Joshua Tree Journal by Keiji Ishida

Market table display with tripod lamps whose shades show black dog and cap illustrations, beside screen prints and folded

My name is Keiji Ishida. I am an illustrator based in Los Angeles, CA.

On December 21, 2024, I had the amazing opportunity to be part of the HeyThere Project Art Market in Joshua Tree, CA! It was a blast showcasing my original art, custom-printed prints, and zines to an incredible crowd of art collectors, tourists, and locals.

Red penco Storage Container with yellow label resting on a pink screen print among artwork sheets.

Here are some essential items I brought on my trip to Joshua Tree. One “must-have item” for me as an illustrator is my bright orange penco Storage Container Pen Case. It keeps all my pens and pencils organized and within reach, ensuring I'm always ready to create, no matter where I am.

Hand holding a pen over a wire-bound sketchbook filled with line drawings of cyclists on bicycles.

Throughout my career, I've tested countless pens, but I think I've finally found the perfect one for me. The Rays Flash Dry Gel Pen/ 0.5mm (OHTO) delivers smooth, bold lines that are ideal for my simple illustration style. I love the thickness of the lines, and it rarely dries out. While waiting for customers, I had a great time sketching with this pen—it made the experience even more enjoyable!

Hand pulling blue tape from a metal tape dispenser on a work surface beside a stack of printed cards.

For events like this, having tape on hand is essential for packing products. Thanks to the penco Tape Dispenser L (Silver), it made the process so much smoother. Its sturdy weight kept the tape from rolling away, and, more importantly, it added a touch of style to my setup!

Desk scene with pens, a Hold-Fast stapler, a Penco Leader tape dispenser with blue tape, and boxes.

We also used the penco Stapler (Silver) for packing smaller items. Honestly, out of all the staplers I've ever used, this one is by far the coolest-looking and the most satisfying to use!

Desk scene with an orange Storage Container, tape dispenser, pens and a sketchbook of bicycle drawings.

It's incredibly satisfying to see everything laid out in one space. I love how Hightide products' cohesive designs and timeless aesthetic elevate the presentation—they make my art look even cooler! Thanks to these Hightide products, I was able to stay organized, work efficiently, and create an inviting setup, all of which contributed to a successful and enjoyable tabling event.

Person in a red-and-white patterned sweater unwraps a snack over an open black insulated bag in the desert, with a La Croix

The next day, my family and I visited the Desert View Conservation Area for a short, scenic hike.

Two people in the desert opening a black bag to take out a wrapped snack, rocky hills behind them.

Black insulated tote bag packed with snack boxes, drink cans and produce, label reading "Thermal Insulated Bag".

We brought along our Hightide Cooler Cargo Bag L (Black) to carry snacks and drinks. It kept our beverages perfectly chilled and had plenty of room to keep everything organized!

Hand holding a round tan Penco zip pouch with black trim and orange pull, dry grass behind.

Person in a patterned knit sweater smiles while holding up a round tan Penco pouch by its cord.

My wife, Lili, brought her penco Double Door Purse (Beige)—the perfect little bag for keeping earphones safe and sound, preventing them from mysteriously disappearing like they usually do.

Man in a white tee, cap and glasses climbing a boulder while carrying a teal Storage Caddy under one arm.

Hand holding a teal Storage Caddy/ L against a large boulder in the desert.

Here I am with my favorite NÄHE Hard Shell Laptop Case (Blue). I take it everywhere I go—even on hiking trips—because of its durability, strength, and sleek, stylish design. This case is perfect to keep your 13” laptop, planner, notebook, etc.

White folded Carry-Tite storage pouch with printed logo, resting on dry desert brush.

Person drawing a strawberry and pink rabbit in colored pencil, with a red Penco pencil case open beside them.

The penco Carry Tite Case for 13-14 inch laptops (White) is perfect for storing drawings and prints. Lili is also using it as a handy surface for sketching.

Hand holding a spiral-bound Penco sketchbook with green logo above sandy desert ground.

Lastly, to document the Joshua Trees, I utilized the penco Sketchbook B6 Heavy and the penco Glider Color Pen (Dark Green). The robust sketchbook offered a reliable surface for detailed illustrations, while the pen's smooth, bold lines enhanced the precision and depth of his work, seamlessly capturing the essence of the landscape.

Hands sketching desert plants with a green pen in a spiral-bound sketchbook, beside a yucca on sandy ground.

Hands holding an open sketchbook outdoors, drawing a plant in pen beside a spiky desert yucca.

＿＿＿＿

Keiji Ishida is an LA based illustrator. He's been a part of Hightide Store DTLA team since last year. You might have seen his zines and poster he drew on Hightide items in store or online.

Keiji and his wife Lili sadly had to evacuate from their Altadena house due to the wildfires. Although the house is still standing, they won't be able to return for a while because of the toxic damages.
Support Keiji by purchasing his zines and poster online or on his online shop directly!