Kato USA
Overview
Kato USA is a model train company. As a Graphic Designer, I work closely with the Marketing Communications Manager on the creative projects at the company, from social media content creation, catalog design, to other printed marketing materials. Additionally, I have led the redesign of the annual merchandise catalog, which, through my efforts, improved its cohesion from previous incarnations.
Role
Graphic Designer
Active
2024 - Present
Marketing | Social Media Content Design | Adobe Illustrator | Adobe Photoshop | Photography | Editing | Catalog Design
Catalog Design
One of the biggest projects I have worked on is redesigning the entirety of the annual Kato catalog, a yearly publication listing all the latest and old models that Kato sells. As the lead in this project, my primary goal was to improve the quality and consistency of the design elements while maintaining the core design aspects of the yearly publication.
As you can see from the example, there were originally many different applications of typography. Some text was smaller, and sometimes was longer in length. However, I felt that this original design made it less functional and less cohesive as a design system, so I aimed to fix this.
The Newly Renovated Design
I rehauled the design and now it's far more consistent. While applications of photos can vary, the catalog is far more digestible to view. Another great example from the catalog is also included below.
Content Creation
Photo Editing
With editing, I go through a lengthy process of cutting out the train models, as well as editing the train models including color retouching and smudge and dirt removal. This has ensured that all the train models we showcase are perfect for demonstration.
Before
Model Redesign on Photoshop
Occasionally, we need to upload photos of real-life models for social media but do not have access to them for various reasons. So, I will do my magic and photoshop the designs of the models as needed. A great example is the one below. The original model is a P42 from a previous release, and then I photoshopped it to be the current Phase VII design. Remarkable, right?
Original Model
Photoshopped Version
Original Model
Photoshopped Model
