Today we’d like to introduce you to Eri Hamada.
Hi Eri, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Aomori, Japan, in a very artistic family—my mother a painter and my father an architectural designer—which sparked my love for creativity from an early age. I studied at Osaka University of Arts and later moved to the U.S., where I earned my MBA while building experience in product and packaging design.
In 2019, I received a Gold Medal at the Los Angeles International Wine Design Competition for my sake label design, which was a turning point in my career. Today, as CEO of TSUKI Creative Collective, I specialize in product label and packaging design, bringing ideas to life in ways that connect with customers and add soul to every project.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Moving from Japan to the United States came with big challenges—language, cultural differences, and the pressure of starting over in a new environment. At times, it was overwhelming to adapt while also trying to prove myself as a designer.
But each struggle shaped me and gave me resilience. Learning to communicate across cultures and building connections despite the differences taught me not just about design, but also about people. Those challenges pushed me to grow, and they continue to inspire the creativity and dedication I bring into my work today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in product and packaging design, with a strong focus on label design for Japanese sake. I’ve collaborated with sake companies such as SakeOne to create labels that are not only visually appealing but also connect with customers on the shelf. One of my proudest achievements is a sake label that went on to sell very successfully—it’s rewarding to see design directly contribute to sales.
More recently, I’ve started creating children’s coloring books for Amazon. I especially enjoy developing unique characters, and I hope many people will come to know my work under my name, Eri Hamada.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend traditional Japanese artistry with modern design sensibilities, resulting in labels that embody cultural authenticity while maintaining strong market appeal.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe luck has played both good and bad roles in my journey. Moving to a new country came with challenges that sometimes felt like bad luck—language, cultural differences, and setbacks along the way. But at the same time, I’ve been very fortunate to meet the right people at the right moments, and to have opportunities to showcase my work.
Winning an award for my sake label design, for example, felt like a combination of hard work and good luck aligning. I see luck as something that opens the door, but it’s dedication and persistence that allow me to walk through it.
Pricing:
- Custom label design packages: starting at $2000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tsukicreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsuki_creative_collective/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinugent/
Image Credits
This will be just my name.
Eri Nugent Hamada / TSUKI Creative Collective
