Voice

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  What I learned from the design process.

  I studied oil painting until high school but became interested in graphic design thanks to my mother, who loves Scandinavian design. One thing that makes the Kyoto Seika Graphic Design Course unique is that it considers the design process to be as important as the finished project.For example, in my first year, there was an assignment for which I had to come up with one hundred ideas on a theme.The insights I gained from this process I still use in my work today.I also recommend Communication Design, which I took in the second half of my third year, because you can learn directly from professional designers, copywriters, and art directors.It was in this class that I realized how intriguing advertising could be.Outside of class, I have been in charge of art direction for SHAKE ART!, a free magazine for art students, and have helped design and plan an off-campus art festival.Interacting with people both on- and off-campus opens the door to all kinds of experiences. I wound up introducing myself to my favorite designers and made efforts to sell my artwork. It has taught me how to take initiative.After graduation, I want to cast a wide net as a designer and get involved in advertising and graphic design.

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  Focusing your energy on living in the present.

  As the creative director of an advertising agency, I have worked on numerous ad campaigns. Being creative is all about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Instead of getting frustrated when you’re stuck, you should ask yourself, “Should I do it like this, or should I do it like that?” and continue to find comfort in the uncomfortable. I believe this is what leads to better work. I am committed to pouring care, effort, and enthusiasm into my research, production, and instruction to students so that I might provide something extra to get the creative juices flowing.

  In the Graphic Design Course, professionals teach a variety of subjects, including graphic and editorial design and photography. Small class sizes mean that professors can give every student the attention—and occasional tough love—that they need. I myself have used my own experience to help guide students in generating ideas and creating advertisements. I hope that at Kyoto Seika, you will put all of your energy into exploring activities and modes of expression that are only possible while you are a student. New value and innovation often come from ideas that are originally rejected. Do not be swayed by adults with more traditional opinions, work hard at all you do—even things that may not seem useful at the time—and use the precious time you have here to do all that you can in preparing for the future.

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  Learning from nature to create truly expressive designs.

  Graphic design is a lot like cooking.We draw on technique and experience, turning various ingredients into delicious meals that nourish the body and soul.The basics of cooking are not that difficult.You start by learning the required techniques with humility.Then it's up to you to decide what dish you want to make.For myself, as a designer who creates works to nourish the body and soul, it is especially important to interact with the natural world as the source of all that sustains us.In my research, I am conducting several projects that connect us with nature. In one, we create patterns based on designs conceived through observing nature close to home. In another, we use farming and hunting to consider the relationship between design and the natural world.I hope that through this firsthand experience, participants learn about design and make new discoveries.The Graphic Design Course focuses on hands-on assignments that include lettering, color composition using colored paper, print work, and large-scale live drawings. When physical sensibilities honed through analog expression are combined with their digital counterparts, the result is a unique creation that brims with originality. I invite you to develop the skills needed to put your designs into practice by refining your techniques and sensibilities here at Kyoto Seika, in an environment surrounded by beautiful nature.