Interview with Shinji Arashigawa

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.

A means to move the heart.

I enjoy creating logos and posters.

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.

A liquor package.

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

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.

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

I imagine pouring positive energy into the design.

The ability to move the hearts of the target audience.

To communicate.

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.

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.

Contemporary art. Architecture. Cars.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

I think about design all day long.

Surround yourself with designers who are more skilled than you.

Whether good or bad, choose based on beauty.

Negative space.

Sensibility.

Apple Macintosh
Illustrator and Photoshop
ChatGPT

I wait patiently until inspiration strikes.

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

How do you come up with ideas?

Building signage planning.

From small to global companies.

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

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

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

Due to confidentiality, I cannot discuss ongoing projects.

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

My hobby is driving cars, and I occasionally go to the circuit.