I am a graphic designer by training and experience. I worked in Saga and Fukuoka until about 1994, when I went to Canada. At first, in Canada, I went to college and language school. Then, later on, I worked at a design business with Chris Ryal. We came back to Japan in 2000.

While I was away from Japan, my former kind of work situation changed a lot. Manual work almost completely changed to digital work, especially, changed to web design. I learned some computer software for graphic design in Vancouver, however, to tell the truth, maybe I don’t like computer work much. Now I concentrate on watercolour painting, and manual illustration.

Employment History

2000-

Nishigawa Kobo
Fukuoka (Japan)

Illustration and design

Partial client list:

Mind Art Studio, Fukuoka
(product concept illustration, product design)

FIT Design Ltd., Hong Kong
(product design)

Imoto Sekkei Jimusho , Fukuoka
(shop design concept illustration,
presentation design, logo design)

1998-1999

Higashigawa Kobo
Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)

Partner / Co-owner (with Chris Ryal)
Publication design and layout;
illustration; fabric and clothing design

Partial client list:

Vancouver Opera
Arch Way Publications / Playboard magazine
Spiral Enterprises / Modern Club Restaurant
Private individuals

1995-1997

Education and study break
Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)

English language
Computer assisted design and illustration
Weaving and fabric arts

1987-1994

Mind Art Studio
Fukuoka (Japan)

Product designer; graphic designer

Planning and design for the manufacture and wholesale of original goods: stationery, kitchen ware, housewares, fabric ware.

Design and production co-ordination for print material: direct mail, pamphlets, business cards, presentations.

1985-1986

Sagashiki Printing Co.
Saga (Japan)

Prepress worker
Production for packaging.

1982-1985

Fukuoka Shop Design Institute
Fukuoka (Japan)

Drafting assistant
Assisted in drafting work for shop interior design.

1981-1982

Design Studio ‘Joint’
Fukuoka (Japan)

Assistant illustrator
Created and illustrated story boards.

Education

1996

Photoshop and QuarkXPress
intensive courses

Vancouver Community College,
City Centre Campus
Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)

1996

Computer assisted publishing
and graphic design,
diploma program

Burnaby College
Burnaby, British Columbia (Canada)

1995

English as a Second Language program

Vancouver Community College,
King Edward Campus
Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)

1979-1981

Graphic design program

Kyushu Zokei Art College
Fukuoka (Japan)

Date posted: 2003-09-15