Tamagawa University
Department of Media Design, Faculty of Arts
Professor Eriko Watanabe
Q. What genre of classes do you teach?
A. Typography, general graphics such as posters, and graduation projects.
As expected, the graduation project plays a large role.
Q. The moment when the font's sensitivity was turned on
A. When I was designing the cover of a book, I reconstructed the title using elements of Gothic and Mincho fonts.
At that time, I was affiliated with Katsui Design Office. I was scolded by seniors who had a deep knowledge of letters and learned from them, which had a great influence on me. At that time, it was the era of phototypesetting, but Macintosh was introduced quite early, so I think it was a treasure to be able to spend the transition period from analog to digital there.
Q. What is your favorite Morisawa font and why?
A. I'm interested in Reimin's fork, which isn't too rigid, and his generous impression.
The fonts I use most often at work are Ryumin and Shin Go. During the phototypesetting era, I preferred Komachi, but I'd like to try using more relaxed fonts like Honami and Suzumushi.
I've also checked out Shimanami, which won the Gold Prize and Akashi Prize in the Type Design Competition. It's a lovely typeface.
Q. What do you think of the students at this school?
A. My impression is that it is a laid-back school, but I think the students are honest, cooperative, and have excellent communication skills. Also, because it is a Media Design Department in the Faculty of Arts at a comprehensive university, it is also beneficial to be able to collaborate with other faculties.
Recently, the Faculty of Agriculture, the Purchasing Department, and the Faculty of Arts worked together to develop a jam product, with students from the Faculty of Arts designing the label.
Rather than specializing in technical design know-how, we strive to provide a process-oriented education that fosters a broad range of design thinking. As a result, we have a steady stream of students finding employment in the planning departments of advertising companies.
Q. The moment the switch turns "OFF"
A. At home3When surrounded by cats (he showed me a photo of a cat with a big smile)
Q. What would you like to challenge yourself with in the future? What are you interested in?
A. Graphics,WEBIn this age of multimedia, including text and video, I feel that the use of text will become increasingly essential in the future. I would like to teach classes that will pique the students' interest.
In addition, in the Department of Media Design, I come across works from a variety of fields, and recently I have become interested in interactive works.
