Takuya Saeki

Specialized in Mobile Design.

Takuya Saeki

About Takuya Saeki

Raised in Kanagawa, Japan. Graduated in 2002 from a vocational school for design and currently working as a professional designer. He has worked for several design production companies where he was involved in multiple projects. He belonged to KDDI Web Communications as an in-house designer in 2005. During his years working for the company, he was in charge of designing for services such as CPI and Jimdo. He created leaflets, websites, and banner ads for campaigns and other sales promotion tools. He left the company in 2012 to start on his own as a freelance designer. His expertise is in paper-based graphic design, from catalogs, magazine advertising, brochures, to flyers. He has also worked on designing websites and smartphone apps. Although he started off working mainly on paper products, his experience at his former job has made him keen on web-based designs as well. He is good at designing the total project - from planning to the direction. His current interest is to play a role in the internet-related start-up and new business with venture enterprises. And he will provide graphic designs to help you reach your goals, solve your issues, and realize your vision.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Mobile Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Mobile
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Interview with Takuya Saeki

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
My career as a graphic designer began in 2002 when I started working for a graphic design production company.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I have been working independently as a professional freelancer since 2012.
What is "design" for you?
An important element in graphic design is the ability of the design to achieve the objectives and solve the problems required of the production. Flyers and pamphlets are produced to expand product recognition and convey detailed information. The content and approach will vary depending on the distribution method and target audience. Also for websites, if the purpose is to attract new customers and communicate company information, the content, site structure, and contents will differ. Of course, if it is a service website, it is also necessary to be conscious of guiding visitors to the content they are looking for, and of conversion. While it is important to be beautiful and cool, we believe that what we have described above is what is required of the design. I think that being beautiful and cool is one of the necessary items for this purpose, but it is not the most important thing.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I enjoy creating graphic designs for Internet-related businesses and new businesses. They are always taking on challenging initiatives, and many of their businesses and services are ahead of their time.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I like to create corporate websites and user interfaces for web services and smartphone applications. In both cases, I believe that the design of the lead-in line is important, and also that the impression that the user receives from the screen has a great impact on the viewer/user.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
One of the booklets distributed at a small tutoring school in Japan had a page of columns related to the seasons. I designed the entire page spread for it, which I think was the first thing I designed after entering the workforce as a graphic designer. It was around 2002, so I went to the library to research and write the text about eels for the article to be published, and since it was necessary to publish illustrations, I asked an illustrator to I asked an illustrator to do the illustrations for the article, and I also designed the entire paper. Since I was still a fledgling graphic designer at the time, I proceeded with the production while receiving several instructions for revisions from the director several times. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
When do you feel the most creative?
When I see something expressed in a museum or in the pages of a magazine that is beyond my imagination, it stimulates my imagination very much. I ask myself, "How did you come up with this expression?" Why did you choose this expression? When I come into contact with something that I would not have thought of on my own, I am stimulated by the imagination when I think about the way it was expressed. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I believe that achieving objectives, solving problems, and realizing visions are the most important aspects of graphic design production.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
When I am working on a project, I am always asking myself, "Will the product be understandable and operable by the intended viewer? Can they operate it? Are there any parts that are confusing? Is there anything that could cause misunderstanding? Is it not difficult to see? Are there any parts that might cause misunderstandings?
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I am still happy. When I start work on a project, I always have some idea of what it will look like when it is completed, and I am happy when I can see it in a tangible form. Sometimes I wonder, "Did I really make this? I am that happy. That is how happy I am, and I become attached to what I have created.
What makes a design successful?
In the case of graphic design, I think it is important to have a solid understanding of the object to be communicated and to dispel any doubts or doubts about the object within oneself.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
In the case of graphic design, I think that a quick glance at a piece of paper or screen should convey exactly what it is trying to convey. It is not necessary to know all the details, but it is necessary to know what it is trying to convey and what it is communicating. If you can only give an overview of the reservation by taking a closer look, the interest of the intended viewer will quickly fade away.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
In terms of social responsibility, graphic designers need to ensure that the content of the client's message is easily understood by the intended audience, and that there are no misunderstandings or misconceptions.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Compared to the past, smartphones are more widespread and print media are in decline, but graphic design will always be necessary when communicating information, even if the contact medium changes.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
In any case, I think it is to look at various works, go out and experience various things, and participate in events that interest you. It is not a matter of continually looking at or following a particular collection of works, but rather of satisfying one's own interests and curiosities, and the experiences gained will inspire one and become part of one's imagination when creating.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in Tokyo, Japan. This may have an impact on our clients, because in Japan, we are required to provide solid explanations and explanations. However, because of this explanation and commentary, there may be consideration of including information that could be omitted, or there may be more notes to dispel that concern, and we always consult and discuss with our clients about the necessity of such information when we are asked to include it.
How do you work with companies?
Since our main clients are small and medium-sized companies, we may work on a project while talking directly with the CEO, or with the marketing manager or the head of product development.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
I believe that designers who have the skills to explain various matters well are excellent. If you cannot verbalize your thoughts and ideas, you may not be able to explain your design intentions to the client, and you may not be able to keep up with the understanding of unclear points.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
First, we carefully interview the client about the details of the request, the client's intentions, and the background that led to the request. I believe that this hearing is very important because it gives us a sense of the client's desires and the results they are looking for. Based on these hearings, we communicate our understanding and move on to the overall design of the production. There are many more steps to be taken after that, but this is going to be a long story, so I will stop here.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
It is important to see a lot of screens and papers and to be exposed to good works of art, but you should also actively go to actual sites and live venues, such as museums and music concerts. You will have a completely different experience when you actually go to a venue than when you just see it with your eyes, and you will have a different memory and different ideas connected to it. Don't be afraid to put in the effort. If you want to do it, do it. Your efforts will be rewarded. Don't worry if someone says, "I can't do that. It is not you who cannot do such a thing, but the person who says you cannot do it.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Listening, understanding, and being able to verbalize what you are thinking.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Inspiration from my Mac comes from articles distributed from various websites that I get via RSS, which I have been adding and updating for many years. The other thing I do is to go to the bookstore once a week and look at magazines.
What was your most important job experience?
Previously worked as an in-house designer for a rental server company. I believe it has honed my ability to prioritize the information that needs to be posted and the information that needs to be posted.
Who are some of your clients?
Mainly small and medium-sized Japanese Internet service providers
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Basically, I am engaged in production alone. However, for large-scale projects, I sometimes work as a team with another graphic designer whom I have asked several times in the past.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
Released in April 2024, I was in charge of the UI and UX of an iPad business digitization and sales promotion application for owners and employees of beauty salons in Japan. Since it was a new listing, it was an exciting project in which I was in charge of overall UI design production, including the creation of screen transition diagrams, consideration of the content to be included on each screen, UI wireframes, and the creation of the service logo. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
How can people contact you?
Contact me through my website. https://www.smoothandfriendly.com/en You can also contact me through Instagram, that's totally fine. https://www.instagram.com/smoothandfriendly/
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
If I can help you with my design skills, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to working with people from all over the world.

