About « Graphic Design & Web Design from Tokyo

About

Benjamin Thomas - Bento Graphics Tokyo

Bento Graphics is the digital home of independent German graphic designer Benjamin Thomas. I work in print and web design with a strong interest in corporate identity design & branding, information architecture for websites and standard compliant XHTML/CSS coding.

My design approach is based on my work experience and the teachings of the Kunsthochule Berlin-Weißensee (Germany), a successor of the Bauhaus tradition, where I graduated with a Diploma in Communication Design (MA/MFA equivalent). I am based in Tokyo/Japan.

Please do not hesitate to contact me about your upcoming project. Whether it is about art-direction/ideas, corporate identity design, graphic design, layout or production of print or digital media. I am confident I can deliver outstanding design and efficient production. Contact: bentographics@gmail.com

My Areas of Expertise are:

Design Concepts & Ideas
Corporate Identity Design
Information Architecture & Wireframing for Websites
Interface Design for Websites
Standards-compliant XHTML/CSS Template Coding
Wordpress CMS Implementation (other CMS on request)
Javascript & Jquery Implementation
Bi-lingual or Multi-lingual Websites
Illustration & Icon-Design
Information Graphics
Graphic Design & Layout for Print

Ideas, Design Concept & Corporate Identity Design

My approach is that all good design should start with a creative but also rational & suitable design concept or design idea. In case of a corporate client this initial design concept is converted into a refined visual corporate identity design.
The corporate identity design will determine the style of the logo design, choice of fonts, colour palette and perhaps additional patterns and icons. At the highest development stage a corporate identity design manual is created which defines all layout measures and application of logo and other design elements for all media.
The design concept or design idea is also the starting point for the individual projects where a corporate identity design is not needed i.e. a poster, flyer design or campaign website. The conceptual design idea for the individual project provides also a solid and rational foundation for the design. I am not a friend of superficially applied design „because it`s stylish“, it feels like decoration without reason to me.
I provide art-direction for corporate identity design and deliver conceptual ideas for individual projects both in print and digital media.

Information Architecture & Web Design

Usually it`s is best to start with the information architecture of a website to define the navigation and structure of the site. Powerful tools for information architecture are wireframe graphics, site-maps and flow charts.
Once everything is in place and no navigation details has been forgotten the corporate identity design in combination with a visual concept for the website is applied. A visual concept can include direction for photo imagery, illustration, patterns, icons or additional design elements.
I am also specialised on information graphics which can be very effective to visually explain a complicated process or newly introduced service. Obviously information graphics also be used for the accompanied print items if needed.

Website Implementation & Coding

I specialise in standards-compliant, search engine optimized (SEO) valid XHTML/CSS template coding. Mostly I base my websites on the a customized Wordpress CMS (Content Management System), which are easy to update by the client. Though I also provide design & templates for other CMS` if needed. In addition I can provide Javascript (Jquery) implementations and basic PHP.
If a project requires custom PHP/MySQL development I work with a network of trusted developers.

Print Design

I am experienced in illustration, information graphics, layout, PDF and pre-press procedures for flyers, business-cards, pamphlets, magazines, books and such.