Giovanni Pellone - Creative Director in Tokyo

Giovanni Pellone

I'm a creative director in Tokyo, Japan

Available for contracts

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I speak English, Japanese, and Italian

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My activity

About me

My life and design career span three continents. I grew up in Rome, Italy. I studied design at Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute in New York, where I also worked as a designer for many years. I was the co-founder of the Brooklyn-based design manufacturer Benza, pioneering the use of computer-controlled processes in the production of affordable design objects. I am currently the Creative Director of Giovanni Pellone Design, my Tokyo-based multicultural and multidisciplinary design studio.

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My Creations

  1. Zago, folding cardboard wastebasket

    15 June 2020
    Zago, folding cardboard wastebasket

    Made from recycled/recyclable corrugated cardboard, laminated with printed paper. It folds flat for easier packaging, transportation and storage.

    The surface graphics offer an opportunity to contextualize the product for different markets and applications, the NYC line feature nostalgic black & white images from the streets of New York, turning the... continue reading (0, 1 image)

  2. Tote bag graphics for Publicolor

    7 June 2020
    Tote bag graphics for Publicolor

    I designed this one-of-a-kind tote bag for Publicolor, my favorite NYC non-profit. It takes advantage of the three-dimensionality of the bag to create a playful surprise. Following the graphics around the bag, the viewer realizes that this is not the beginning of a new friendship, but rather the age-old encounter... continue reading (0, 1 image)

  3. Tyffyn, vacuum insulated lunchbox.

    1 June 2020
    Tyffyn, vacuum insulated lunchbox.

    Specifically designed for the Indian food and culture, this high-tech lunchbox is redefining the way Indian people take home-cooked meals to their workplace or school. For details please see the case study at www.giovannipellone.com

  4. Drop fruit bowl

    22 May 2020
    Drop fruit bowl

    Hand-sculpted in plaster and then cast in clear polyester resin.

  5. The Kitano, New York Times ad

    14 May 2020
    The Kitano, New York Times ad

    Full page New York Times advertising designed for the relaunch of The Kitano New York, a boutique Japanese hotel offering absolute tranquility in the middle of chaotic NYC. The ad expresses visual and emotional peacefulness through an almost empty white page.

  6. Desk Screen , lecture series invitation.

    6 May 2020
    Desk Screen , lecture series invitation.

    I did this project years ago but it’s still one of my favorite examples of great no-budget design. This invitation to a design lecture series at the National Design Museum in NYC was designed to hang around on your desk for a while. No photo budget: for the cover image... continue reading (0, 1 image)

  7. Retail Packaging for Sticky Clock

    20 April 2020
    Retail Packaging for Sticky Clock

    Deliciously frosted packaging for a line of light-weight kitchen clocks that attach to most surfaces with self-adhesive velcro.

  8. Molecules coffee tables

    10 April 2020
    Molecules coffee tables

    Our playful Molecules coffee tables come in two heights and can be arranged in infinite combinations.

  9. Drynk, thermal tumblers and lids

    24 March 2020
    Drynk, thermal tumblers and lids

    A unique thermally insulated tumbler which will keep your beverage hot or cold for long hours. It comes in 350ml and 600ml sizes, and with two original lids designed to suit different drinking styles.

    It features a stainless steel, vacuum-insulated body, and a slim profile which easily fits in a... continue reading (0, 1 image)

  10. Tokyo Global Gateway mezzanine lounge.

    3 March 2020
    Tokyo Global Gateway mezzanine lounge.

    Our design for the lounge of the Tokyo Global Gateway, in Odaiba, was inspired by Jet-Age aesthetics. It focuses on wrap-around, wavy super-graphics that create a cloudy play of transparency, opacity and reflections.

    It also features our two modular pieces specifically designed for public spaces: The Molecules coffee tables and... continue reading (0, 1 image)

  11. Mutant flower vase

    12 March 2020
    Mutant flower vase

    The Mutant vase denies the stereotypical role of the designer as the giver of form, delegating this responsibility to others. As if made of metallic clay, this pliable vase can in fact be reshaped in virtually infinite ways, drawing the user into the design process. The unusual feature is achieved... continue reading (0, 1 image)

  12. Arachnolamp

    25 February 2020
    Arachnolamp

    Our Arachnolamp addresses the two most common phobias: fear of dark, and fear of spiders… just not at the same time. A concealed hook allows it to be mounted on a wall or ceiling.

  13. Mobile Order Engine for Vaya's Tyffyn Lunchbox

    19 February 2020

    We designed this interactive ordering engine for a complex product that offers the customer a range of options in size (number of inner food containers), color, graphics, finish and materials. Our engaging solution greatly simplifies the options selection and ordering process, allowing people to quickly visualize their selection and compare... continue reading (0, 0 images)

  14. Visual branding for The Kitano, New York

    3 February 2020
    Visual branding for The Kitano, New York

    For this unique, Japanese-owned New York hotel, the visual branding brief demanded a sophisticated western look with Japanese flair, and a realistic icon symbolizing a safe heaven for its Japanese guests in New York.

    The Kitano's guardian angel is more than a western samurai at the service of the hotel's... continue reading (0, 1 image)

  15. Pinup Clock

    3 February 2020
    Pinup Clock

    If we refer to really awful time as “hard time”, then its opposite, the really wonderful and amazing time, should be thought of as “soft time”.

