Yokohama University of Art and Design
Visual Communication Design Course
Professor Yoshiko Reissner
Q. What genre of classes do you teach?
A. I teach general graphic design, including logos, advertising, and branding.
Q. The moment when the font's sensitivity was turned on
A. When I was in art school, I took a Japanese lettering class, and by actually writing letters by hand, I realized how carefully they were made.
When I joined the company as a new graduate, it was a transitional period between phototypesetting and digital fonts, and I was able to experience the gap between the two. At the time, we ordered the text from a typesetter and left it to the specialists. I think being scolded by the typesetter was also a form of education.
It's tough these days because you have to learn everything on your own.
Q. What is your favorite Morisawa font and why?
A. At the foreign manufacturer where I previously worked, it was decided that we would use Gothic fonts for branding purposes. If we used Mincho fonts, it would have seemed too Japanese.
The type of syllables I used most often were the "midadego" type.
I think it is a versatile typeface that can be used for both formal and casual writing.
I still find myself using it when I create things.
Q. What do you think of the students at this school?
A. I think there are many ways to interact with text, such as reading your favorite books or interacting daily on social media.
I would like you to become skilled at using "text" and "visuals" effectively in still images such as graphic design and videos such as animation.
Q. The moment the switch turns "OFF"
A. I wonder? Is there a moment when it is completely turned off?
When I look at hanging advertisements, I am concerned about the margins and justification.
It's an occupational hazard, but I guess that's how much I love it (laughs).
Q. What would you like to challenge yourself with in the future? What are you interested in?
A. I would like to increase the number of lessons on letter design. In particular, the Visual Communication Design course requires students to be able to use letters effectively.
I would like you to observe the characters and develop your own character designs.
