Ikko Tanaka was a Japanese graphic designer. Tanaka is widely recognized for his prolific body of interdisciplinary work, which includes graphic identity and visual matter for brands and corporations including Seibu Department Stores, Mazda, Issey Miyake, Hanae Mori, and Expo 85. He is credited with developing the foundational graphic identity for lifestyle brand Muji, emphasizing the “no brand” quality of their products through unadorned, charming line drawings paired with straightforward slogans. His use of bold, polychromatic geometries and his harnessing of the dynamic visual potential of typography are undergirded by a sensitivity towards traditional Japanese aesthetics. Though keenly sensitive to historical precedents and established conventions, Tanaka nevertheless maintained a degree of playfulness in his work, manipulating color, scale, and form to reconfigure familiar iconographies into fresh and accessible visual representations. Tanaka is also widely recognized for his posters designs for Noh productions and other performances and exhibitions staged in Japan and beyond. He was active in realms of typography, exhibition design, and book design as well, and his publication Japan Style was released in 1980 alongside the Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition of the same name. As a leading figure in postwar Japanese design, Tanaka is also credited with playing a role in the professionalization and expansion of the discipline.
Authors
Tanaka Ikko
田中一光
다른 사람들
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She studied Western painting at Seoul National University College of Fine Arts and its graduate school. She received a master’s degree in interior design from Drexel University in the United States and a doctorate in architectural planning from Kyungpook National University’s Graduate School of Engineering. She is currently a professor at Inje University’s Department of Design.
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Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Established in 2017, the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism explores the diverse challenges arising from rapid urban growth through the lens of architecture and urbanism. With a focus on Seoul and other global cities, the Biennale seeks to address pressing urban issues and propose innovative solutions. The Biennale features Thematic Exhibitions centered on a specific theme, Guest Cities Exhibition showcasing pioneering public projects from around the globe, and On-site Projects that … -
Shin Myung-ho
Researches the history of visual expression and representational theory, with a focus on picture books, and teaches Studies of Culture and Representation at Musashino Art University in Japan. Engages in various activities such as exhibition planning and translation, striving to raise awareness of the role and impact of picture books in society. -
Go Hae-won
She graduated from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, Korea, where she studied composition and the Master of Music program. Since then, she has worked as a composition instructor at the Conservatory of Music and Incheon Yeongo, and currently teaches students preparing for music college entrance exams at Suryeon Music Academy. She dreams of a harmonious life like an orchestra and continues her journey with music through her composing and arranging activities. -
Jeong Min-ju
After studying Industrial Design and International Business at Carnegie Mellon University, she worked as a product designer, participating in projects for medical devices and various consumer electronics. She later earned a master’s degree in Design and Branding Strategy from Brunel University. Recently, her focus has shifted to research on platform strategy and service design. -
배재혁
서울대학교 디자인학과 조교수로, 미디어 아트 그룹 팀보이드(team VOID)로 활동한다. 콘텐츠 제작 회사 매드제너레이터를 창립해 SK, 두산, 젠틀몬스터 등의 기업과 활발히 협업했고, 아르스 일렉스트로니카, 스코피톤, 일렉트라 등 다수의 해외 미디어 아트 전시에 참여했다. 서울대학교 전기공학부에서 공부했으며, 동 대학 기계항공공학부 뉴미디어랩에서 석사 학위를, 로스엔젤레스 캘리포니아대학교에서 디자인 미디어 아트 전공으로 미술 석사 학위(MFA)를 취득했다. 디자이너가 시대의 흐름을 이해하게 하는 근거이자 메시지를 담아낼 수 있는 중요한 매체로서 기술을 바라보며, 이를 시스템적 관점에서 창작과 연구로 확장하고자 한다. -
Kim So-jeong
She studied visual design in South Korea and worked in design education and magazine design. After studying illustration in the UK, she now lives in the seaside town of Bournemouth, where she works as a designer and illustrator. -
Kang Sung-joong
After graduating from Hanyang University with a degree in precision mechanical engineering, he worked as an engineer at Ssangyong Engineering before graduating from Seoul National University with a degree in industrial design. He then completed a master’s degree in industrial design at Seoul National University, a master’s degree in interaction design at Carnegie Mellon University, and a doctorate in design at Seoul National University. He has trained designers at Hanyang University … -
Lu Jingren
Prof. Lu Jingren is a book designer and illustrator. During the 1990s, he studied under Prof. Kohei Sugiura (杉浦康平) in Japan. In 1998 he established the Jingren Art Design Studio. He was senior art editor of the China Youth Publishing House. He is now a professor of the Academy of Arts and Design of Tsinghua University and a member of Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI). Prof. Lu has received many book design awards at home and overseas, including the World’s Most Beautiful Book award … -
Moon Ju-hwa
Film critic. Debuted through the 2024 Cine21 Film Criticism Award and began working as a critic. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Art, Culture, and Film Studies at Pusan National University, conducting research on the representation of history in contemporary cinema. Has worked with institutions such as the Art Sonje Center, Gwangju Biennale, Busan Biennale, and Busan International Film Festival, participating in numerous exhibitions and projects. -
Korean Society of Typography
The Korean Society of Typography (hereafter KST) is an academic organization in South Korea, started in 2009. The KST supports many design activities to diversify the visual communication field. Some of which include the journal LetterSeed , academic conferences, annual exhibitions as well special committees on Korean typography, typographic terminology, digital typography education, international typography biennale, and a diverse range of research. -
Kim Sun-nyeo
Pen name Kim Sia. Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris-III is a PhD candidate in French Modern Literature under the supervision of Prof. Serge Martin. She is also a writer on picture book criticism and European special education.