    Soft, warm and cozy, the Pin Up clock is recycled polar fleece blanket holding a clock movement. it is stretched and held onto the... continue reading (0, 1 image)

  16. Visual Branding for Blue Ribbon Dog Company

    1 July 2020
    Visual Branding for Blue Ribbon Dog Company

    Visual branding for a New York based manufacturer of pet clothing and accessories.

  17. Weather Watcher

    9 July 2020
    Weather Watcher

    Concept for a wether forecasting navigation aid. This instrument would combine binoculars with satellite-retrieved meteorological data related to the area being viewed, thus allowing the user to accurately forecast conditions ahead, and set course accordingly.
    (appearance model)

  18. Soft clock

    17 July 2020
    Soft clock

    Desk clock made from recycled wool felt.

  19. Sample tubing packaging

    29 July 2020
    Sample tubing packaging

    Samples of tubing used by researchers in laboratory testing with peristaltic pumps. The angular design of the packaging requires each tubing sample to be of a different length, thus allowing the researcher to test the tubing with the intended substance, and then to verify the tubing type referring back to... continue reading (0, 1 image)

  20. BentoBag

    4 August 2020
    BentoBag

    A thermally insulated picnic bag ever, featuring adjustable insulated compartments that allow you to pack hot and cold food or beverages, all into the same bag. Not only beautiful, but also smart.

  21. Escape to lunch

    13 August 2020
    Escape to lunch

    Digital advertising campaign for the Tyffyn lunchbox.
    Campaign strategy, copywriting, graphic design.

  22. Clouds, modular seating

    19 August 2020
    Clouds, modular seating

    These modular circular ottomans come in two diameters and two heights (4 different variations). They are designed so the lower ones can be tucked under the taller pieces, allowing infinite playful combinations.
    Designed for the lounge at the Tokyo Global Gateway.

  23. Condom container with glow in the dark lid.

    4 December 2020
    Condom container with glow in the dark lid.

    Just in case you need to reach for them while the light is out.

  24. Peekaboo Clouds

    7 September 2020
    Peekaboo Clouds

    NO MORE PSYCHO!! One from a series of shower curtain graphics that gives the showering person enough privacy, while also allowing to see what is happening on the other side of the curtain.

  25. The Kitano New York room signage

    24 September 2020
    The Kitano New York room signage

    Room signs for The Kitano hotel in NYC: Elegant pillows covered in green velvet.

    ... sweet dreams.

  26. Psyche

    18 November 2020
    Psyche

    Personal storage cabinet made of four rotating cubes with different finishes and hidden doors. One side can be aligned to form a full mirror.

  27. Because you need it now!

    5 November 2020
    Because you need it now!

    Branding strategy and outdoor advertising campaign for Max Delivery, a NYC online shopping service guaranteeing 1hr delivery.

  28. About Time @ DESIGNART TOKYO

    7 October 2020
    About Time @ DESIGNART TOKYO

    Come say hello at DesignArt Tokyo, and see my new collection limited-edition timepieces inspired by Alan Lightman's novel Einstein's Dreams. Jasmac Building Aoyama, Oct 23 - Nov 3.

    UNIT clock is one of seven pieces in the collection, each pieces exploring a peculiar way we relate to time:

    Exact Time... continue reading (1, 1 image)

  29. Isolation Holiday Mailer 2020

    18 December 2020
    Isolation Holiday Mailer 2020

    Our 2020 holiday mailer is a sombre, isolation-themed animation, filled with hope.
    Feel free to repost it and share it. SHARE THE HOPE.

  30. Our Newsletter

    17 January 2021
    Our Newsletter

    Issue 1 of our semi-regular newsletter about art, design, architecture, and of course news from our studio 😎

    Semi-regular means we send it out whenever we feel like it, but no matter how much you love it, don’t expect it more frequently than four times a year 😜

    If you... continue reading (0, 1 image)

  31. Brochure Design for Group 1066

    17 February 2021
    Brochure Design for Group 1066

    A barrel fold with a playful marketing message that that appears as it is unfolded.

  32. Vacuum insulated steel bottle for Vaya.

    22 March 2021
    Vacuum insulated steel bottle for Vaya.

    Inspired by glass carafes traditionally found in Italian cafes, it features a specially designed designed lid which allows pouring from any side, without need for removal.

  33. Slice clock

    2 May 2021
    Slice clock

    Concept No. 9 from About Time, my ongoing investigation of the idiosyncratic relationships we develop with the concept of time:

    Solid Time –Some people imagine time as being three-dimensional, a vast monolith, dense with events, history, experiences. They imagine each year, each month, each week, as solid blocks, smaller measurable... continue reading (0, 1 image)

  34. Boing centerpiece

    1 June 2021
    Boing centerpiece

    Some objects just want to be touched.

  35. Tumbler jackets

    2 August 2021
    Tumbler jackets

    From the series "You Will Never be Able to Buy This": Concepts for tumbler jackets made of mycelium leather, a sustainable "leather" made from mushrooms. I believe that even a tumbler could be smartly dressed, and environmentally aware 😁

  36. Mamma Chair

    15 September 2021
    Mamma Chair

    The mother of all chairs. Wood with velvet-covered silicone breasts. Designed for Surface Magazine/Romeo Gigli exhibition at Milano Fuorisalone.