Gastown, Vancouver
$100
Fine art print (18" x 24") on museum-quality Japanese paper
Gastown is a reminder that not everything in Vancouver is made of glass and steel. Built on the port and rail lines, it was a hub of trade and industry before the skyline rose around it. The brick buildings lean a little, the cobblestone stays slick after the rain, and the steam clock sighs on cue.
Joy Kim
Joy Kim’s been drawing since childhood, finding quiet satisfaction in creating something from nothing. A sketching trip through Korea and New York helped refine her focus and deepened her appreciation for observation. She enjoys capturing simple scenes and translating them into visually compelling illustrations using clean shapes and soft palettes.
“A place of preservation, progress, and everything in between.”
“My studio is in the heart of Gastown, so this piece felt personal from the start. It’s a place of preservation, progress, and everything in between. I tried to show how the historic and modern sides overlap, shaped by the people who move through it.”
Print Specifications and Production Standards
This section outlines the materials, production standards, and quality testing behind every Pleasant Shimo art print.
Pleasant Shimo prints are produced using a production standard developed through extensive testing. We evaluated ten print partners, both local and international, assessing not only print quality but also communication, packaging, delivery reliability, and overall care. After narrowing the field to the top three, we conducted a blind review of the same artwork to remove bias and compare results side by side. The partner we continue to work with today is the one that consistently demonstrated the highest level of quality, diligence, and reliability across every stage of the process.
Size and Format: 18 × 24”
After testing multiple formats, we chose to release Pleasant Shimo prints in a single size: 18 × 24 inches. This format offers strong visual presence without overwhelming a space and works well across a wide range of interiors.
For custom framing guidance or specific sizing questions, please contact brett@pleasantshimo.com.
Paper and Ink
All prints are produced on museum quality matte paper sourced from Japan. The paper is selected for its natural tone, subtle texture, and ability to preserve fine detail without glare. Colours remain vibrant without appearing oversaturated, while darker tones retain depth and clarity.
Shipping and Delivery
Free global shipping is included with every order. Prints are shipped rolled and carefully protected to reduce the risk of damage during transit.
Pleasant Shimo Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Pleasant Shimo prints cost?
Each Pleasant Shimo art print is priced at $100 CAD. This price includes free global shipping. There are no hidden fees at checkout.
If you are ordering from outside Canada, your payment is converted by your credit card provider at the exchange rate on the day of purchase.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. All Pleasant Shimo prints ship free worldwide.
We believe shipping should be simple and transparent, and that the price you see should be the price you pay.
What am I actually paying for?
Pleasant Shimo is not about placing generic images of places like Stanley Park or Shibuya on a wall.
It’s about visual storytelling to highlight places through the people who know them best.
Every artwork is created in collaboration with an artist who has a personal connection to the neighbourhood they illustrate. Each piece reflects lived experience, memory, and perspective.
Every purchase directly supports the artist, not only through compensation, but through long-term visibility and creative partnership.
How are the prints made?
We use enhanced matte fine art paper sourced from Japan.
Every step of the process is carefully managed, from print quality to packaging, to ensure the artwork arrives in excellent condition.
Before launching, we tested more than ten different printers, both in Canada and overseas. Compared side by side, our final choice produces the optimal balance of colour depth, sharp detail, and overall customer experience.
Do the prints come framed?
No. Our prints are rolled and shipped in sturdy triangular boxes, which offer greater protection while using less material than standard tubes.
Framing is a personal choice, and preferences vary widely depending on space, style, and budget. If you would like framing recommendations, feel free to email us and we would be happy to help.
Why is the size 18 × 24 inches?
Our current standard size is 18 × 24 inches.
This size was chosen because it works well across a wide range of spaces, from apartments to larger homes, and offers strong visual presence without overwhelming a room.
Additional sizes will be introduced in 2026.
What is Pleasant Shimo about, beyond the prints?
Pleasant Shimo exists to connect people to places through art.
Whether it is a neighbourhood you once lived in, a city you return to often, or somewhere that left a lasting impression, our goal is to create artwork that carries meaning beyond decoration.
This is not just about selling prints. It is about creating something thoughtful for people who care about where they have been, where they are, and where they are going.