Biography | masaki ryo. : illustrator : illustration

Masaki Ryo

After graduating from Kanazawa College of Art, Masaki Ryo worked as a graphic designer for 9 years.
In 1993 Masaki started his career as a freelance illustrator.
He drew everything from fruits to fashion, and his work reflected both an enthusiasm as well as a fascination with illustration in and of itself.
Yet Masaki gradually became aware of the fact that his favorite themes were fashion and cosmetics – this seemed only natural as his father had been a tailor of women’s clothing and Masaki himself had spent time during his childhood playing with a sewing machine.

In 2000, Masaki introduced his new fashion paintings executed in his signature style – Masaki’s approach to illustration involves the use of painting knife and acrylic paint,which he will then adjusts digitally.

Branching away from his signature fashion illustrations,
Masaki’s recent artwork has been inspired by his pet dog, a miniature schnauzer.
His ability to capture the endearing and playful nature of our canine companions has caught many an eye and has earned the recognition of various clients including the renowned stationary company Caspari, Inc. They have released a line of products featuring Masaki’s illustrations, including but not limited to his artwork of dogs, which have been very popular in the US, Europe, and Japan.

マサキリョウ

金沢美術工芸大学（Kanazawa College of Art）卒業後、企業の広告部に入社。

約10年間グラフィックデザイナーとして、広告、流通販促資材全般、パッケージ、ディスプレイ等のデザインと進行管理を担当。

実家が仕立屋で、小さい頃からその仕事場でよく生地見本を眺めたりして遊んでいた頃、父親に絵を褒められてから絵を描いて生活することが夢となる。

1993年、イラストレーターとして独立。2000年の個展にて、ペインティングナイフで描いたファッションドローイングを発表。

以来その独特のスタイルで、ファッションを中心に広告・雑誌、Tシャツや水着、傘、バッグなど商品の開発にも関わるなど、多方面で活躍している。

アメリカの大手ステーショナリーメーカー「Caspari」にて2003年から継続して、ギフトバッグ、グリーティングカード、紙ナプキン、ハンキー等様々な商品を展開しており、特に犬のイラストが人気が高く、毎年新商品が販売されている。