Image by Ikko Tanaka

IKKO TANAKA, born in 1930 in Japan, is a Japanese graphic and brand designer.  Ikko Tanaka graduated from the Kyoto City University of Art in 1950, with a degree in Ancient Japanese Art.  His first professional career started in textile.  Two years later, in 1952, he resigned and began seeking opportunities as a graphic designer.  He was hired by the Sankei Shimbum Department of Graphic Design, Japan, 1952, where he was assigned to clerical jobs.  He also worked on side jobs that were more aligned with him as a designer.  It was these side jobs that helped him develop is talent and gave him exposure.  Eventually he was promoted to the Sankei Shimbum Department of Graphic Design as a designer.  In 1963, Ikko Tanaka, established his own design firm, called the IKKO TANAKA DESIGN OFFICE.

Image by Ikko Tanaka

IKKO TANAKA artistic style is mostly geometric.  However, within the geometry of his shapes, he is likely to introduce organic elements. His use of color and value is mostly flat and saturated.  He abstracts and reconstructs.  Contrast is used fearlessly to emphasize changes in texture and space. In Ikko Tanaka work movement is a beautiful slow motion. It just so happens that my spirit is very inspired by the work of Ikko Tanaka.  I am certain that his style and his approach to design will influence my own work going forward.

Poem by Marcia A Jackson

Image by Marcia A Jackson

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