Meet Professor Junichi Tsuneoka

The Innovation Studies program is excited to welcome Professor Junichi Tsuneoka as incoming director of the Innovation Studies minor.

Professor Tsuneoka teaches design theory and practice in the Department of Communication, Media, and Design Arts at PLU. His professional work includes design projects for Nike, Adidas, Brooks, Google, Microsoft, and National Geographic. Starting in September, he’ll be available to welcome students into the Innovation Studies minor and help them find their pathway through the program’s rich interdisciplinary offerings. Tsuneoka replaces Professor Michael Halvorson, who co-founded the program in 2017 and continues as an instructor.

To introduce Professor Tsuneoka, Halvorson had a conversation with Junichi over Summer break. This post contains a few excerpts, including interesting information about his design work and process.

You can reach Professor Tsuneoka at jtsuneoka@plu.edu.

Research and Teaching Interests

Prof. Halvorson: Where did you attend college? Can you share a few research or professional interests with us?

Prof. Tsuneoka: I graduated from Waseda University in Tokyo with an English Literature degree, and then I came to Seattle to study graphic design. I graduated from Cornish College of the Arts (Seattle) in 2002. Since then, I have done a lot of design work for corporate advertising clients. My past clients include Nike, Adidas, Brooks, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, Seattle’s Best Coffee, National Geographic, and many others.

Prof. Halvorson: Where have you taught, and what subjects?

Prof. Tsuneoka: I started teaching graphic design at Cornish College of the Arts. I have taught a variety of design-related subjects such as color theory, drawing, print, interactive, UX, illustration, concept development, etc.

My passion is to teach how to merge problem-solving skills with narrative skills to offer unique visual communications.

On Innovation

Prof. Halvorson: What is your innovation process? What inspires you to design?

Prof. Tsuneoka: I often get visual inspiration from words or phrases rather than any direct visual inspiration.

Even though I know the meaning of the phrase, “monkey business”, in my mind, there is a monkey in a suit dancing when I hear these words! Ideas like this motivate me to draw. When I play with words or look for interesting phrases, it’s easier to stimulate my creativity. I usually end up drawing something silly by doing this exercise, and it helps me to get rid of any creative blocks.

Prof. Halvorson: What do you like to do in your free time?

Prof. Tsuneoka: Drawing/doodling, hiking, backpacking, and camping. I also like to do small wood carvings.

Prof. Halvorson: Do you have any favorite foods? Board games? Comics?

Prof. Tsuneoka: I love Sushi! My favorite comics are by Taiyo Matsumoto.

Superpowers

Prof. Halvorson: If you had a ‘superpower,’ what might it be?

Prof. Tsuneoka: I would want the power to make my drawings come to life!

Learning more about Innovation Studies

Prof. Halvorson: We are very excited to welcome you to this leadership role in the Innovation Studies program! What’s the best way for students to contact you?

Prof. Tsuneoka: Thank you! My email alias is jtsuneoka@plu.edu. I’m regularly in Ingram Hall, and students are welcome to drop by anytime for a visit!