About
MAMIMU (June Mineyama-Smithson) is a Japanese artist/graphic designer on a mission to inject optimism into the world.
I love uncovering delights from everyday life and turn them into bold joyful patterns.
My passion for colours and shapes started in my childhood in Tokyo. Through the groovy patterns of the late-70s to bright colours of the 80s, I was always surrounded by bold joyful things.
Believing in the optimistic idea that inspiration can be found everywhere, I’m always on the look for hidden delights in everyday landscapes and interpret the joy of discovery in my design. I am also inspired by the postmodern idea of remixing existing elements to create new context.
Commissions & Collaborations
I believe in magic of great collaboration. Get in touch if you are:
A brand looking to inject optimism into their campaign, products, packaging and more.
An agency looking for a fresh idea with bold visual. My background is branding in corporate and luxury sectors. Client list includes LVMH, Cathay Pacific and PwC.
A brand or an agency looking for insights in modern Japanese culture and art and design scene.
An individual looking to create a one-off gift or bespoke piece from an object or subject that is special to them.
Lectures & Podcasts
Get in touch for a talk, Podcast and interview.
Guest Lectures
– London College of Communication, UAL
– University of Leeds
– The Margate School
– Birmingham City University
– SCAD Hong Kong
Talks
– D&AD New Blood Festival
– YOOX Net-a-Porter Group, London
– Ladies, Wine & Design at Design Manchester Festival
– ustwo, London
– New Designers: Colour in a Post Covid World
– Elmwood, London
– Shesays, London
– Pechakucha, Hong Kong
Podcast
– Being Freelance
– ONEOFTHE8
– Nodes of Design
– GCL Live
Press
Creative Boom: Creative leads on the women that inspire them most
Creative Boom: Artist adopts the ancient Japanese art of borrowing to offer an escape from lockdown
Design by Women: June Mineyama-Smithson
ITV Creates: Collaboration by MAMIMU & Dr Tara Swart | Mental Health Awareness Week
Ladies, Wine & Design London #womentowatch
UAL: LCC graduate collaborates with ITV to spread optimism across the UK
Creative Boom: Barbican Brutalism triumphs over Olympics disappointment for artist MAMIMU
FLO London: In conversation with June Mineyama-Smithson
Involved Magazine: 5 Questions, 1 Designer: MAMIMU
ONEOFTHE8: June Mineyama-Smithson – A Beacon Of Optimism
Pattern Observer: Featured Designer June Mineyama-Smithson of MAMIMU
On the Grid: Tokyo, Ginza by MAMIMU
SCMP: Five ways to add pizzazz to your spring wardrobe
Hong Kong LEI ポップなトートバッグ「mamimu」誕生!(Japanese)
Jessica Hong Kong: 文青必看!一個tote bag 打天下 (Cantonese)
