Kino Key Notes:
Mateusz Urbanowicz
Mateusz Urbanowicz is an apt name for the Polish artist who is famous for drawing urban landscapes. Even though Urbanowicz is known for his unique style of artwork, one of his true talents is a keen eye. Armed with a camera and touring the streets of Tokyo, Mateusz would look for fascinating settings that are easily overlooked by the average tourist or passerby. In other words, the artist searches for scenes of intense character. While Mateusz continues to inspire fellow artists everywhere, find out what makes him so special.
For those interested, please click here for books by Urbanowicz
Hobby or Profession?
Growing up, Mateusz Urbanowicz could always be found scribbling or painting. Unfortunately, during that time in Poland, art wasn’t considered a profession that could be taken seriously according to Urbanowicz. Once of age, he decided that it would be more productive and realistic to study subjects related to electronic engineering in order to make ends meet. Urbanowicz decided to take Computer Graphics as it was the closest field that could teach digital methods also used in art. Image compression, codecs, typography, and programming were learned during his studies. Not exactly art, but it was enough to provide Mateusz with enough artistic experience while also focusing on a so-called “proper” career.
Chance is what ultimately forced Urbanowicz to take on a new trajectory. Chance, and a major brand of the industry, Wacom. Wacom is known as a pioneer and standard for interactive pen displays. Mateusz was heavily interested in one of their new tablets presented at a Wacom event. While demonstrating the tablet’s capabilities to a friend with a demo pad, Wacom’s team took interest due to a crowd gathering to view his talents. These interactions persuaded Mateusz to finally pursue a career in art, and it was no longer considered just a hobby.
After graduating from Polish Japanese Institute of Information Technology, Urbanowicz also finished graduate studies for a more relevant focus of animation at Kobe Design University. Once again, chance took the initiative when internationally famous animator/filmmaker Makoto Shinkai visited Kobe for a lecture. While practicing replicating Makoto Shinkai’s previous works, Urbanowicz rushed to finish a personal project to show Shinkai. Not only was he willing to view Urbanowicz’s project, but he was also so impressed with the work that he invited Urbanowicz to Tokyo as a background artist!
Reimagining Life in Japan
Mateusz learned humility in Japan. He learned to adapt with others in massively successful studios by working on projects like Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name and Weathering with You under the studio CoMix Wave Films. Urbanowicz work began speaking volumes to the industry, giving way to opportunities for interviews, tv spots, anime, and commercials. This eventually led to his ability to thrive with freelance work partly fueled by Patreon.
Making of “Tokyo Storefronts” Book
You may typically find the young artist viewing the aforementioned urban landscapes and taking personal photos. In fact, NHK Japan approached Urbanowicz for an episode of their docuseries, Japanology Plus. In the episode, Host Peter Barakan steered the conversation towards the difficulties of being an artist during the times of COVID-19 quarantines. This recommended interview provided much insight into the life of Mateusz Urbanowicz and his talented wife, Kana. Between his helpful and inspiring Youtube channel, discussing artistic methods with his wife, and working on art books, the two have had a healthy amount to keep them occupied.
The Artworks of Mateusz Urbanowicz
Mateusz Urbanowicz has already had two art books published. The beauty of masterfully crafted, Tokyo Storefronts and the equally fascinating Tokyo at Night. These two works have further propelled the artist’s career and motivated Mateusz to work on another project. His upcoming work may involve reimagining settings and scenes of Tokyo into a more pleasant sight.
Both books are bilingual.
Exclusive variant cover of Tokyo Storefronts depicting Kinokuniya Bookstore in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Kinokuniya Bookstore - Shinjuku, Tokyo
Working with Kinokuniya Bookstore
We were honored in the past with Urbanowicz creating an exclusive variant cover of Tokyo Storefronts depicting our flagship store in Shinjuku, Tokyo! Kinokuniya Special edition can be purchased here, and available while supplies last.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about this thriving artist! You can learn even more through Mateusz Urbanowicz's Official Website, or introduce yourself to the equally talented Kana Urbanowicz. See links below to enjoy their work.
