Interviews with Jaimie Ota

I created the table thinking of how I could challenge its traditional construction. When we initially think of a table we see a flat tabletop with four legs. This is the basic form of how we imagine its support. Instead of supporting it at its corners, why don’t we play with placement and shape. I also thought of my interaction with tables as well. I thought of times that I would stub my toes against the corners. This played a huge role in the unique features of Vadr.

My main focus was to create a functional piece of art. I wanted the design to be aesthetically pleasing, a conversation starter and useful. I wanted to achieve a sensible design that had some quirk, but was not too flashy for a more conservative user.

I would like to put the design into production. I have received feedback on the design and it seems to be received well.

I would say the design developed over a few weeks. It was created for a school project so I was provided a deadline.

I designed this concept because it was a culmination of my skill and interests in design features. I wanted it to have a modern approach, a play on lines and angles, dimension, function and to be considerable for many users. I wanted it to be appealing to many. It needed to be refined, but approachable. It needed to be thoughtful in design, but also make people think of how to use it. It is quite an experience when you see people interact with it. You get a completely different view from all angles of it. It is special because it’s the first table I have ever made myself. It started as a school project for a fun sketch modeling class, with a great instructor, Andrew Putman from Academy of Art University.

I would like to put the design into production. I would like to produce the work myself because it would have a personal touch.

I designed this furniture piece because it was an assignment. I felt nervous about the project, but everything leading me up to that moment had prepared me enough. I have studied design for many years and applied my knowledge.

I would say that I am very fond of mid-century modern design. The Eameses are a huge inspiration to me. They have utilized plywood in a number of techniques. They created many pieces that are recognized and continue to withstand the test of time.

I would say the customers would be ranging from age 30-40’s. They appreciate design, but may have limited space for a table. Since this is a coffee table it would work well for small apartments.

I don’t believe this design would be seen anywhere. It is a combination of inspirations and features unique to me. It’s defining and distinctful because it’s a table that will avoid potential toe-stubbing, it looks different from all angles and it has functional features.

The name, Vadr, is derived from the Dutch word “vader” which means “father”. I do not come from Dutch descent; I am Japanese. I found as I designed the table it had a likeness to a feature on a well-known character in a sci-fi movie franchise. I won’t say more about that, but I also have another reason. It is dedicated to my father. I created this along with his guidance and his tips on woodworking. He was a handyman by his own right and could fix a lot of things. This table is a part of a memory where my father witnessed my capabilities and realized what I could create. He understood my passion for design and the pursuits. I lost him before I received the award. This is for you Daddy-O.

I made my sketches in AutoCAD and also constructed a prototype. The prototype was successful and it quickly transitioned to plywood.

I would say there are two unique aspects. One, is the line of neatly arranged slats across the front of the table. I wanted this coffee table to consider organization of coffee table books, it can be used as a bookshelf to display your favorite books or show off some collectibles. Two, is the arrangement of the legs. I wanted users to avoid hitting their toes at the supports. I also wanted to support the table in an unconventional way.

As for the guidance and feedback from my class and instructor, and also my father, I made the design with what was taught up to that point. I have had experience with woodworking tools. I owe this to my previous work experiences.

I receive emails about information within the industrial design community. One of the emails sent notice about the design competition. I didn’t think about entering, at the time, because I did not feel I was ready to compete. Months later, I was contacted directly by a representative suggesting I nominate two of my works. My table was not among the suggested. I took the initiative to submit 3 projects total. By chance, the one that was not mentioned won.

I learned more about the material and the supplies I worked with. This was also my first time competing in an international design competition. The whole journey has been interesting. I have learned not to be so hesitant in showing others my design. I gained a newfound confidence.

