Nihon University College of Art, Department of Design
Marina Kuramata
Natsumi Asai

Q. What kind of creative activities do you do?

Kuramata (left in photo)

I am a member of the Graphic Design Course in the Department of Design."Pit."But we are still active.

Asai-san (right in the photo)

I am also studying graphic design and am mainly creating posters and other graphic works. I am also a member of "Pit."

Q. The moment when the font's sensitivity was turned on

Kuramata-san

It started when I entered university. Even so, I wasn't really conscious of it in my first year. When a teacher pointed out the typeface I was choosing for an assignment, he said, "Look at the advertisements on trains," and that's when I started to pay attention to it. Now, when I ride the train, I find myself paying attention to things like that. However, I still have a long way to go, so I want to work hard to improve my skills to the next level.

Asai-san

I learned calligraphy from the first grade of elementary school until the second grade of high school, so I've always loved letters. Since I started studying design at this school, I find myself wondering things like, "Why aren't these fonts consistent here and there?!" (laughs) Even in my creative work, I'm always trying to find the font that best suits the image of my work.

Kuramata-san

I think calligraphy has something to do with it, but the design is also great at using space, and I always think it's beautiful!

Q. What is your favorite Morisawa font and why?

Kuramata-san

."Suzumuri" First of all, the name is cute.
There are some brush-like elements, but the overall worldview is pop and the plump shapes are cute. It feels like it was made with great care.

Asai-san

I"tunnel" The reason is that it's round and cute. But you can really feel the structure of the letters, and it feels like it has a core. It also has a three-dimensional feel, so I'd definitely like to use it in a design!

Q. What do you think of the teachers at this school?

Kuramata-san

The teachers in my department have strong personalities (lol). I always find them interesting and funny.

Both the teacher and the assistant are always available to give kind advice whenever we have a question, regardless of the time. I sometimes worry whether they are getting enough rest. We love our teachers because they are always watching out for the hard-working students!

Asai-san

The conversations were always interesting and informative. They taught us interesting things about design that we didn't know about, and I hope to cherish this connection forever.

Q. The moment the switch turns "OFF"

Kuramata-san

Eating, watching my funny friends, and loving my cat Chocolat.

Asai-san

When I'm eating delicious food! That's the only option! (laughs)

Q. What would you like to challenge yourself with in the future? What are you interested in?

Kuramata-san

Summer vacation 2017, Korean competition YOUNG STARSI took on the challenge (Asai was one of the members). In this place where students from various countries gather, we had to create a piece based on a given theme. I was overwhelmed by the high level of skill and overwhelming power of motivation of the foreign students. I was very frustrated, including the fact that I couldn't communicate smoothly in English.

However, I'm glad I was able to realize this while I was still in my second year. I'd like to work hard to improve my design and language skills!

Asai-san

During the summer vacation of 2017, Kuramata-san was a member of the "K (Professor Kasai's) Project."ANBD2017We also worked on this project and held a group exhibition (see photo below). We would like to continue to take on these kinds of opportunities in the future.

I also want to focus on original character merchandise for "Pit." I'll do my best!