsuneoka was born and raised in Japan and arrived in the US at the end of the 20th century. He was hired by Seattle-based design company Modern Dog as a graphic designer after graduating from Cornish College of the Arts.

The co-founders of Modern Dog, Robynne Raye and Michael Strassburger, taught Tsuneoka everything, from design basics to the meaning of the word "mullet." He also developed design skills and was encouraged to use his own illustration style in his design projects.

Over the past several years, Tsuneoka has developed a style often described as a cross between Japanese manga and graffiti. Some people call this a "California Roll" style because of the very unique blend of both his Japanese and American influences. Tsuneoka is currently an independent illustrator with his own studio, Stubborn Sideburn, in Seattle.

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