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MIYAZAKI & TAKAHATA
project type
Book Design
A book cover for Penguin Books concept for the class Graphic Design II at San Diego State University
DATE
Fall 2023
BRIEF
The Penguin Book ‘Famous Couples’ series is a conceptual project that concentrates on a famous duo within history. The design focuses on story-telling through illustrations, creative research, typography, and composition.
This project had restrictions in order to craft abstract visuals to communicate their relationship in an impactful way. The subject focuses on the complex relationship between the creators of the animation company Studio Ghibli—Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata.
RESEARCH
I researched Miyazaki’s and Takahata’s early films during the time in their relationship where they were starting to achieve critical acclaim. The two films premiered as a double feature together: My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies. These became known as their formative masterpieces.
Objects/animals that were symbolic in their films were acorns, a Japanese candy tin can, and firelfies. These would be immediately recognizeable to fans of their films, reflective of traditional Japanese culture, and connected to their shared appreciation for nature.
SKETCHES
Brotherly
rivals
partners
critical
antithesis
During the ideation process, I created ten adjectives that described each person and ten adjectives that described their relationship. Both survived and were highly influenced by WWII (airstrikes). They had a combative (yet brotherly) friendship, so I incorporated the falling acorns while maintaining the playful nature of Studio Ghibli to reference those facts.
The tin contrasts with the natural objects of the acorns/nuts/fireflies, which also refers to their highly contrasting relationship. As the filmmakers are similar as people and in morals, the objects serve as the relationship dynamic itself instead of individuals.
FRUSTRATION
LONG-TERM
MENTOR/MENTEE
COMPETITIVE
CHEEKY
THE DESIGN
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