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Takao Umehara

Learning to solve problems

Umehara majored in Policy Management at Keio University in Tokyo, where he studied the skill of defining issues, whether political, economic, organizational, or environmental, and creating solutions. He learned that all solutions require the contributions of many disciplines, and began to think that graphic design was the perfect profession in which to apply this holistic thinking for tackling global issues.

Starting over in college

He decided that he would need to re-educate himself in graphic design, something that would not be easy to do in Japan, where he would have been expected to go right to work. He explored various programs in the United States and was delighted to find that the Art Center College of Design's undergraduate student population had an average age of 24, as he felt that he'd be most comfortable going to school with students closer to his own age. He had no design background and was not good at drawing, but he began working at building a portfolio to submit for application. He bought a design annual in a bookstore that showed him the breadth of design work being done. For three months he systematically created samples of packaging, fonts, posters, identity systems, and websites and sent his portfolio to the Art Center, which welcomed him into its Graphic Design department.

Launching a design career

Umehara graduated in 2002 with a BFA, won the Adobe award, and went to work for a former instructor's fledgling web branding firm, THE_GROOP. In November of that year, thanks to his summer work experience and the cachet of the ADAA award, he was offered a long-term contract position with Ogilvy & Mather's Los Angeles Brand Integration Group.

In March 2003, Umehara realized he needed to find permanent employment, as the end of the one-year period of his work permit for foreign students who graduate from college approached. He took his savings and résumé to New York, London, Berlin, and Amsterdam, interviewing with numerous design firms over a two-month period. He initially interviewed with the New York office of Ogilvy & Mather in April, but there were no open positions. However, by the time he returned to New York from Europe, Ogilvy & Mather was ready to talk to him further. He joined the New York City Brand Integration Group, which relocated him from Los Angeles. He worked on projects for the Coca-Cola, Dupont, and Progressive Insurance accounts, and many others.

At home in New York

2005: A year for travel and publishing

In 2005, Umehara moved on to the Studio Red division of the Rockwell Group. The new position took him to Shanghai to research a branding project for a Coca-Cola product. He also published a book he had written with a friend from Keio University who was studying in Los Angeles while he was at Art Center. Together, he and Hisako Ichiki had created a book to help readers think outside the box. A publisher accepted their proposal, but it took nine months of additional work on the manuscript and art to complete the final version of "Extra Ordinary: An Amusing Guide For Unleashing Your Creativity." The book is sold in the United States, Europe, and Asia, particularly in museum shops.

A new challenge and thoughts of the future

In 2006, Umehara received an offer from the design group at Anomaly, a communication company that specializes in innovative media strategies, including mobile marketing campaigns. He found his work required him to take his own advice and think outside the box, a challenge he relishes.

However, he felt the need to start his own design business and made the decision to leave Anomaly. He has launched a design collective called Chakotaco, partnering with his co-author, Ichiki. Their skills cover architecture, illustration, graphic design, and branding. Umehara envisions a time when he and Ichiki will have an independent global design practice with offices in Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, and Europe.

Perspectives on success

Umehara advises students entering the profession that their design skills are only part of the picture required for success. He emphasizes that social skills, such as the ability to communicate and cooperate with team members, are critical. He urges students to approach even the seemingly mundane tasks that will face them when they begin their careers with passion and discipline. He counsels, "Keep pushing your boundaries!"