I have always had creative interests, but I have to give credit to my mother. She would always be making some sort of craft. She would make clothes, create art projects for me, she would knit or croquet; she always utilized her creativity and demonstrated her knowledge. When I was a kid, I used to draw on the walls of my house and put stickers on all my possessions and she would never scold me for expressing myself. She passed down her creative gifts. My interests carried into my adolescence, but I did not formally study art and design until I was in college. No one in my family has a college degree in the arts, so I went down this path without much guidance. I studied for years at a community college to complete my general education and figure out what direction I want to go down. I took a few classes with an instructor who introduced me to a different type of art that was not illustration, graphics, or painting. He introduced me to Product Design and that intrigued me. Once my time came to transfer I wanted to be a part of a program that involved many parts of the arts. I studied at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles for Visual Communications. Upon completing my studies of that program, I was offered an internship to be a part of a company that designed and created props for famous retailers. That job led me to another job at a different company, but in the same field. I began to feel a desire for change. I reflected on my experience and reevaluated my career direction. I wanted to explore my past interest in Product Design and decided to enroll at Academy of Art University for Industrial Design. I did not make the decision lightly and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

I am currently a student that craves more knowledge. I do not have a company or studio, but I hope to work and learn under such disciplines to get to know design and business better.

Design is everywhere. It brings interest, awareness, stimulates the senses, and provides information to all aspects of life. It is communication or a visual language that is changing constantly. Design evolves by the connection of ideas created. It is also the product of history, stories, experiences, goals and passion.

I like designing household products. I have great interest in furniture design and cookware.

My favorite design I have created is called Vadr. It was my first project to create a table. I made a table and my father gave me tips and feedback along the way. My father didn’t quite understand my passion for design but he was supportive. It’s a sentimental memory where he viewed my creative process and work. He was able to understand my passion and that’s why it is called Vadr, as in “vader” which is Dutch for “father”. It is also from one of my favorite movies.

The first thing I designed for a company were ideas for props to be used at a retail trade show. The trade show was being held in Las Vegas and the company I was working for was going to feature their capabilities at their own booth. It was exciting to be a part of something professional that would get a lot of exposure. I was happy and it was fulfilling to be on that team. The work was fun and memorable.

I feel the most creative when I am cooking. I had heard many people say that the best idea comes in the shower, but for me it is when I am making food. I am highly motivated by it. I also get into a zone when I cook, I focus and cook with love. That passionate state brings out some of my best ideas.

I love the ideation phase. It is typically the initial stage of the design process. I feel free and not limited to certain ideas. This stage is free flowing without judgment. The boldest concepts are created here.

I feel empathetic and intellectual. I want to create a design that is for the people. I don't want to design what I want and benefit only me. I hope that people understand my direction, but they aren’t forced to like it. I also feel intellect because it is where I feel like I do critical thinking in ways some people may not understand. I have to think outside of the box so that my designs make sense. It’s a lot of thinking.

I can be shy when I receive approval. I am the hardest critic on myself and feel like I can always improve. Sometimes I feel proud, but am a little insecure because I tend to pick at minor details.

I believe delivery is important. The process of design can be a mess, complicated and troublesome, but the end result is the fruit of the labor. It is important to see how the work is received and how it connects with the audience. I also think integrity counts and it shows through the presentation of the product.

Presentation is always the main impression from a design. It reveals the professional level, care and management of the design process, and the heart of a project.

The designer has the ability to be a part of a movement that can revolutionize a change. I think designers often have the moral capabilities to make decisions in ways that their gifts allow. Creativity and design allows us to address and solve concerns in ways some people cannot visualize. Designers also have access to information and the knowledge on how to solve issues through their resources.

Design is always evolving aesthetically, culturally and technologically. Style is defining and there is visual appeal that everyone can be drawn to. Culturally, traditions can maintain design, but as communities evolve, they draw attention to what is relevant with the present time. Through technology we can improve efficiency through the design process. So much is available at our convenience. We can deliver creativity in quickened and accessible manner.

I find inspiration through my experiences. Visually I draw attention to small details. I can be interested in the formation of a plant, or a silhouette of the edge of a car design and develop something from it. I feed off of forms from nature and my personal experiences. I fuel my creativity by seeing what is already done and thinking of how I can make my ideas stand out. It’s an exercise and a battle.

My design style is derived from my culture. It is based on my experience as a second generation Japanese raised in Los Angeles. I grew up spending much of my youth around a Asian Americans in an equally predominant area of Latinos. I have Asian influences running through my designs. I also design with care and compassion which is something that carried through from my upbringing.

I live in East Los Angeles, California in the U.S. I truly believe my designs are influenced by my heritage. I would be designing completely different things if I were raised in Japan than in the U.S. Coming from an Asian community, there are standards and responsibilities that are expected in different aspects of life. There is a respect that needs to be carried on to our work.

Please contact me through email jaimieota20@gmail.com.