Designer of the Day Interview with Takuya Saeki

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
As of 2024, I have been a graphic designer for 22 years. I have been working as a company employee for 10 years and as a freelancer for 12 years. After graduating from high school, I studied about graphic designers at a technical school.
How did you become a designer?
Ever since I was a child, I have always found flyers and posters difficult to understand. For example, the wording was not consistent, or important information was not written. I thought, "I should have done it better this way. I also liked drawing comics and pictures. After graduating from high school, I studied abroad and tried to become a professional soccer player, but was unsuccessful. After that, when I was thinking about it in agony, I had a cousin who was a designer, and when I heard about it, it sounded interesting. So I became interested and enrolled in a graphic design school to study design.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
We are most conscious of the role and purpose required of that design we are creating. Why are we creating the product? What is the reason? What kind of effect are we looking for after the creation? What effect are you looking for after the creation? Next, who do you want to communicate the product to? In most cases, the target audience will be a group of people of different ages, regions, hobbies, and preferences. In most cases, the product is made for people selected by age, region, interests, tastes, and so on. We create with that communicator in mind. We believe that the wording will be different for adults and for teenagers, and the finished impression must also be different. Finally, can we explain the content of the production? Can you explain the content of the production? Once the purpose of the production and the intended audience are determined, the direction of the finished product will naturally emerge. If you are able to do so, you will be able to explain the necessity of even the smallest line.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
When we actually produce something that we had considered in advance and the production proceeds smoothly due to that consideration, we are still able to proceed in a pleasant and clear minded manner. On the other hand, if something was left out or overlooked in the study, it is necessary to study it again in order to add that element, and that stage is a difficult one. Therefore, when matters that could not be anticipated during the actual production process occur after the review, it can be a painful process to deal with them.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I kept seeing "good things." At the entrance ceremony of a graphic design school, the principal of the school at that time told us that we should keep looking at beautiful and excellent things. He said, "Keep looking at beautiful and excellent things. I think this means that what you experience and experience will always be your food. Therefore, I try to use and choose things that have excellent design and are beautiful in my daily life. I also have the ability to verbalize my thoughts. In graphic design production, there are many opportunities to explain the intention and reason for production. I think it is necessary to have the ability to explain in such cases and to smoothly explain the intention behind the choice of expression. Reading is effective for this purpose.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
We would like to eventually design everything related to the airline. Starting with the airline's logo, website, smartphone app for reservations, various uniforms, service counters, seats inside passenger aircraft, etc. It may not be realistic to design everything related to the airline in question, but I am very interested. Even if I don't get the commission, I would like to produce it during my retirement.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Please make a lot of them. By making them, you will learn how difficult it is to make them. Don't be satisfied with just the information on the screen, but actually go there and experience the works, concerts, and trips. There are many things and experiences that you will not understand unless you go to the field. Keep trying. It is difficult to keep going, but your value will increase if you keep going. Don't do nothing at all, but keep going, even if it's just a little bit. Your efforts will definitely pay off.
What is your day to day look like?
In the mornings, we see and learn about design and a variety of information, as well as progress with thought-provoking content. In the afternoon, I work on production, meetings, and other tasks that require instantaneous judgment. I try to get plenty of sleep.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I try to keep up with the latest design trends. Or rather, if I am constantly following design information, I naturally know what the current trends are. It would be nice if I could immediately test design trends on a project, but it is frustrating when a project does not match.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
It is when there are generally no more hesitations or uncertainties in the production process. When I have a clear understanding of the client's requirements and can see a path to give shape to those requirements, then I can proceed.
What is your biggest design work?
This is a management support and sales improvement iPad app for beauty salons in Japan, released in April 2024. The total size of the app was about 100 to 150 screens, and we read the text provided by the client on how the app would be used. Based on the text, we studied the elements on the still blank screens, created wireframes, built a design system, and reflected the design system. It took a total of nine months to complete the project, which was quite a long time, but we were able to complete it successfully. I was also in charge of creating the logo for the service, which was carried out by a total of five people, including a freelance designer. I was also in charge of design direction.
Who is your favourite designer?
Kashiwa Sato https://kashiwasato.com/ Yugo Nakamura https://tha.jp/
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I am Japanese and live in Tokyo. I love Tokyo. Shibuya in particular has always had a positive influence on me. I have been visiting Shibuya since I was a high school student, so I think it is that influence. It is also a place that is constantly changing, as it is home to some of the most challenging events and stores in Japan. However, there is a strong sense of order there, and no unmanned conduct or behavior is tolerated.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Since the beginning of this year, I am often asked for tips on how to be independent or freelance, and I try to answer positively.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
It was very stimulating to have a third party evaluate my work, which was done from a global perspective. I was also lucky enough to receive a bronze award, so it was good to have my skill level known.

