With pure, unadulterated focus. An infinite world created with colored pencils.

January 26 - February 8, Vol.1 of the art exhibition "ONE CREATIVE" by Dentsu Inc. creators was held at galerie H in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

This project began with the idea: What if creators who normally make advertisements shaped not solutions to client problems, but what welled up from within? We wanted to see the free, original worlds each creator possesses. This time, we introduce the artistic side of Creative Director Kenichi Hatano from Creative Planning Division 1, a side not seen in his usual advertising work.

Creative Director Kenichi Hatano

Reconstructing Existence.

Opening the gallery door, the entire right wall is lined with works arranged in perfect order.
You feel the weight of these one-of-a-kind pieces, distinct from printed advertising materials.
We immediately spoke with Mr. Hatano.

──Could you tell us about the theme of your work?

I focused on things that exist around us, things we don't usually notice, but that are definitely there, living and existing. Specifically, plant "leaves." I recorded several leaves that somehow caught my attention and felt appealing to me. By drawing the various charms contained within the "leaves" with colored pencils, I'm attempting to reconstruct and release them.

Work: "Leaf yokohama 02 2017"

──Stepping back, at first glance, they seem like pastels or Japanese paintings, but looking closer, you realize they're all drawn with colored pencils. What inspired you to create these works?

While traveling or taking walks around my neighborhood on days off, I encountered various "leaves" that somehow caught my attention and felt appealing. Photographing them was the starting point.

Work: "Leaf Yokohama 01 2017"

──Looking closely, you see various colors blended into both the green of the leaves and the gray background. It's simple yet incredibly detailed, and must have taken an almost mind-boggling amount of time!

I hope viewing it brings you a relaxed mood and a gentle sense of comfort. Layering colored pencils takes surprisingly long, which is challenging but also enjoyable.

Work: "Leaf yokohama 04 2019"

Creating alone. Creating with others.

──You work as a creative director, but how do you approach your activities as an artist?

My day job involves collaborating with various team members to achieve client objectives through creative problem-solving. This piece, however, is about single-mindedly focusing on painting alone—in a way, it's the opposite activity. Yet I've come to realize that experiencing both refreshes each practice and allows both to evolve by leveraging each other.

──If there's anything you feel is beneficial about having two roles—advertising creator and artist—please share.

It allows me to meet, talk with, and receive feedback from diverse individuals within the art world, beyond those in advertising. This provides me with constant new insights and inspiration.

Work: "Leaf yokohama 03 2017"

──If you have any plans for your future artistic activities, please share them.

I intend to continue exploring this theme and enjoy the evolution of both myself and my work.

──Thank you.

After viewing the exhibition

Mr. Hatano, who has also illustrated picture books. His gentle works seemed to radiate his calm personality.

For creators, especially art directors, time alone is essential—free from collaboration with others and the constraints of advertising—to sharpen their senses. Such creative activities, in turn, make their daily advertising work shine even brighter.

In this series, we introduce the diverse sources of creativity among Dentsu Inc. creators.

Next time, we'll hear from Ms. Masumi Nakazawa.