Interview with Atsushi Kobayashi
Atsushi Kobayashi is a creative technologist who unites sound, mechanical and visuals. He creates installations that inspire audiences through immersive experiences.
Designer of the Day Interview
28 May 2019
I have been in the design industry for 15 years. I started my career as a computer graphic engineer. After four years, I worked as a VFX artist for three years, then I worked as a graphic designer. Integrating all these careers, I am now working as a creative director especially for interactive promotion events.
When I watched the movie "Terminator 2", I decided to become a CG designer. For an elementary school kid, watching that epoch-making movie set my intention. And then I decided to become a computer science major.
First, I do in-depth research for the theme to create a core concept. Then depending on the concept, I come up with some keywords or key colors that express that concept. When designing, I usually make hand drawing first before using digital tools.
Brainstorming is the most fun part of the design process to me, because I like discovering new possibilities. They thrills me
Concentration, patience, meticulousness.
I want to work on art pieces which can be exhibited in contemporary museums.
See a lot of good designs and understand what kind of design you like. And establish your design standard.
Try new things, find new inspiration and keep myself up to date.
I test new devices like sensors lasers and motors everyday. Such testing may not seems like designer's work, but through testing I come up with new possibilities for my art works and that I never had before.
My design and inspirations are often related to technology. So I am always trying to keep up with new gadgets and new experiences.
Great design stays up-to-date. I assume simplicity and long life matter in every design.
It is always a tough decision. To be honest, the design is ready. when time is up. So I think scheduling is also a part of creative process.
I am currently working on upcoming art installation event. It is my first personal work in Los Angeles. The venue is huge building in downtown and other great international artists are also exhibiting their art works. This is a challenging project but I am so excited.
It is totally different style from my work, but I really impressed with Zaha Hadid's architectures.
Currently I am an LA-based artist, but originally I am from Tokyo. I have experienced exciting parts of both cultures and have been deeply affected by them.
I like collaborating with other artists that have different specialties. I can learn new design perspectives from them, which bring new dimensions to my designs.
I exhibited at a local art festival in Japan as a volunteer. Local attendees really liked our installation and I enjoyed communicating with them. I am also planning to sponsor art workshops for kids.
It is a great honor to win the A’ Design Award bronze prize. Design awards such as A’ Design Award validate our efforts, giving an international stage which can provide me more opportunities to create future art works.
Design Legend Interview
28 May 2019
I really like drawing and went to private art classes since I was 6 years old. Then I majored in and got a master's degree in computer science. And after starting work as a computer graphics designer at TV ASAHI, I lfocused more on graphic design.
I know that if I create good designs, many people will see my works and this always motivates me. I am hoping future generations can still see and enjoy my creations.
I chose to become a designer.
I currently prefer to create interactive designs combining technologies and visual beauty.
See as many good designs as possible. And find your personal design style.
Great design stays up-to-date, but good design may loses its connections with current viewers.
Simplicity.
Because good design make people's life style better.
Architecture.
Sports stadium.
Inspiration from new experience.
I really impressed with Zaha Hadid's architecture even though it is strikingly different from my designs.
Zaha Hadid's architectures are amazing. Her designs grab people's attention and hold it.
Interactiveness really matters when I design my installations.
Try new things, find new inspiration and keep myself updated.
A Producer or director related to art.
Design is what makes our life better.
All the people who has the same spirit as mine.
Great designs around me.
I worked as a maintenance engineer for several years which would not be a creative life in long term, but I learned many new techniques which now I use in my installations.
According to their own style.
I am currently working on an upcoming art installation event. It is my first solo work in Los Angeles. The venue is a huge mixed-use building in downtown LA and other international artists will also be exhibiting their art works there. This is a challenging project but I am so excited about it.
To leave my works to future generations.
To keep designing for a better life.
It makes our life easier.
Upcoming installation event with international artists.
I most enjoyed collaborating on the promotion event for LEGO MOVIE 2 which was held in Hollywood, California, February 2019.
I would like to see more diverse designs included in every part of the design industry.
I guess it is going to more technology side.
It is depends on the project but usually a month.
