Photograph by Andrew Paynter
Takashi Kawashima
I am a San Francisco-based designer and creative director with 18 years of experience exploring the space between "big picture" brand storytelling and deep product mechanics.
My work is guided by the belief that even the most complex technology should feel seamless and human-centric—acting as a quiet bridge between a user's intent and their full potential. Throughout my career, I’ve gravitated toward the challenge of taking early-stage technical research and transforming it into intuitive, "0-to-1" products.
My design philosophy is deeply influenced by a parallel practice in media art and photography, a perspective I’ve enjoyed refining during my time with Google’s Brand Studio and Data Arts teams. I view data and technology as creative mediums, an approach that has led to international exhibitions and recognition through various industry awards.
Beyond the screen, I am a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area and an avid marathon runner. My commitment to inclusive design is a direct reflection of my personal life, where I have spent years serving as a volunteer guide for blind or low-vision runners. Whether I am navigating a race course with a partner or defining the user journey for an AI-powered tool, my goal remains to ensure that innovation reaches and empowers everyone.
Selected Honors for my design work
Japan Media Arts Festival – Excellent Award, 2023
Cannes Lions (Silver, Bronze)
One Show Pencils (Gold, Silver, Bronze)
Webby Awards
Selected Talks
National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, 2018
Startup:CON (Seoul), 2016
Sonar+D, 2016
Dentsu Lab Tokyo, 2016
Selected Honors for my art work
Eureka Fellowship - Nominated Artist, 2013
Djerassi Resident Artists Program, Woodside, CA., Resident Artist, 2010
Asahi Foundation Artist Grant, 2010
Japan Media Arts Festival – Jury Recommended Work, 2008
Japan Media Arts Festival – Jury Recommended Work, 2007
Japan Media Arts Festival – Jury Recommended Work, 2006
:output09, Germany – Bronze Award, 2006
UCLA Regents Stipend, 2006
Digital Art Award 2005, Tokyo Japan – Grand Prize, 2005
Asia Digital Art Award, Fukuoka Japan – Excellent Award, 2005
:output08, Germany – Honorable Mention, 2005
Japan Media Arts Festival – Jury Recommended Work, 2005
Japanese Government overseas study program Artist Grant, 2005
UCLA Regents Stipend, 2005
Permanent Collection
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Selected Exhibitions, Performances, Screenings
2050. A Brief History of the Future, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, 2018
Internet Art Future exhibition, ICC Tokyo, 2012
Future Everything, Manchester UK, 2012
Re:Group: Beyond Models of Consensus, Eyebeam New York, 2010
South by Southwest , Austin, 2009
Ars Electronica, Linz Austria, 2008
Sónar “SonarMática,” Barcelona Spain, 2008
SIGGRAPH ASIA Art Gallery. Singapore, 2008
SIGGRAPH 2007 Art Gallery, San Diego USA, 2007
Joe Dark Shadow Theater, Joshua Tree USA, 2007
Joe Dark Shadow Theater: Contemporary Puppet Videos & Art - Seminal Projects, San Diego USA, 2007
Ars Electronica, Linz Austria, 2006
Electrofrienge, New Castle, Australia, 2006
ACM Multimedia, Santa Barbara USA, 2006
Tokyo Type Directors Club, Ginza Graphic Gallery Tokyo Japan, 2006
VIPER International Festival for Film Video and New Media - Basel, Switzerland, 2006
Digital Art Festival (DAF) TOKYO, Tokyo Japan, 2005
ACM Multimedia, Singapore, 2005
Microsoft Design Expo, Seattle USA, 2005
Hull Film Festival, Hull UK, 2005
Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, Los Angeles USA, 2004
Newport Beach Film Festival, Newport Beach USA, 2004