Shinji Arashigawa

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

Around 1993, I was inspired by the works of Takenobu Igarashi, a sculptor and product/graphic designer, during my student years, which led me to pursue a career as a designer. In 1995, I began working at a design firm specializing in packaging. Around 1999, I started engaging in advertising design, and in 2006, I became independent.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

In 2006, I established Storm Graphics as a sole proprietor. It is a design studio that handles the planning and production of various advertisements, primarily focused on branding. I specialize in designs that are minimalist and distinctly Japanese.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

I love cars, and I am particularly drawn to Audi’s designs. Audi’s simple yet refined forms and meticulous attention to detail greatly influence my own design work. In particular, the design of the Audi TT stands out with its minimalist beauty and absence of unnecessary elements, which I find highly impressive. In architecture, I admire the works of Zaha Hadid. Her flowing forms and dynamic lines reveal new possibilities in architectural design, and just by observing her work, I feel inspired. Although product and architectural design differ from my field of graphic design, viewing such works expands my perspective and provides new inspiration for my creative process.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

Since I used to work in packaging, I am drawn to materials like paper and glass.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel most creative when I am preparing works for an exhibition. The moments when I can lose track of time and immerse myself in design are truly special and unmatched. Additionally, I often come up with new ideas during my daily walks. Observing nature and the cityscape while walking frequently sparks moments of inspiration. Spending quiet time in this way helps organize my thoughts and fosters the emergence of creative ideas.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

The emotions felt by the target audience when they see the design.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

Surface-level design information will be replaced by AI, so I believe designers must delve deeper into human emotions and sensitivities and develop a discerning eye for aesthetic selection.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

From August to October 2024, I held an exhibition at the Kyoto ddd gallery, a permanent museum operated by Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., in Kyoto, Japan. I would like to hold another exhibition in 2025.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

I believe my design style is minimalist and distinctly Japanese. I find beauty in "wabi-sabi," and I strive to reflect this in my designs.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I live near Miyajima in Hiroshima, Japan. Hiroshima is known as a city of peace, and since I have opportunities to design peace posters annually, I believe this influences my work. The atmosphere of Hiroshima, rooted in tranquility and a sense of prayer, reflects in my designs, emphasizing space and subtlety. This sense of calm and the importance of "ma" (the space between) is a characteristic of Japanese aesthetics that I incorporate into my work. On the other hand, such designs can sometimes appear understated or plain from a global perspective. However, I am deeply drawn to the beauty that exists within silence and subtlety.

How do you work with companies?

Most of my clients are Japanese companies, so I mainly hold in-person meetings, email, or video conferences. Recently, I have started receiving requests from overseas. As emotions are difficult to convey through video conferences, I focus on detailed email communication, using AI translation tools to ensure the emotional aspects are also well expressed.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

I believe the quality of a designer's existing work intuitively shows their capabilities. However, during actual interactions, deep engagement is necessary, as quick face-to-face conversations may not be sufficient to fully explore the potential.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

I start by gathering information from meetings. From this, I set shared goals and propose designs to achieve them. Through ongoing discussions, I finalize the details and complete the final design.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

A pen by Pininfarina A paper knife by DANESE MILANO A MONOLITH wristwatch designed by architect Katsufumi Kubota An Audi TT A Stormtrooper helmet

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

Some designs take three days, while others can take up to a year.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

I enjoy building signage planning. From creating logos to conducting on-site research, I can oversee the entire communication design process.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

I would like to increase overseas work. However, since I can only speak Japanese, I am exploring new methods of communication.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

Depending on the situation, I work both independently and as part of a team.

How can people contact you?

Email communication is best (because it allows me to convey nuances in detail).