Website

Coco Sato

Origamist and Contemporary Artist

Coco Sato is an Origamist and Contemporary Artist based in Brighton, UK. She is an award-winning contemporary artist specializing in origami and geometric sculptures. With a multidisciplinary practice encompassing sculpture, performance, psychology, and geometry, she explores shifting perspectives through the intricate art of origami. Coco’s work bridges cultures by combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary concepts, inviting audiences to reconsider their relationship with the world.

Education

  • BA, Fine Art, Central Saint Martins

Professional Achievements

  • Awarded the Leverhulme Trust Research Grant for work with Thomas Montenegro-Johnson, Professor of Applied Mathematics, Birmingham & Warwick Universities (2020–2026)
  • Exhibited internationally, including at Westminster Abbey, London
  • Designed public engagement events for the Victoria & Albert Museum, London
  • Created original artworks and experiential events for global brands including Lexus, Victorinox, Barilla, Georg Jensen, and Bodyform

Certifications & Organizations

  • Award Judge for Koestler Arts, an arts education charity in the UK
  • Collaborated with experts across STEM sectors, including mathematicians and engineers
  • Developed signature works such as Roborigami, Electro Origami, Zenogami, and Portagami

Favorite Piece of Advice

Harness the power of collective action and creativity. Hands-on exploration and innovation foster a sense of community and shared play. Combining art and technology creates transformative, immersive experiences that challenge conventional thinking.

wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.

Forum Comments (1)

Q&A Comments (12)

What type of paper should I use for folding origami?
Traditional origami paper, known as kami in Japan, is the best option. This paper is lightweight, around 70-90 gsm, and is designed with one side colored and the other side white. These two different colors are helpful for beginners because they make it much easier to see and follow each step as you fold. But if you don’t have this origami paper, a regular copy paper works just fine for practice. Look for paper that’s about 80-90 gsm and uncoated, as coated or glossy paper can be slippery and harder to fold.
How do I make nice crisp folds when making origami?
To achieve those crisp, professional-looking folds, make sure that your paper edges are perfectly aligned. This step is really important because even a tiny misalignment can change the whole look of your design. Once your paper is lined up, press gently along the fold with your finger. Then, use your fingernail to go over the crease to make it sharper and neater. If you want folding to get even easier, you can use tools. A good tool for pressing folds is a bone folder and you can obtain one at craft or stationery stores. If you don't have this tool, there are many other things you probably have around the house that you could use. Many household items can serve as effective substitutes. A ruler, the flat side of a butter knife, or even the edge of a credit card can be used to create sharp, precise folds. The key to crisp folds is to take your time and don't rush—focus on making each fold as precise as possible.
Can I do the wet paper folding technique when making paper airplanes?
Wet folding is an interesting technique, but it’s not ideal for making paper airplanes. Wet folding works best for creating smooth curves or rounded shapes because the slight dampness allows the paper to bend and hold softer lines without breaking. Also, paper airplanes rely on sharp, straight folds to fly well. Adding water makes it harder to achieve those clean edges, and moisture could weaken your paper, which makes your airplane flimsy and prone to tearing. If you're folding paper airplanes, stick to dry folding.
See more comments

Co-authored Articles (17)

How to

Make a Paper Airplane

Up, up, and away! Paper airplanes are a fun, easy way to pass the time—but how exactly do you turn a basic piece of paper into a jet-setting masterpiece? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a handy, ...

How to Make a Paper Football (Plus Rules for How to Play)

Bring the NFL indoors with this easy origami craftIf you want to play an exciting game of football without leaving home or getting equipment, paper football is the perfect choice. All you need is a sheet of paper to make...

How to

Fold a Paper Into Thirds

Folding a piece of paper in half? Piece of cake. Folding it into quarters? Barely an issue. Dividing a piece of paper into perfect, crisp thirds? This can actually be a bit of a challenge as anyone who has ever folded an...

How to

Fold a Paper Box

A folded paper origami box, also called a masu box, is beautiful in its functional simplicity. All you need is a piece of square paper. The finished box makes a great hiding place for small treasures. With a pair of boxe...

How to

Flatten Crumpled Paper

Have a piece of paper you wish you hadn't sat on, wadded up, folded by mistake, or even turned into a paper airplane? It will usually look presentable and usable after wetting it slightly with distilled water, then press...

25 Major Deities in Japanese Mythology

Learn all about Japan’s most powerful gods & goddessesThere are plenty of gods and goddesses in Japanese mythology, whether they be from the Shinto religion or Buddhist religions. The number of ''kami'' (gods & goddess...

How to Make Kunai Knives Out of Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to craft a Naruto-style kunai out of paper Kunai are believed to be derived from a type of gardening tool, but now are famously known as the preferred knives of ninjas made popular in Japanese Animes and Mangas...

How to

Make a Sword out of Paper

The bugle has been sounded––it's time for battle. You don't have a real sword, but don't let that stop you. It's paper to the rescue! If you want to try a fancy method, you can fold an origami sword. For a quick and ...

How to String Origami Cranes for a Senbazuru

Learn how to fold, string, and hang 1,000 paper cranesSenbazuru comes from an ancient Japanese legend that says a wish will be granted to anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes. Today, in addition to adorning shrines, senba...

How to

Fold Money Into a Flower

Whether you are looking for a way to amuse yourself or a creative way to gift money, knowing how to fold money into flowers is a nice skill to have. You can display the finished flowers in vases or bouquets, or you can a...

How to

Make a Kimono Girl Origami

Master kimono paper folding with out visual guideThis article explains how to make a kimono origami. This delightful origami figure can be used for key chains or bookmarks.

How to

Fold a Dollar Bill to Make a Finger Ring

Looking for a way to impress people with your money? Try folding a dollar bill into a fashionable ring. This ring has the number 1 faced out as the "gem," and if it's folded correctly it won't come apart. You can also cr...

How to

Make an Origami Banger

An origami banger, sometimes also known as an origami popper, is a fun paper project that makes a loud popping noise when you flick your wrist. Making an origami banger is a very simple origami project that you can use s...

How to

Make a Dollar Bill Rose

When it's gift-giving time for younger relatives, you may not know what to give them, and money is always appreciated! While you can certainly stick a dollar bill or a check in a card, a more fun way to give money to eit...

How to

Make an Origami Spaceship

Origami is a fun way to make art just by folding paper. If you want a cool paper spaceship, you can make one at home as long as you have some folding skills. While a spaceship can be a little complex to make, you'll have...

2 Easy Ways to Make an Origami Book

Step-by-step instructions to craft a DIY origami bookletOrigami is a fun way to fold paper into all sorts of things. You can even make your own origami book, which you'll be able to use as a small notebook or sketchpad. ...

How to

Fold an Origami Peacock

The peacock is a beautiful, feathery bird that looks elegant and regal—and its origami counterpart is much the same. Folding an origami peacock might take a bit of practice, but it’s a great project if you’re just ...