Nininbaori: a creative agency based in Hiroshima
Nininbaori is a creative agency in Hiroshima where I was a Graphic Designer from 2013 to 2018. And it was after these 6 rewarding years that I took off to become a freelancer.
When Katsuyoshi Kunimasa and his partner, Norimitsu Maki, hired me, I was the very first employee. I was also the only foreigner until 2018.
One of the first projects they gave me was the design of the agency’s logo, stationery and website.
The creative agency’s visual identity
They wanted a modern and unusual visual identity. Something that would surprise them.
The director, Katsuyoshi Kunimasa, also told me he loved pink.
That’s how I came up with the idea of using fluorescent colours and a slightly slanted logo to express the quirky side of the agency.
The business cards
People exchange a lot of business cards in Japan, but they are often very simple and austere. In fact, it is not uncommon to print them on very thin paper with a simple office printer.
But they wanted cards that would make a statement and that people would want to keep.
We printed them on very thick stock, using PANTONE fluorescent inks. The logo and text are hot-stamped with white ink.
And indeed, these cards have never left anyone indifferent! We have often been told that they dazzle!
The envelopes
As with the cards, they wanted envelopes that were neat and noticeable.
I imitated the airmail stripe pattern but adapted it to the studio’s visual identity.
We printed the inner part in pink.
The stamps
I designed 4 stamps: one monogrammed with the “n” of Nininbaori, one for invoices, one for receipts and one for quotes.
The website
WordPress website created for Nininbaori.
Project featured in a graphic design book
This project is featured in PRINTING FINISHES Push Your Designs From Good to Great (by SANDU Publishing).
Portfolio photos: Akira Nagatsuka & Judith Cotelle
