We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Shinji Arashigawa ("SA").
Born in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1974, he established Storm Graphics in 2005. Active in Japan and overseas. His work focuses on branding, planning, and production. Try to create minimalistic designs in Japanese style. Major clients include Mitsubishi Corporation, Kihara Works, Goda Industries, Daito Baseball, and Dainichido. He is currently the secretary of the Hiroshima district of the Japan Graphic Designers Association, and the chairman of the Yamaguchi Prefectural Design General Incorporated Association, a judge for the Setouchi Design Grand Prix.
Shinji Arashigawa Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Shinji Arashigawa.
Shinji Arashigawa Design - Kahisu Japanese Vinegar Drink Packaging
Shinji Arashigawa Design - Hiroshima Terrace Corporate Identity
Designer Interview of Shinji Arashigawa:
DI: 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?
SA : 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.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SA : 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.
DI: What is "design" for you?
SA : A means to move the heart.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SA : I enjoy creating logos and posters.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SA : 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.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SA : A liquor package.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SA : Since I used to work in packaging, I am drawn to materials like paper and glass.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
SA : 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.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SA : The emotions felt by the target audience when they see the design.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SA : I imagine pouring positive energy into the design.
DI: What makes a design successful?
SA : The ability to move the hearts of the target audience.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SA : To communicate.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SA : 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.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
SA : 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.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SA : Contemporary art. Architecture. Cars.
DI: 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?
SA : 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.
DI: 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?
SA : 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.
DI: How do you work with companies?
SA : 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.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
SA : 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.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SA : 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.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SA : A pen by Pininfarina A paper knife by DANESE MILANO A MONOLITH wristwatch designed by architect Katsufumi Kubota An Audi TT A Stormtrooper helmet
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
SA : I think about design all day long.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SA : Surround yourself with designers who are more skilled than you.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
SA : Whether good or bad, choose based on beauty.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SA : Negative space.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
SA : Sensibility.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SA : Apple Macintosh Illustrator and Photoshop ChatGPT
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SA : I wait patiently until inspiration strikes.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
SA : Some designs take three days, while others can take up to a year.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SA : How do you come up with ideas?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
SA : Building signage planning.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
SA : From small to global companies.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SA : I enjoy building signage planning. From creating logos to conducting on-site research, I can oversee the entire communication design process.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SA : I would like to increase overseas work. However, since I can only speak Japanese, I am exploring new methods of communication.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SA : Depending on the situation, I work both independently and as part of a team.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
SA : Due to confidentiality, I cannot discuss ongoing projects.
DI: How can people contact you?
SA : Email communication is best (because it allows me to convey nuances in detail).
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
SA : My hobby is driving cars, and I occasionally go to the circuit.