Japanese Calligraphy for Graphic Design
The Art of Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase

We worked not only on the design but also on the word selection - One needs a translation that is correct and appealing, but it must also communicate visually. We were able to work with Volt to come up with just the right combination of elements.

Many credit Arla Foods for successfully creating a product brand with Japanese Calligraphy in Japan. And this was certainly no mean feat.

With the popularity of Japanese Calligraphy and kanji, advertising agencies are finding the need to work closely with artists on designs that will have an international appeal.

When one is looking at today's truly international marketplace, having an experienced calligrapher with a proven track record and products already in the marketplace is a must.

Mr. Stowe had the kanji to use from corporate but wanted an artistic rather than computer generated font. He knew he wanted a semi-cursive font and so Ms. Takase was able to quickly create a set of poignant options. The original design set that Ms. Takase came up with is as follows:

Mr. Stowe liked the thick brush strokes of design (5) and wanted to see other variation using this line weight. From this feedback a second design set was created:

The choice was obvious and from sample (7) the final designs were created that were used in the campaign. From initial design to approval took two days.

Eri Takase's Designs as a Product
3Dmolds, Inc.

"We will also be incorporating the calligraphy into other exciting products as well, including candle molds, and chocolate/candy molds."

John Carter, 3Dmolds.com

Eri Takase has collaborated on several designs for the fashion industry. The work that stands out in her mind as being exceptional was that done with Ralph Rucci using the kanji for  "chado" or "Tea Ceremony."

"Truly in the hands of a talented designer calligraphy can become magic. Designers that I have worked have time and again shown this to be the case, but in my mind there is no finer example than the marvelous work of Fashion Designer Ralph Rucci." Eri Takase

Between Two Souls: Conversations With Ryokan by Mary Lou Kownacki
Cover Art by Kevin van der Leek, Calligraphy by Eri Takase

In 2004, Takase Studios was approached by Kevin van der Leek, Graphic Designer and owner of  Kevin van der Leek Design Inc, to create custom calligraphy to complement the poems in Mary Lou Kownacki's Between Two Souls: Conversations With Ryokan which was being published by Sandra de Groot of Eerdmans Publishing Company

Takase Studios was tasked to read through the manuscript and prepare a series of designs that would complement the poems in the manuscript. A list was created along with Mr. van der Leek and from this a series of designs. This was later pared down to the final ten designs that were used in the book.

From initial contact to the delivery of the final designs to the publisher's desk took ten days.

"Thank you, once again, for all your lovely work on Between Two Souls. It is doing very well and many comment on the beauty of the calligraphy." Sandra de Groot, Eerdmans Publishing Company

kokoro - heart (soul)

"This book is a magical exchange of poems between the ninth century Zen monk Ryokan and the twenty-first century Benedictine monk Mary Lou Kownacki.

After reading Sister Kownacki's book I understood that I could not identify with Ryokan's poetry because I did not comprehend the depth of compassion behind his words. Sister Kownacki led me to this understanding and to that place where when deeds are from compassion then words become poetry."

Master Japanese Calligrapher, Eri Takase

  Eri Takase's Designs in Book Illustrations
Meditations With Tea

Meditations With Tea: Paths to Inner Peace
by Diane Rosen
calligraphy by Eri Takase

For these designs we had the pleasure of working directly with the Author on the designs. We originally created seven designs, five of which were selected to use in the book. From initial contact to the work being mailed to the book designer Anne Ricigiano took four days.

In the above design we used a design for chawan meaning tea bowl or vessel. Ms. Rosen initially presented us with a short list of words she wanted. We offered several options for the translations and based on her feedback were able to narrow down the list of words and focus on the font.

  Eri Takase's Designs in Book Illustrations
Touhkondo: "The Way of the Fighting Spirit"

In 2010 Takase Studios was approached directly by author Deon L de Jongh for the cover calligraphy of his new book Touhkondo: "The Way of the Fighting Spirit"

Mr. de Jongh was on a tight deadline. We had the first set of samples to him two days after first contact and the final designs at the publishers office a few days later - all well ahead of schedule.

Eri Takase's Designs in Magazine Illustrations
Foundation Magazine

Worked with Mr. Shane Hoffman, Managing Editor/Art Director of Foundation Magazine on seven illustrations for an article by H. Paul Brehm that recounted the reunion of the battle resulting in the sinking of the Battleship-Carrier Hyuga in July, 1945.

For this job, Mr. Hoffman sent us copies of both the article and the magazine. With this and with Mr. Hoffman's suggestions we created a list of words and phrases that blended with the narrative. We then worked with Mr. Hoffman on the font and size to come up with the final designs.

Because Takase Studios uses a native English speaking translator communication is seamless and effective.

Eri Takase's Designs in Magazine Illustrations
Bonsai Today

In 2004 we worked directly with Bonsaist and author Michael Persiano on a name for a special bonsai. Mr. Persiano wanted the calligraphy to capture the permanence and majesty of this fine specimen.

Eri Takase's Designs on CD Covers

Eri Takase's design for "Love (ai)" is featured on the CD cover of Jazz artist Tim Tamashiro.

Jazz artist Reed Kotler's Tomo CD subtly introduces the kanji for "tomo" which means "friends."

"Ten Celebrated artists, designers and academics were invited to create an image based on their favourite words/phrase."

"I selected these words to show that Japanese Calligraphy can express the coolness of a breeze, the caring of a mother, and the passion of love. As obtuse as an abstract work or as delicately detailed as an artists' brush could ever portray - Japanese Calligraphy brings to words a range of expression where words are the art." Eri Takase

The logo uses the Japanese Calligraphy of Eri Takase and consists of the Kanji for "Tanuki" using the Sousho Script inside of the Ensou (Circle).

Working with Ms. Ford we created a design that fits her business. If you would like to see the process that lead to this design visit Logo Design Process

Visit Logo Design to order your own calligraphic design or write to Eri@Takase.com for more information.

This design is by graphic designer Kent Mummert of Clinton, MS for the Metro Open Karate Championship.

This work uses Eri Takase's calligraphy in the semi-cursive font. The three categories listed in black from left to right are "Kata", "Kumite", and "Kobudo".