Tomoko Miho

Tomoko Miho (1931-2012) was a prominent Japanese-American graphic designer known for her innovative contributions to the field of design. She gained recognition for her work in designing corporate identities, publications, exhibitions, and architectural posters and signages in New York and Chicago.

Born in Los Angeles, Miho spent her early childhood in the Gila River War Relocation Center in Arizona during World War II, a formative experience that influenced her perspective on design and space. She pursued her education at the Minneapolis School of Art and later at the Art Center School in Los Angeles, where she earned a degree in industrial design.

After her studies, Miho traveled through Europe with her husband, fellow designer James Miho, where she connected with influential figures in the design world, such as Giovanni Pintori and Hans Erni, and visited the Ulm School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, she worked at George Nelson Associates, Inc., eventually becoming the successor to Creative Director Irving Harper. Miho also collaborated with Herman Miller and the Center for Advanced Research in Design (CARD), developing design solutions for various corporate clients.

In the 1980s, she founded her own studio, Tomoko Miho & Co., where she worked on projects for prestigious clients, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Air and Space Museum. Her work is characterized by a strong influence from the Swiss international typographic style and a unique understanding of spatial relationships in design.

Miho's design philosophy emphasized clarity and a meticulous approach to spatial relationships, often integrating elements from three-dimensional spaces into her two-dimensional designs. She is particularly noted for her architectural posters and environmental graphics, which have been featured in major exhibitions and are part of permanent collections at institutions like MoMA and the Library of Congress.

In recognition of her contributions, Miho received the AIGA Medal in 1993, highlighting her impact on the field of graphic design. Her work has been described as a blend of European modernism and Japanese sensibility, showcasing a balance of form and function that resonates with viewers.

Tomoko Miho passed away on February 10, 2012, in New York City. Her legacy continues to influence contemporary designers, and new generations are rediscovering her work. A recent publication, Hall of Femmes: Tomoko Miho, aims to celebrate her contributions and bring her artistry to a broader audience.

Logos designed by Tomoko Miho :