Eric Vivian / Graphic Designer

A graphic designer originally from the U.S., Eric has accumulated customers since moving to Yakushima with his family in 2015. His designs are varied and fun, characterized by hand-drawn illustrations and carefully-chosen typography. A horizon in the middle of “Restaurant Panorama,” a simple line drawing on the “Moss Ocean House” homepage, a cutout package for the “Issou Coffee Roastery.” All are Eric’s creations.

Making use of his experience working in America, Eric helps his customers with branding, taking the time to understand their specific needs. After working with major corporations in the past, Eric tells me that he enjoys meeting repeatedly with the owners of restaurants and hotels here on Yakushima while developing just the right design. Conveying the character of each customer, Eric is using design to bring new life to local businesses and to the island as a whole. And as long as there is an internet connection, Eric can take in work from anywhere in the world.

Eric tells me that “family” and “nature” brought him here, to Yakushima. With the birth of their daughter, Eric and his partner Yoshiko decided to move to Yakushima where Yoshiko’s parents live. Eric also likes the proximity of the ocean and river, and the beauty of the island’s nature. The first several years of their daughter’s life were a trial period living here on Yakushima, but they found a piece of land they like, and an architect, and may even build a home here later this year.

Eric, forever positive, tells me “I believe in the power of design.” As their daughter gets older and easier to care for, Eric and Yoshiko – who is an interior designer – plan to do more work together.

Written by Mikako Takada, Issou Coffee Editing Room

Eric Vivian Design

http://www.ericviviandesign.com