DESIGN ZEN

Unearthing design insights from Japan

Thursday, 8/28 at Cirrus Visual

The roots of culture run deep in Japan where tradition continually redefines itself for the modern world. One cultural aspect, in particular, has made eye-catching changes in the 21st century.


Emas are wooden prayer plaques that have been offered up to the gods for centuries at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. In their current rebirth, they have adopted bright colors, striking designs, and custom shapes to become keepsake objects in their own right.


Despite strong visual appeal, these unique objects have been overlooked in design literature. In this presentation we’ll explore how emas offer fresh inspiration for design and branding.


Anne Brownfield Brown is a designer, educator and avid photographer. On a trip to Japan, she discovered emas, an aspect of Japanese culture that hasn’t received much attention in the West. She is excited to share these visually compelling images with the Tucson creative community.


Make sure to scroll down to RSVP and see all the exciting upcoming events - even 2 (Two!) JOB OPENINGS!

Design Zen

LOCATION

Cirrus Visual - 601 N. Stone

DATE AND TIME

08/28/25 5:30pm - 08/28/25 7:30pm US/Arizona
Unearthing design insights from Japan

OTHER EVENTS:

Monument Camera. Tuesday, 8/26, "Making the Most of your Digital Camera" $49. Learn the principles for making better images and how to apply those principles to your camera's features.. MORE INFO HERE

Phoenix Design Week. 9/19-9/20, Phoenix Reconnect with your craft, your community, and the creative spark that drives Arizona's design scene.


SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday 9/24 We'll be hosting a local Tucson meetup as community programming for Phoenix Design Week (ie: the "Week" part of the event).


BIG NEWS: There will be FIVE speakers representing Tucson/Southern Arizona at PHXDW: Anne Brown, Chris Carls, Julie Bonner, Jessica Gerlach & Laura Worthington!

REGISTER HERE for PHOENIX DESIGN WEEK

JOBS

NatureMed. Graphic Designer. NatureMed is seeking a creative, motivated Graphic Designer to join their dynamic cannabis marketing team. APPLY HERE


Goodwill. Digital Marketing Specialist. This role’s primary day-to-day focus will be social media and digital advertising strategies APPLY HERE

Do you have any CREATIVE EVENTS or JOB OPENINGS to share?

Send local designer resources to me and I'll help spread the love!

Stay inspired!

-Chris