It also depends on the projects, but basically I begin with the concept building.
Keep myself updated!
I think there is both possibility. But there is a fact that design sets the trends on long range plan in many industries.
Technology enable me to realize and materialize my concepts.
Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/After Effects
Derivative TouchDesigner
Autodesk Maya
Derivative TouchDesigner
Autodesk Maya
They help to harmonize my concepts with a given environment.
I appreciate any kind of questions.
It is random but mostly in relaxing time after brainstorming.
Anyone who has different expertise than I have may make a good design partner, but we must clarify each person's responsibilities before starting the project.
My family, an art teacher, a senior colleague.
It is not a particular book but I like checking design annual.
Keeping trying new experience.
I would like to see Japanese Ukiyo-e artists who were working in the 17th through 19th centuries.
Fame does not matter to me, but I do want many people to see my designs.
I like black and white. I love traveling to many different destinations, trying new foods and drinking, and enjoying new experiences.
Occasionally a client has had strange preference. For our installation, one client commissioned new artistic music from a composer that we were collaborating with, but in the end, he chose a free pop music from SoundCloud instead of the new music. We got a press interview at the opening day, but we couldn't answer why we chose the music.
Keeping exploring new experience.
I was not sure at that time, but I really liked drawing and went to private art classes since I was 6 years old.
I want a world with no war and sadness.
I would like to keep making unique installations.
Designer Interview
14 July 2019
When I was 12 years old, I watched the movie "Terminator 2". For a elementary school kid, that epoch-making movie had enough reason to make life decision at that time. And then I decided to go to computer science major.
I started my career as a computer graphic engineer. I learned VFX technique and graphic design skills as well. Making use of these my careers, I am currently working for experiential promotion events.
I started my career as a computer graphic engineer. I learned VFX technique and graphic design skills as well. Making use of these my careers, I am currently working for experiential promotion events.
Design makes our lives better, more creative and beautiful.
I currently prefer to create interactive designs combining technologies and visual beauty. I want visitors to enjoy my installations.
It was UI designs for broadcasting video systems when I was a new employee at Japanese tv station.
Phidget is a physical representation or implementation of a GUI widget. These products are pretty powerful for making interactive installations.
I feel it is the most creative process when I am building concepts.
I focus more on concept building and designing visitors' experience.
zeal, passion
I feel satisfied.
I would say design should be understandable to anyone. How visitors react or interact with designs are fundamental parts to be successful design.
Great design stays up-to-date, but good design may loses its connections with current viewers.
I would say designer should think of making lives better, more creative and beautiful.
I think there will be no border between design field and technology field. Both evolve with deep relationship.
My exhibition is still running in downtown Los Angeles until August 2019. I want to exhibit my installations in New York next.
I always try new experience. That works for me to come up with design inspiration and creativity.
The main characteristic of my installation is interactiveness. I focus on visitors' experience and design it to make visitors enjoy my installations.
I am currently living in Los Angeles. There is no cultural heritage here but many events related to arts and technologies happens. And there are many chances for artists. This environment affects my creative inspiration.
At first, I am doing in-depth research for the theme to make a core concept. According to the concept I come up with some key words or key colors. For design I mostly start with hand drawing.
I always try new experience. I like going to art museums, new restaurants and other countries and get inspiration for my creativity.
See a lot of good designs and understand what kind of design you like. And make your own design standard.
I would say design should be understandable to anyone, no matter what their education, age or nationality. And interactiveness of a design is also key factor to me. How visitors react or interact with designs are fundamental parts of my designing work.
Communication skills
Derivative TouchDesigner / Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop / Autodesk Maya
Most of the case it takes a month or two months.
How to come up with the concept for my installations.
Working for promotion events for Hollywood movies with talented colleagues in LA. I could learn new technologies for entertainment industries.
I currently prefer to create interactive installations combining technologies and visual beauty. I want visitors to enjoy my installations.
I will apply for international art festival, exhibitions and competitions.
It's depends on the projects but I think anyone who has different expertise than I have may make a good design partner.
Exhibition at a gallery in Los Angeles.
Email or Instagram. atsushi_kb