March 14, 2017
SVSU to host acclaimed graphic designer as part of Dow Visiting Artist series
On Friday at 6:30 p.m. in Arbury 159, there will be a poster display opening where Ota will talk through his career progression as well as the development of his own independent design studio.
On Saturday, Ota will serve as the keynote speaker for the "Where the Rubber Meets the Road" American Institute of Graphic Artists Portfolio Review. This talk will be held at 10 a.m. in banquet rooms A and B in Curtiss Hall.
These events are free and open to the public.
Ota's artwork has appeared in renowned publications such as The New York Times, HOW Magazine, STEP Magazine, and Communication Arts. His most recent publication was a feature in the book, "Graphic: Inside the Sketchbooks of the World's Great Graphic Designers.”
Originally from Japan, Ota studied art and design at the University of Idaho, where he earned a bachelor's degree in graphic design.
While working for Modern Dog Design Company in Seattle, Ota collaborated with well-known clients such as the Seattle Aquarium, Disney, Live Nation, Chronicle Books and Blue Q. In 2012, Ota founded Tireman Studios, his design company.
Ota has been praised for having a "unique, artsy, wild style," by Lost at E Minor, an online publication that focuses on art and music. His unique style has drawn the attention of Starbucks Coffee, for which he designed a "Green Cup" released for a limited time in November 2016. Other clients of Ota's include Lucky Scooters, Kinatonic Gin, Seven Coffee Roasters, The Growl Store, Magnolia Moonshine, Big Gin and many others.
For more information on his appearance at SVSU, please contact Carlos Ramet, SVSU associate dean of the College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences, at ramet@svsu.edu or 989-964-4062.