Tabineko Illustration: A Unique Calendar Bringing Joy to Cat Lovers

Bringing the Seasons to Life with Toshinori Mori's Art

When Mori decided to create a calendar, he wanted to capture the landscapes he encountered during his bicycle rides. However, he felt that something was missing. That's when he decided to add his own cat to the illustrations, resulting in the delightful Tabineko series.

The Tabineko illustration calendar stands out from others due to its ability to transport cats into everyday scenes. As viewers gaze at the illustrations, they can't help but imagine their own feline friends freely exploring their neighborhoods. Each illustration is meticulously crafted to reflect the changing seasons, with flowers, mountains, plants, and weather elements carefully depicted to evoke the unique atmosphere of each month.

The process of creating the Tabineko calendar is a labor of love. Mori handcrafts each calendar, cutting and attaching the prints to the backing paper with precision. He adjusts and prints the illustrations multiple times until he is satisfied with the vibrant colors that bring the artwork to life. The materials used for the calendar, including the stopper, are made of paper and can be discarded as burning garbage. The calendar can be used as a wall calendar or a desk calendar, thanks to the included stand.

The Tabineko illustration series includes not only calendars but also postcards and art posters. These items can be purchased on platforms like Etsy, as well as at private exhibition venues in Tokyo and Nagaoka, where Mori showcases his captivating illustrations.

The Tabineko series made its debut at a group exhibition in Tokyo in 2011 and has been continuously produced by Mori at his home in Nagaoka, Japan, until March 2020. The illustrations are created using Adobe Illustrator, with Mori drawing inspiration from his favorite bicycle rides and his own cats as models. The colors and plants are carefully selected to evoke the feeling of each season, and paper shading is added to eliminate any digital slickness.

Mori faced challenges during the creation process, particularly when it came to achieving the desired colors. He would print dozens of sheets until he achieved the perfect saturation and hue. However, his old printer posed a problem as it ran out of ink, making it difficult to reproduce the same colors. Despite these challenges, Mori's dedication and attention to detail shine through in each illustration.

The Tabineko Illustration series has garnered recognition for its creativity and ingenuity. In 2020, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award celebrates designs that showcase technical and creative excellence while contributing to the improvement of quality of life.

With its captivating illustrations and unique concept, the Tabineko Illustration series by Toshinori Mori brings joy and a touch of nature into the lives of cat lovers around the world. Whether adorning a wall or serving as a desk calendar, these illustrations are sure to brighten any space and evoke a sense of wonder and happiness.