Introduction of the work

NEXT by Pen Creator Awards

POSTERS collaborator artists Ryosuke Uehara and Yui Takada served as judges for the Poster category at the “NEXT by Pen Creator Awards.” The competition theme was “Typography using all the letters from A to Z,” challenging entrants to design posters they’d be proud to display in their own spaces. Alongside 10 other judges, they reviewed over 200 entries, ultimately selecting one Grand Prize winner and four Excellence Award recipients (two of the Excellence Awards were presented as the Uehara Award and the Takada Award).

<Grand Prize>

The poster features a typeface named "Ray," inspired by Comme des Garçons designer Rei Kawakubo. Michiki sought to infuse the typeface with Kawakubo's rebellious spirit and punk-inspired aesthetic.

<Excellence Award>

The typography integrates images of plants, inviting viewers to interpret the forms as a leaf, a tree, or even a mountain in the context of their daily lives. Asai did not reference a specific plant; instead, the design encourages a personal connection. The poster was created by scanning origami.

<Excellence Award>

This design presents a unique twist: the alphabet is rendered in three dimensions and viewed from above. An analog texture, like a subtle graze, adds tactile appeal to the piece.

<Excellence Award (Uehara Award)>

This work, titled "Communication," explores the nuances of expressing oneself through language, highlighting how words are accompanied by vocal tones and gestures. Komori admired this concept and infused it into the visuals. The font is designed in 3DCG, with added fluctuations to create the impression of a voice trembling.

<Excellence Award (Takada Award)>

Arai approached this project with the idea that a poster for a personal space could feel more like a child's carefree doodle than a traditional "cool" design, intentionally embracing an effortless look. Each hiragana and katakana character has been reinterpreted and deconstructed to achieve this effect.

One Grand Prize winner and four Excellence Award winners selected during the final judging are on special display at ACTUS Marunouchi until November 4, 2024 (Monday). We invite you to stop by and experience the display together with the sculptural furnishings that enhance the exhibition space.

ACTUS Marunouchi
Location: Shin-Marunouchi Building 3F, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Period: Now - November 4, 2024 (Monday)
www.actus-interior.com/shop/marunouchi

NEXT by Pen Creator Awards
Launched in 2017, the "Pen Creator Awards" celebrates creators who have made significant contributions throughout the year. Alongside the award, the "NEXT" project invites artwork submissions and offers workshops for young and aspiring creators. This year, the categories include Poster, Animation, Webtoon, and Vertical Short Drama.
https://www.pen-online.jp/article/017091.html