Extended Interview with Takuya Saeki

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
As of 2024, I have been a graphic designer for 22 years. I have been working as a company employee for 10 years and as a freelancer for 12 years. After graduating from high school, I studied about graphic designers at a technical school.
How did you become a designer?
Ever since I was a child, I have always found flyers and posters difficult to understand. For example, the wording was not consistent, or important information was not written. I thought, "I should have done it better this way. I also liked drawing comics and pictures. After graduating from high school, I studied abroad and tried to become a professional soccer player, but was unsuccessful. After that, when I was thinking about it in agony, I had a cousin who was a designer, and when I heard about it, it sounded interesting. So I became interested and enrolled in a graphic design school to study design.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I am a graphic designer. I create UI/UX for advertisements, websites, and smartphone applications. I often create graphic designs related to internet-related businesses and new businesses.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Please make a lot of them. By making them, you will learn how difficult it is to make them. Don't be satisfied with just the information on the screen, but actually go there and experience the works, concerts, and trips. There are many things and experiences that you will not understand unless you go to the field. Keep trying. It is difficult to keep going, but your value will increase if you keep going. Don't do nothing at all, but keep going, even if it's just a little bit. Your efforts will definitely pay off.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
I believe that what is produced is used without any explanation from anyone, or that what is described on paper or screen is understood and used. It would be even better if the design is aesthetically pleasing.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
I don't think there is anything man-made that is not designed. Just as we seek good taste and satisfaction in food and eating, I think it is only natural that people seek superior design and design in the things they use themselves.
What is your day to day look like?
We would like to eventually design everything related to the airline. Starting with the airline's logo, website, smartphone app for reservations, various uniforms, service counters, seats inside passenger aircraft, etc. It may not be realistic to design everything related to the airline in question, but I am very interested. Even if I don't get the commission, I would like to produce it during my retirement.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
I kept seeing "good things." At the entrance ceremony of a graphic design school, the principal of the school at that time told us that we should keep looking at beautiful and excellent things. He said, "Keep looking at beautiful and excellent things. I think this means that what you experience and experience will always be your food. Therefore, I try to use and choose things that have excellent design and are beautiful in my daily life. I also have the ability to verbalize my thoughts. In graphic design production, there are many opportunities to explain the intention and reason for production. I think it is necessary to have the ability to explain in such cases and to smoothly explain the intention behind the choice of expression. Reading is effective for this purpose.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Kashiwa Sato https://kashiwasato.com/ Yugo Nakamura https://tha.jp/
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Please make a lot of them. By making them, you will learn how difficult it is to make them. Don't be satisfied with just the information on the screen, but actually go there and experience the works, concerts, and trips. There are many things and experiences that you will not understand unless you go to the field. Keep trying. It is difficult to keep going, but your value will increase if you keep going. Don't do nothing at all, but keep going, even if it's just a little bit. Your efforts will definitely pay off.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I don't know, I have never imagined it. I'm glad I became a graphic designer and can't think of any other profession I'd rather be in.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
One means to solve problems, achieve objectives, and realize visions.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
All the people who have been involved with me. Clients, wives, family, friends, soccer team members...the list goes on and on.

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