Coco Sato 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 ProcesswikiHow 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 (3)

What is the best paper airplane design?
For the best airplane design, you want to first determine whether you want to make an airplane that flies the fastest or that flies the farthest. You can also think about whether you want your airplane to go straight and far, or just one that stays in the air for a long time and maybe circulates. For example, you can adjust the wings’ angle to make the airplane rotate while it’s flying – so you want to have some idea to begin with about what you’re trying to achieve with your paper airplane.

Having a weighty head part is quite important. I tend to begin with a US letter or A4 sheet of paper rather than square paper because you can fold the top part to make a weighty head, and then make the wing longer. Once you make the wing longer, you can shape the wing to make the airplane behave how you want it to.
What origami can you make with index cards?
An index card is a stiff piece of paper. It's usually colored yellow, pink, blue, or some kind of primary color, and you will have a large chunk of those cards. I think making modular origami, 3D shapes- so that's the triangle shape origami- is an easy base design for index cards. Because it’s stiff paper, you can also make things like boxes, and you can cut it into strips to do weaving.
How to celebrate Koinobori with my family?
Here is a video I made that shows you exactly how to fold a koi carp for a koinobori garland.

{{whvid|Expert Video Fold a Koi Carp for a Koinobori Garland Step 0.360p.mp4|Expert Video Fold a Koi Carp for a Koinobori Garland Step 0-preview.jpg|}}

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 (34)

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 Traditional Origami Crane (with Visuals)

Origamist Coco Sato shares tips for folding a perfect origami crane When most people think of origami, their mind jumps straight to the elegant paper crane. The idea of folding a paper crane yourself might seem intimidat...

How to Make a Cootie Catcher Fortune Teller: Easy Steps with Pictures

Origamist Coco Sato shares tips for making a fun origami fortune teller that’s neat and smoothLooking for something fun to do at your next sleepover or whenever you’re hanging out with friends? Why not tell their for...

How to Make a Booklet with Paper: 8 Pages, 16 Pages & More

Origamist and contemporary artist Coco Sato provides easy steps for folding & cutting your own paper bookMaking a book out of paper is a fun and easy project that’s great for gift-giving, journaling, sketching, and kee...

How to Make a Paper Airplane That Flies Really Far

Explore 3 exciting paper plane patterns at different difficulty levelsAnyone can make a paper airplane, but how do you make a paper airplane that can fly almost the same distance as the length of a football field? Look ...

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

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 box...

How to

Make Origami Paper Claws

Origami claws can really spice up your ghoulish costume or spook your friends. If your Halloween costume needs some claws, you can just create your own claws for each finger. They are pointy, so don't get too carried awa...

How to Fold Money into an Origami Flower: Visual Tutorial

Learn to make simple flowers or roses for bouquets in a few stepsMaking an origami flower from a dollar bill is a fun and creative way to gift money—or entertain yourself for just a few dollars! In this article, we’l...

How to

Make an Origami Turtle

Origamist Coco Sato shares tips for folding an origami turtle for beginnersThere are several ways to fold an origami turtle with both square and rectangular paper. This can be a fun origami project to do at a party or ju...

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...

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. Paper footballs are easy to make in just...

How to Fold an Origami Gum Wrapper Heart in 9 Steps

Plus, origami experts offer pro tips for crisp, neat foldsIs there anything sweeter than making a handmade paper heart and giving it to a friend (or maybe even your crush)? There might be, because you can easily make a h...

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 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

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 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...

Shinto Symbols & the Japanese Religion, Explained

Plus, an overview of Shinto mythology, beliefs, and practicesShintoism is an animistic religion from Japan that encourages living in harmony with the natural world. It’s full of rich mythology, cultural rituals, and, l...

How to

Make 3D Origami Pieces

Origamist Coco Sato shares tips for making 3D origami3D origami sculptures are super cool, and they also make really unique, thoughtful gifts. Even though they might look complicated to make, it's actually easier than yo...
See more articles