FAQ

Your questions, answered

💃  Is this only for artists?

Definitely not. We welcome designers, art directors, photographers, illustrators, musicians, writers, artists and anyone who creates, really. We do not think people outside the creative sector will enjoy much our place or our events, but you can always try convince us otherwise.

🤔  Who is behind Almost Perfect?

We are Luis Mendo (art director, illustrator) and Yuka Martín Mendo (also active in the sustainable fashion scene in Japan as a director of unisteps), we funded the place with our own money and are the ones who run it as an independent endeavour. We wanted to create a place that Tokyo and the international creative community deserve. Read more about our career paths in this fantastic State of Tokyo feature. 

🔍  How is the resident curation made?

We have a panel of curators who make the selection with us. They are professional artists, journalists and art directors who have a good eye and understand we need to keep a consequent line in the kind of art we show. Have a good look at the work of our previous residents to get an idea.
Also, make a good pitch on the application, no need to make it long but clear. Tell us if you have a plan, an idea, or a feeling of what you are going to work on during your stay. Include links to your portfolio sites, we want to see your Tumblr, Dribble, Instagram and whatever you have to show what you (can) do. 
Please bear in mind that at the moment we accept about 20% of all the applicants to keep the direction.

🙅 Is this like a hotel or airbnb?

Absolutely NOT. We are not a hotel and you cannot rent the room to just sleep in there. We hope and expect that residents to be willing to interact, learn and teach new things to our community of Tokyo creators. Tokyo is a fantastic city but it can feel as an island at times, we want Japanese and local creators to be inspired by and inspire our residents. We provide the experience of spending a productive and inspiring time in Tokyo. If you come for a relaxing vacation or sightseeing, Almost Perfect shouldn't be your choice. Almost Perfect is for engaging creators, not tourists.

😢  I love the idea, but I just cannot afford it.

Governments of most countries have grants to support artists and programs that pay for artist residencies. Please search around. We are continuously in talks with different official organizations in different countries, trying to make it easier for artists with limited resources.

📅 I am applying for a grant, can you block the dates until I receive the funding?

Please understand we can’t block your dates until we receive payments in full.

🗼 Will you show me the city? 

We are sorry we cannot show you the city but will be glad to give you instructions on how to move around, best cafe and restaurants etc. Also, we can do a little walk with you in our area to show you the best spots.

 💑  Can I bring my partner with me? 

The bed is for 2 so you can bring your partner (we ask 20% extra fee for utility) but we prefer if you leave your pets at home. Please understand your partner doesn’t get a proper working space as the artists.

👶 Can I bring my kids with me?

Although we would LOVE to support creatives who are also parents (as we are), we are afraid that the house is not safe enough for babies and kids as we have narrow stairs, art supplies such as paints and cutters all around, etc. The house is most of the time shared with other creatives so the noise could be a problem too.

🐈  There's a cat in the house!?

Occasionally yes, but he prefers to stay in another house. If you are allergic to cat we will not bring him so don't worry.  

🏢  Do you do partnerships/sponsorships with companies?

If we share the same passions and principles by all means! Please email Yuka for enquiries.

🙊  What languages are spoken in the house?

We master Japanese, English, Dutch and Spanish, but English is the common ground we all use on daily life.

🖼 I would like to have my artworks framed, can you help?

We have a liaison with our friend Paco, he runs a wooden shop called Patio Workshop in Saitama. He is a wonderful architect and furniture maker, and he has created a frame design for us so our artists can have their art framed nicely and in a sustainable way. Please read more details on our collaboration page with Paco.

📷 Will you somehow record my opening reception?

Also for this we made a liaison with talented Jamie Miki, a photographer based in Tokyo who can help you document your reception. She’s very experienced and very good. You can read about the photos option here.