Naoki Saito's YouTube Collaboration Project "Font x Illustration Contest" Results Announced

Event Overview

Naoki Saito's YouTube collaboration project, "Add text to update your illustrations! Font x Illustration Contest - Try using Morisawa fonts on illustrations you've already drawn!", called for submissions of illustrations that combined Morisawa fonts from Saturday, February 8, 2025 to Friday, February 28, 2025.

Thank you to everyone who submitted wonderful works. By following the tips from Saito Naoki's YouTube video on how to bring out the best in an illustration, you were able to create a beautiful illustration that is even more beautiful and cool when combined with the text. The entire organizing team was deeply moved by the work.

We hope you will continue to use fonts as a way to showcase your work.

Application Guidelines

Overall review of the contest

Professor Naoki Saito

This time, the project was to add fonts to drawings that had been created in the past, but through everyone's work we were able to see that even existing illustrations can take on a completely different atmosphere or be given a new purpose by adding text.
Naturally, the atmosphere of the submitted illustrations varied from piece to piece, but Morisawa's fonts were truly outstanding! They had a wide variety of fonts to match the style of various illustrations, and the fun trial and error that went into choosing which font to use was evident in each work, making it a joy to look at!

Announcement of Results

- Grand Prix -

Katkichi-san

Originally, it was an illustration of everyday life in a self-created creative world, but I tried to make it look like a "fictional regional PR poster." As a single image, I felt that the distant scenery was too detailed and distracting, and then the idea of adding text to make it look like a poster came to me. I liked the font of "Rainbow Octopus Heaven" and thought it would be interesting to combine it with the unique worldview, so I placed it large and made some adjustments. For the rest of the information, I used generic, easy-to-read fonts.

Comments by Professor Saito Naoki

It's amazing how, while using the techniques introduced in the video, you've managed to incorporate them into the atmosphere of your own illustration and the purpose of the poster.
Also, instead of just using the font as is, they transformed some parts to create an original logo, which really showed their great design skills!
Although it is a fictional poster, the inclusion of search functions and QR codes gives it the sense of authenticity that it is a real town, which is a great touch!

- Runner-up -

ginka-san

Suiryu Decoroman is a square-based font with a beautiful rhythmic feel thanks to the contrast between thick and thin lines, as well as straight and curved lines, so I was conscious of creating a screen that would make the most of this shape. First, I placed Suiryu Decoroman's "Ryuseigun" large in the center of the screen while still maintaining legibility, and created an illustration that would create an interesting relationship with the "Ryuseigun" letters. Furthermore, while the "Ryuseigun" and illustration are placed straight vertically in the center of the screen, I added the cursive Biscotti "Star Dust" diagonally to add movement.

Comments by Professor Saito Naoki

I was impressed by how they managed to take advantage of the large text placement shown in the video, while also successfully blending it with illustrations without compromising visibility.
I think the flowing lines of the girl's hair and the soft silhouette of the font create a very striking visual.
I also felt that the diagonal lines that evoke the image of a shooting star were used in the design, showing great flair!

Introducing the judges

Illustrator and YouTuber
Professor Naoki Saito

Born in Yamagata Prefecture in 1982, he graduated from the Graphic Design Department of Tama Art University in 2005. He began working as an illustrator in 2002, working on illustrations for card games and character designs for video games. He opened a YouTube account in 2019, and as a YouTuber, he is also focusing on sharing how to improve your illustration skills.

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saitonaoki2
• X (old Twitter): @_NaokiSaito

How to purchase Morisawa fonts (student plan)

STEP 1

Create a Morisawa ID and log in
If you are using Morisawa Fonts for the first time, you will need to create a Morisawa ID. Click the login button in the upper right corner of the screen and proceed to "Sign up."

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STEP 2

Procedures for proof of enrollment

From the Morisawa ID creation registration completion screenEnrollment verification screenPlease go to and register the required information. After logging in, you can access it from the Morisawa ID menu.
*Proof of employment will be verified by SheerID (USA).
*It may take several days for the procedure to be completed.
*If you meet the eligibility requirements but are unable to complete SheerID authentication,Request authentication via formPlease do so.

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STEP 3

Buy at a special price
Please make sure that the special price is available before purchasing.
Once your purchase is complete, you can use the fonts immediately.

For detailsHere

For those who are interested in fonts

Morisawa, a font manufacturer, holds events for students on an irregular basis.
Events held so far Here
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