Mari Hosho: Charting the Path to the Future of Graphic and Interactive Design

Voyage New York Contributor

Mari Hosho stands a beacon in the field of graphic and interactive design, where she combines creativity and technology to create stunning and user-friendly products. Her career path is a testament to her versatility and passion for design, as she has worked on various projects ranging from web design, animation, game development, and more. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of Mari Hosho, how she became a successful designer, and what impact she has made on the design industry.

A Transformative Odyssey

Mari Hosho embarked on her journey as a graphic and interactive designer through an unconventional path. As a career changer, she transitioned into the design world after a successful stint as an Information Science major and a project manager at one of Japan’s largest advertising agencies. Despite harboring an interest in creative pursuits, Mari believed that design was reserved for the naturally gifted. However, her epiphany came when she decided to apply to art schools in the United States and secured a spot at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York in 2021. This decision marked the genesis of her career as a designer.

Unearthing Inspiration

Mari’s inspiration to pursue a career in graphic and interactive design was rooted in her life as a global traveler. Having resided in five different countries, she developed a keen sense of curiosity and appreciation for the diversity of design and culture. Her journey from Japan to Vietnam, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and the United States exposed her to the myriad ways in which design is a reflection of history, culture, and aesthetics. Mari was captivated by the idea of creating designs that could tell compelling stories and convey the essence of different places and people.

Key Milestones: Coding and Design Convergence

One of the pivotal milestones in Mari’s career was her time at Parsons School of Design, where she discovered the magical intersection of coding and design. The transformative experience came under the guidance of a teacher at Parsons School of Design, a renowned designer known for her expertise in combining coding and design. This revelation not only opened Mari’s eyes to the potential of this fusion but also empowered her to leverage technology in creating unique and captivating design experiences.

Always Ahead of the Game

The ever-evolving design landscape demands designers to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Mari keeps her finger on the pulse of the industry through a multi-faceted approach. She actively participates in in-person design events such as TypeThursday in New York and across the United States. Mari also immerses herself in design newsletters, social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, and online resources like Adobe Max.

Where Creativity Meets Impact

One of the memorable projects that Mari worked on was a branding initiative for a mental healthcare company during an internship. The challenge was to transform a technology-driven and serious brand into something more organic, humane, and approachable. The outcome was not only a visual success but also a testament to the power of design in shifting brand perceptions.

Surpassing Challenges and Obstacles

Throughout her career, Mari faced challenges, particularly in translating concepts into visual designs. Her background in project management enabled her to identify communication problems and formulate solutions, but she encountered difficulties in translating these solutions into visuals. Overcoming this hurdle required extensive iterations and a constant pursuit of her unique design voice. She advises designers to focus on what makes them special and not be discouraged by the work of others.

The Creative Process: From Concept to Execution

For Mari, the creative process begins with immersive research and a deep understanding of the client or topic. She believes in firsthand experiences and interactions, whether it’s visiting a client’s store, trying out their products, reading books, or watching documentaries. This initial immersion helps her form a clear concept, which is then translated into visual sketches and designs.

Vital Instruments and Methodologies

Mari’s expertise lies in branding and interactive design, and she employs a range of software tools to bring her vision to life. She utilizes Adobe’s suite of software, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects, along with Figma for digital design. Moreover, her coding skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript allow her to blend technology seamlessly into her design projects.

Navigating Collaboration and Client Interactions

Mari’s experience as a project manager has equipped her with essential skills for collaborating with clients and teams. She acknowledges the importance of communicating the value of design to non-designers, emphasizing how design can enhance message delivery and achieve desired results. Mari’s approach highlights the transformative potential of design and its ability to shape outcomes.

The Evolution of a Graphic/Interactive Designer

In recent years, the role of a Graphic/Interactive Designer has evolved significantly. Mari believes that designers are becoming “T-shaped,” where they possess expertise in various fields while specializing in one area. This diversification opens new avenues for designers to explore, and Mari actively embraces this change by honing her branding design skills and staying updated on coding, generative design, and emerging technologies.

Design Aesthetics and Inspirations

Mari’s design aesthetic draws from two contrasting styles. She is captivated by clean geometric and sharp designs, which reflect the digital medium’s potential. Figures like Philippe Apeloig and Ikko Tanaka inspire her in this regard. Conversely, she finds solace in designs with a humane touch, favoring illustrative styles, akin to the work of Chagall and Christoph Niermann. Mari’s personal sweet spot lies in the harmonious blend of these two influences, evident in her admiration for Giorgia Lupi’s “Dear Data.”

Exceptional vs. Ordinary Design

In Mari’s view, exceptional design evokes an “Aha!” moment. It offers a unique perspective, simplifies complex concepts, and communicates effectively. Ordinary design may be visually appealing but lacks that element of surprise or insight. Mari’s work is a testament to her commitment to creating exceptional design that resonates with her audience.

Fulfillment and Drive

Mari’s satisfaction as a designer stems from the creative process, the joy of creating something original, and the ability to contribute to a client’s success. Witnessing the positive impact of her designs on clients and their audiences keeps her motivated and passionate about her work.

Harmonizing Imagination and Pragmatism

Balancing creativity with practicality is a challenge in the design field, particularly when working on commercial projects. Mari suggests offering multiple design options, including a practical one, a unique and creative one, and a compromise between the two. This approach allows clients to explore the boundaries of creativity while ensuring that the design remains functional and purposeful.

Individual Endeavors and Creative Ventures

Mari is proud of her work on rebranding National Geographic by incorporating daylight data into the new logo. This project brilliantly showcased her ability to merge data and design to tell a compelling story about the world’s diverse climates and natural environments. Additionally, her project involving the digitization of her collection of two-dimensional designs from cities she has visited is a personal endeavor that reflects her passion for design and travel.

Future Visions and Ambitions

Looking ahead, Mari envisions a future where she can leverage her strategy background as a project manager and her design sensibilities to create a unique role for herself. She aspires to inspire people worldwide, regardless of their backgrounds or locations. The world is her canvas, and Mari aims to leave an indelible mark on it.

Conquering Creative Hurdles

When faced with creative blocks, Mari steps away from design-related activities. She indulges in watching movies, reading books, traveling, or simply going for a jog. This change of scenery and activity often clears her mind and allows her to return to her creative work with fresh ideas and perspectives.

Building a Strong Portfolio

In the world of graphic and interactive design, a portfolio is the designer’s calling card. Mari advises aspiring designers to identify their unique strengths, express them uniquely, and, most importantly, have fun doing it. A portfolio should reflect who you are, what you can do, and what you love about design.

A Visionary in the Making

Mari Hosho’s journey is one of transformation, inspiration, and innovation. Her career in graphic and interactive design is a testament to her adaptability and relentless pursuit of creative excellence. As the design industry continues to evolve, Mari is poised to be a driving force in shaping its future, inspiring designers, and captivating audiences worldwide. Her work stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when technology and creativity converge, leaving us with designs that evoke the “Aha!” moment she cherishes.