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Commissioned by Tokyo Midtown—an art and design-focused urban district in the heart of Japan’s capital city—illustrator Ryo Takemasa created an illustrated “handbook” of Tokyo’s most common Japanese birds. Made in collaboration with graphic design studio Tawarasha, the pamphlet features 25 different bird species rendered in Takemasa’s distinct minimalist style.
From the common pigeon to the majestic great egret, each bird is beautifully illustrated with simple, graphic shapes and muted colors. Gradient hues are overlaid against a grainy, paper-like texture, creating a charming paper cut-out effect. Plumage is often depicted with repeating geometric shapes, such as triangles and semicircles, while delicate, equally-spaced lines are used to illustrate feathery wings. Each bird is drawn to scale, and when the pamphlet is opened out, the viewer can appreciate their relative sizes and enjoy a snippet of information about each one.
You can see more of Takemasa’s work on Behance, and buy prints of this work and more on Society6.
Made in collaboration with with graphic design studio Tawarasha, Japanese illustrator Ryo Takemasa created an illustrated “handbook” of Tokyo’s most common bird species.
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From the common pigeon to a majestic great egret, each bird is beautifully illustrated with simple, graphic shapes and muted colors.
Ryo Takemasa: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Behance | Society6
My Modern Met granted permission to use images by Ryo Takemasa.
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