Art Director/Designer Ryo Ueda (31)

- Was it destiny? A path that led to design

Ueda was born in Kamamoto of Shigarakiyaki in Shiga Prefecture.
When he started looking at colleges, he debated whether or not to go to art school. Yet, his urge to become independent and his admiration for foreign cultures led him to majoring in intercultural studies at a Hokkaido university. During his studies, he visited Sweden twice, enjoying a rich life style and absorbing unique designs.

When the time to look for a job had come, Ueda thought about what his abilities were. He concluded that he should pursue a path in design, which he had always been interested in, so he enrolled in a specialty school.
"I thought I was getting a late start, so I told my self I would really have to try hard. While attending school, I formed a unit with some friends and created flyers for events, and I always carried my portfolio with me."
After graduating, he began working for a design company in the city. He was already on the path of a professional designer.

- Two years of treading, and independence

"The company I worked for offered direct contact with clients. I spoke with shop owners, created logos, and learned a lot about being a member of society."
After two and half years of work, he decided to become independent.
"I didn't have the confidence to make it alone, but some designers and friends in the business helped me succeed."

The fact that he continued the unit from school, and that he carries his portfolio with him wherever he goes helped him make connections. It was these connections that allowed Ueda to continue his work after he became independent.

Ueda looks at his work from his company worker days. It was two and a half solid years of designing.

- A thing for "Seeing their smiling faces"

Ueda named his design office the "Commune". The word commune means a close-knit community of people, as well as to converse together or interchange thoughts and feelings. A perfect concept for Ueda, someone who proactively communicates with. One of Commune's main jobs is to design the season pass for the local soccer team, Consadole Sapporo.
Many fans look forward to purchasing their ticket every year.

The design for Consadole Sapporo 2009

Posters and flyers for "The Legend of Kungfu" become one of Ueda's memorable creations.
In a competition against 4 other companies, Ueda's idea was picked as the best. His design was featured on the posters and flyers of this kungfu musical.

　
Flyers for "The Legend of Kungfu"

Ueda also took on the visual identity for "Chicken Pecker", a Sapporo chicken restraunt.

- Loyalty to the job brings loyal customers

"Even if it isn't a big job, I like to talk closely with the client to create their design and brand," says Ueda.
"For example, if a client asks me to design a poster, I first determine if making a poster is in fact the best thing for that client at that time. They may benefit more from a web site, or maybe they shouldn't be designing yet. It's my job to determine this, and I hope I can do it quicker and quicker as I gain experience."

This loyalty must be what keeps clients coming back to Ueda.

Small trinkets decorate Ueda's space.

- Four goals in sight

My final question, "What are your future goals?" was met with a quick answer.
"I have four!" said Ueda.
"The first is to revitalize some of the industries of Shigarakiyaki in a new way. The second is to become involved in the agricultural field. The third is "products." Things tend to have a power that graphics alone do not have. I'd like to branch out and create more products. Finally, I'd like to do something interesting with the ties I have with Sweden. Using what I've learned, I'd like to continue the search for new possibilities."

Ueda has taken his loyal attitude directly to his clients.
Of the four goals, which will be the first to be reached?
It is exciting to see what happens next for Ueda.

Commune still has only a few members. But who knows what sort of commune it will be in a few years?

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Art Director/Designer Ryo Ueda(COMMUNE)
WEB SITE　http://www.commune-inc.jp/

Article: Eiichi Sato
Translation: David Neptune