Graphic designer Elena Jochum designed a local Okinawa vending machine and I wanted to learn about what inspired her work and how she got started with the project. In this interview she shares her story, details on the design, and ideas of things to do around Uruma after you visit her vending machine.
When you go to see it - share a picture to your stories using #ELENASVEND and tag @ellena_dc ! Read all the way through for everything you need to know and the location on google maps.
How did you get involved in this project?
Shortly after arriving on this island I met a local entrepreneur looking for a graphic designer to help take the vending machine refurbishing idea to the next level. I developed a concept for an original vinyl graphic to wrap around the vending machine and wanted to represent the island though pastel colors, depiction of coral reefs and local sea life. I am looking forward to having more vending machines around Japan with my designs on them. Honestly, you just never know where you might find your next opportunity to do something exciting!
What was your favorite part of designing a vending machine?
My favorite part of designing this vending machine was the creative freedom to design the way I envisioned. I missed working on exhibit designs, so this felt like a mini experiential design project. Figuring out the layout and the elevation was really fun, with all the parts including flaps and buttons.
When someone goes to your vending machine, and they don’t know the area (Uruma)– what do you recommend they should go do after?
If you start with the vending machine you could always check out the Awase Comprehensive Park or Katsuren Castle. Alternatively, you can head towards Kaichu Doro Beach and then Yakena Strait Observatory. Or try Beapa Outdoor Café, and then heading toward Miyagi and Ikei Island. I love just getting in a car with my camera and exploring the island. There are so many fun hidden locations all around.
What inspired your design?
I was mostly inspired by Bingata, the traditional Okinawan craft style of dyeing fabric. I was also inspired by cotton candy and everything kawaii. I have a lot of respect for nature and the vectors of angelfish were designed based on my own photographs that I took while snorkeling around Cape Maeda.
What do you want to go in the vending machine?
We are currently looking into it. Whatever it will end up, it is going to be fantastic. I am totally open to suggestions and would love to hear what people think should go in it!
Follow @ellena_dc on Instagram for updates on when the vending machine gets filled!
Other than yours, what is your favorite vending machine on the island?
Only mine! Just kidding. One of my favorite vending machines on this island is actually the one that has t-shirts by Cave Okinawa. It was one of the first vending machines I used on this island. Any machine that serves hot corn soup is fantastic, like the ones by Baba Beach.
What are your favorite kinds of creative projects to work on?
There are too many different creative projects to list! Some of my favorites in general have been creating brand identity packages (including photography) for start-ups focusing on helping military spouses. I also enjoy curating art exhibitions, working on experiential graphic design projects, being a co-editor of Starsand magazine and creating paintings for my lovely clients. Lately, I have gotten into designing custom head pieces and backgrounds to be used in photography. I am relatively new to crafty 3D projects, so it has been exciting and challenging. You can see my art displayed at the Foster Library for the month of March. Also, I am going to be a live speaker on “Where to Draw your Inspiration” mid-March. I am always open to new opportunities and collaborations.
How did you get started as a graphic designer?
My first Photoshop duck illustration came about when I was 10-ish years old. My mom got the software because she wanted to try it for herself. I am a 3rd generation artist and my family has always been creating and designing. Fast forward 10 years, I was getting my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Towson University when I took a design class. I was lucky enough to find out a holiday decor company was hiring as soon as I graduated the university and got my first job in 2008 as a Junior Designer. I have been doing graphic design professionally for 13 years now. I have a degree in Fine Art from MICA as well as working at National Geographic in DC as a Senior Designer on an award-winning HQ Experiential Redesign Project.
What is your favorite thing to do for fun in Okinawa, and what is your favorite food here?
I love adventuring with my friends and watching sunsets with my husband and my dog Pineapple. My advice, rain or shine, go explore! Just drive and enjoy this island. There are so many hidden treasures. The beaches are some of the best in the world and I can never get enough of the color of that water.
There are so many great restaurants here. I love authentic soba because it is made from buckwheat. Local strawberries are amazing too and I love all the fun mushrooms, especially shiitake. Did you know you can pick your own hibiscus flowers and then make tea out of them? I love trying new food and drinks here especially if it’s local and sustainably grown.
What is one thing that you want people to know about you?
One thing. I don’t talk about this enough. I care a lot about the environment and conservation as well as exploration. I think the more we learn about the natural world around us the more enriched our lives become. Respecting our environment is something we really owe to ourselves.
Gallery and location on Google Maps:
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