Artist · Founder
I began to paint over The New York Times, almost as if to erase the news with nature, and that kept me sane.
The article profiles Brooklyn-based artist Sho Shibuya and his ongoing project painting over The New York Times front pages. What began as a lockdown ritual has evolved into a daily practice exploring emotion, news, and nature through minimalist compositions. The piece reflects on his process, influences, and the discipline of treating creativity as a daily habit.
Written by Danielle Pender for It’s Nice That, this opinion piece explores how creative rituals can help designers and artists escape the echo chamber of repetitive visual culture. It argues that slowing down, developing personal routines, and reconnecting with one’s own instincts are essential to restoring originality and depth in creative work. The article contrasts the homogenization of global aesthetics and the rise of AI-generated imagery with the grounding power of daily creative practices.
The Brand Identity highlights Placeholder’s visual identity for Crown Affair, a slow-paced haircare brand founded by Dianna Cohen. Led by Sho Shibuya, the design emphasizes tactility and calm through soft-green recyclable packaging, a custom typeface by Grilli Type, and bespoke paper materials by Colophon. The identity reflects the brand’s ‘Take Your Time’ mantra and commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship.