Designer Interview
28 questions
We created our own toy at an early age. We were not a wealthy family, so we were not given expensive toys. Instead, we made our own crafts and made what we wanted. Our creations originated in our childhood.
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?
We created our own toy at an early age. We were not a wealthy family, so we were not given expensive toys. Instead, we made our own crafts and made what we wanted. Our creations originated in our childhood.
When I was in high school, I was impressed by the concept of a mobile phone designed by Mark Newson and wanted to be a designer myself.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
We are ATOKA DESIGN STUDIO . We are a two-person design unit formed in 2018. . Masashi Yamanaka is an industrial designer for an outdoor manufacturer and Kaori Osawa designer at Panasonic Connected Solutions Co., Ltd.
What is "design" for you?
Design is about “Making the soul better”
Socrates said.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like products that make you feel nature, and I want to make products with nature as a theme.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
We love the designs Mark Newson makes, we instinctively fall in love with them.
When do you feel the most creative?
I think we're always creative when we're both talking.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The concept. There is no need to create a new product that already exists in the world.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I'm always care about whether my ideas are right or not.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I feel like you I am a genius, but after an hour, I forget about it.
What makes a design successful?
A good partner and passion. I think these two things are especially important.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Think about whether this design will make someone happy.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Designers are leaders of the environment. Our ideas sometimes pollute the environment, but we need to achieve a design that is more than worth it.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Trends change, but human nature does not. We want love, even if the city is full of robots and cars are flying in the sky.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
We camp for the weekend and get inspired by nature. And sometimes Pinterest.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
Kawaii with warmth. We are always on the lookout for lovely forms.
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?
In Tokyo, Japan. Japan is an island rich in nature, but when we living in Tokyo, we forget that we are living on the island.
How do you work with companies?
We communicate with companies like friends and move forward with the project.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Choose a designer who understands the business. A designer who thinks of design as his art work will not bring in profits.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
We argue about ideas every day. Others will see us as fighting with each other.
But questioning and rejecting our ideas is essential to creating a better design.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
We are young designers and we want advice.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
The positives are that my work will remain after I am gone. The bad part is that I won't be rich man.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Passion is the most important thing.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
We always fighting against a deadline.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
About a month.
Who are some of your clients?
Electrical appliance and tableware manufacturers
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I want to work outside of Japan. Let's work with us!
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
We work as a team.
How can people contact you?
I don't have a website yet, so you can contact me through my Instagram or my email adress.
IG: masa_yamc
MAIL: micro498@gmail.com
