About « Graphic Design & Web Design from Tokyo

About

Bento Graphics is a graphics and web design studio based in Tokyo. We are specialized in corporate identity design, information architecture, user experience design and website/mobile developement.

Our particular focus lies on fluid-reponsive web design which allows a web site to adapt to any screen size i.e. smartphone, tablet and desktop and all inbetween sizes.

The benefits are:

Only one website (code-base) needs to be created and maintained, instead of separate mobile and desktop sites.
Only one website needs to be updated (conveniently via CMS admin).
Only one URL for a website and no unreliable browser sniffing needed, since the served design will be based on screen-size (instead of browser or device type).
Future proof since all new screen sizes of upcoming mobile devices will be supported.

Bento Graphics is run by German graphic & web designer Benjamin Thomas. He works in print and web design with a strong interest in corporate identity design, information architecture and interface design for websites and standard compliant HTML/CSS coding as well as project management. His design approach is based on his extensive work experience and the teachings of the Kunsthochule Berlin-Weißensee (Germany), a successor of the Bauhaus tradition, where he graduated with a Diploma in Communication Design (MA/MFA equivalent).

Bento Graphics works with a network of creative professionals in the areas of corporate identity design, graphic and web design, web development, illustration, photography, market research, translation, proofreading, copywriting and others.

Do not hesitate to contact us about your upcoming project. We are confident we can deliver outstanding design and efficient production.
Contact: Benjamin Thomas | ben@bentographics.com

Our Areas of Expertise are:

Design Concepts & Ideas
Corporate Identity Design Development
Information Architecture & Wireframing for Websites
UX (User Experience Design) & Interface Design
Standards-compliant HTML5/XHTML & CSS3 Template Coding
Responsive webdesign with media queries (site adapts to screen size)
Wordpress CMS Implementation (other CMS on request)
Website Development and Redesign/Relaunch
Javascript & Jquery Implementation
Bilingual or Multilingual Websites
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). We are #1.
Illustration & Icon-Design
Information Graphics
Graphic Design & Layout for Print

Ideas, Design Concept & Corporate Identity Design

According to our approach all good design should start with a creative but also rational & suitable design concept or design idea. In case of a corporate identity design development this initial design concept is converted into a refined identity style guide. 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 initial design concept or design idea is also the starting point for the individual project whether it is a flyer design or campaign website. The conceptual design idea for the individual project provides also a solid and rational foundation for the design. We are not a friend of superficially applied design “because it`s stylish”, it feels like decoration without reason to us.
We provide art-direction for corporate identity design and deliver conceptual ideas for individual projects both in print and digital media. We are open to projects in product design or spacial design (like interior) as well.

Information Architecture & Web Design

Usually it`s is best to start with the information architecture of a website to define the structure of the site, navigation and the interface design. Powerful tools for information architecture are wireframe graphics, site-maps and flow charts. Our websites (as well as print designs) are based on a grid system which gives structure and order to the layout.
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 to the wireframes. A visual concept can include direction for photo imagery, illustration, patterns, icons or additional design elements.
We are also specialised on information graphics which can be very effective to visually explain a complicated process or newly introduced service. Obviously these information graphics also be used for an accompanied print brochure or similar.

Website Implementation & Coding

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

Print Design

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