Urban Sketching: The Coffee Cup Art of Adrian Hogan

Tokyo-based illustrator Adrian Hogan has gained significant attention for his unique sketches of Japanese street scenes showcased on disposable coffee cups. His creativity became an Internet sensation when he began sharing videos on social media that displayed his artistic process of rotating illustrated cups to align with the background environment.

“I tend not to be thinking of something else, but what’s in front of me when I draw,” says Hogan.

Hogan credits the idea to his illustrator friend Mariya Suzuki, who held an exhibition called “Coffee People,” documenting cafe life. She invited other artists to draw on coffee cups for the show.

Attracted by contemporary Japanese artists, the Australian first came to Japan five years ago.

The Creative Process

Hogan mentions that it typically takes him about an hour to illustrate a scene on a coffee cup. However, the time varies significantly based on the complexity of the sketch. For instance, capturing a fleeting moment, such as someone striking an interesting pose as they exit the train, can take as little as 30 seconds.

Hogan says he’s influenced by the two-dimensional feel of Japanese illustration. “There’s a flatness to the landscape and architecture here,” he says. “It’s almost like a wallpaper.”

Focus on Tokyo’s Urban Landscape

His artistic endeavors include a project focusing on the front doors of various buildings scattered across Tokyo. Moreover, he often draws inspiration from areas like Omotesando and Ginza. Omotesando serves as a vibrant street fashion hub, while Ginza prominently features older, more elegant locals.

Hogan’s work includes a project sketching the front door of buildings in Tokyo.

The Charm of Older Neighborhoods

Interestingly, Hogan expresses a preference for Tokyo’s older neighborhoods. He states, “I’m drawn to those places because they’ve a lot of characters, history and people are often very friendly and interested in talking to you.”

Hogan sometimes draws Tokyo’s Omotesando and Ginza areas. Omotesando is a hot street fashion spot while Ginza is the place to see older and more elegant locals.

Connecting Through Art

Hogan has adeptly utilized his illustrations as a means of communication with locals, particularly during his initial time in Japan as an English teacher. He discovered that his drawings significantly aided in conveying messages more clearly to his students. Furthermore, while traveling to regions where he may not be proficient in the local language, Hogan fills sketchbooks with diagrams that help explain his origins and what he is looking to find.