All sorts of things in our lives need graphic designers, from the biggest corporate names looking to represent themselves through a logo, game creators looking to set the setting with a background or an individual’s personal blog. Graphic design is prominent in Japan, and you can be a part.
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An Introduction to Graphic Design
Its Impact and Relevance to the Modern World
Graphic design conveys message and concepts in a visual way. Its impact is seen in modern advertising websites, gaming applications, and printed materials. As a marketing tool, it has proved itself effective to induce interest among audiences. The use of different elements such as line, color, shape, and texture to create a visual representation stirs an emotional connection to its prospects. Companies can take advantage of increasing their brand awareness and strengthening their identity in the competitive business environment through graphic design.
Involvement of Graphic Design in Movies, Games and 3D models
Not only in the printed and digital space has graphic design been established. Moviemakers with the goal of bringing more life and aesthetic to their stories use graphic designs. Aside from posters and title logos, props and set designs have been augmented. This way, actors and audiences fully embrace the story being told. On period stories, graphic designers put a sharp attention on details of replicating old styles. As for futuristic, fictional stories, designers come up with experimental concepts to create a new world in the mind of the viewers.
Modern games and 3D modelling greatly collaborate with graphic design too. Graphics designers have much to say about the images and text that are used in the game. Most importantly, they are responsible for “visual branding” or creating visual impact among gamers. On the other side, 3D modelling is creating 3-dimensional images through a software program for games, architecture, engineering, and science. With infused skills in computer programming and text scripting, these objects come to life and serve its purpose in differing fields.
Graphic Design in our Everyday Lives
It is no surprise how products of graphic design are now everywhere. These are used to communicate a message in billboards, set guidelines in streets through signs, and even cultivate knowledge in textbooks. Its influence is easy to spot on logos of food, clothing, electronics, and industrial businesses. Strong visual effects on television commercials, online advertising, and pop-ups are even works of graphic design.
Writer's Pick
A Closer Look into Japan’s Design Industry
Japan’s Take on Graphic Design
There’s a wide dynamic in Japan’s graphic design. One could easily sense that it is a Japanese work when it’s filled with bold colors, brush strokes, and custom typographies. And who would not recognize floral patterns (especially cherry blossoms) and adorable cartoon characters in their designs? They’re oozing with cuteness and very popular among Japanese design enthusiasts. Their playful side goes on in their use of mixed languages, complex gradients, and multiple layers.
However, despite being naturally diverse, Japan also has another facet that lies in minimalism and simple forms. Minimalism was their original concept even before it became trendy in web design. Simple use of white or negative space, lines, and basic shapes make it a classic concept that is well-received all around the world.
Wide Pool of Career Opportunities in Japan
A lot of doors for graphic design as a career are opening in Japan. Internships, part-time and full-time positions are prominent not only for Japanese people but even for international talents. Since graphic design is highly in-demand, aspirants have absolute opportunities that could lay the foundation of their careers. Visual and motion designers, web-application artists, logo and brand illustrators, and creative animators are just a few of the many high-paying and sought-after positions. One thing to look forward to when working in Japan is its high standards and meticulousness at work. Employees take extensive training that guarantee excellent user experience in their outputs.
Established Graphic Design Companies in Japan
The promising career opportunities in Japan might get you wondering which companies are currently on the lookout for new talents. Well, here is a brief list if you want to consider joining them.
1. Four Digit
Four Digit is a leading design company for websites, EC sites, applications, and IoT-linked products. Its humble beginnings started way back in 2001 until it has established its name in web and communication services. “Hermes Creative Award” and “German Design Award” are just some of its huge recognitions. Today, approximately 200 team members are working under its local branches in Japan and an international branch in Bangkok.
2. Bento Graphics
This Tokyo-based studio has been providing high-quality designs to help companies create their brand identity since 2006. Its services encompass creative direction, UI/UX Design, planning and information architecture, multilingual website development, copywriting and translation, and animation. They continue to grow and are glad to share opportunities with interested professionals within the above-mentioned fields.
3. ImageMILL
This branding agency is an award-winning group for film and photography, brand-image, and sustainability. They partner with companies in tailoring stories that inspire environmental care and social responsibility. The agency which has grown immensely invites more people to join their cause of creating a better world through design and films.
The above list of companies are just some of the many top branding design establishments in Japan. There are a lot of options like the interactive media company Form Process, SkyIdea Inc, and others that offer a wide range of fields including digital and product design, and other branding business development.
What does it take to be a graphic designer in Japan?
Creative Skills
Employers look for applicants with undeniable creative minds and hands. You must have boundless imagination but also the adequate ability to execute your creative ideas. Developing a distinct style, careful attention to detail, and being articulate on your work are strong points to elevate your eligibility. Be prepared as most companies would also request for a portfolio just like a website or PDF that strongly shows your artistic skills.
Knowledge in use of Graphic Software
The know-how and skills in the use of graphic design software are vital in turning your visions into actual designs. You must navigate these knowledgeably to assimilate, edit and polish your output. Types of software would highly depend on what specific aspect of graphic design you will be assigned to do. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, and Inkscape are mainly used for graphic editing. For web design, there are these applications: the HyperText Markup Language or HTML, Cascading Style Sheets or CSS, and Javascript. For 3D modeling, software such as Sketchup, Sculptris, 3Ds Max, and Cinema 4D are used. The list goes on as there are more and still developing software being created for graphic design.
Language and Degree/ Experience Requirements
Communication is very important. The success of executing action steps lies heavily in the proper communication of details and clarity of tasks. That is why foreign applicants are often expected to converse in business-level Japanese and conversational-level English.
Holding a related degree is always an edge when applying for jobs. However, employers seek a lot more than a finished degree. Japanese businesses opt for experienced professionals in the field, especially if these are for huge projects.
Summary
Japan’s design industry is flourishing, making it a hub for business and creative career opportunities. Its success was deeply rooted in its diverse take on visual designs and classic concepts of minimalism. Their businesses capitalize on visual and motion arts for marketing brands. Now, they are vying to look for talents all around the world that would partner with them in this rapidly thriving industry.
