Interview with Yuko Suzuki
Yuko Suzuki (mole^3) is a Japanese printmaker and visual artist whose work explores the intersection of traditional printmaking and digital media.
Design Legend Interview
22 April 2025
I majored in oil painting and printmaking at university. After graduation, while continuing my printmaking practice, I worked at several design and video production companies.
I haven’t received formal education in design.
I haven’t received formal education in design.
After graduating from university, I wanted to start working right away, and at the time, the design industry seemed like the most accessible path for me.
I never really intended to become a designer, and even now, I don’t consider myself one. I’ve just been taking on the work in front of me, always hoping to learn something new along the way.
I create visuals based on algorithmic approaches and code-driven processes. This is the type of work I’d love to continue exploring and producing more of in the future.
I’m definitely not a legend. (laughs)
Hmm… maybe it’s whether they have a clear and consistent sense of aesthetics.
Perhaps it’s something that doesn’t draw attention to itself — something that goes unnoticed by most people.
I would love to create work that reinterprets the systems and structures of the world, driven by my own curiosity.
I believe success is somewhat random, and there is no secret formula for it.
I constantly keep learning.
I would have become a neuroscientist.
Design feels like something that helps maintain order in the world
The great creators of the past.
Surprising my clients has helped me grow as a designer.
To connect different worlds through design.
I think it's about being close to people and their everyday lives.
I'm currently learning about the history of Japanese art and craftsmanship.
If the design field stays open and humble, I think it can continue to connect with a wide range of disciplines.
My motto is to always invent.
I think it's both.
I think technology is something that expands the way I think and create.
I use a variety of Adobe software, along with programming languages based on Java and JavaScript.
My ideal design partner is a director who is passionate about creating something new together. I believe in co-design.
The person who had the most influence on my works was my boss, who was about ten years older than me, and who mentored me when I was younger. He was an incredible designer. Although I was often scolded by him, I wouldn’t be who I am today without his guidance.
The book that had the most effect on my works is 'Sanshiro' by Natsume Soseki.
It's about paying attention to the details.
The great creators of the past.
Not at all. I was just a kid who spent every day mimicking Ken Shimura (a famous Japanese comedian) and laughing uncontrollably, without giving any thought to becoming a designer.
I don't know. But I believe the essence of being human may remain the same. That is, of course, if humans are still around.
Designer Interview
21 April 2025
I majored in oil painting and printmaking at university. After graduation, while continuing my printmaking practice, I worked at several design and video production companies. I had always wanted to be a printmaker, but as I started learning coding to support my printmaking, I gradually found myself creating video works with code.
I currently work as a freelance visual artist under the name mole^3. My work includes video creation using coding, as well as printmaking and sculpture.
Since I’m not a designer, it’s a bit difficult for me to answer this question. But to me, design feels like something that helps maintain order in the world.
I'm not sure if it can be considered "design," but my favorite is shin-hanga. In Japan, after ukiyo-e, a new genre of woodblock prints called shin-hanga emerged — a movement that blended traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.
It was a book design.
My favorite technologies include coding, which I often use in generative art. I also enjoy working with physical materials like wood.
I often feel most creative when I'm walking.
When I design, I place importance on understanding the client’s needs and solving problems effectively.
I want to make others enjoy it.
I feel happy.
I'm not sure, but maybe sincerity.
I guess it would be whether it’s organized, in many different ways.
I think it’s about not overdoing the appeal.
I’m not sure how exactly it’s evolving, but if more designers learn how to code, it could make things a bit more interesting.
The inspiration for my work comes from a sense of a sense of purpose that comes from within. I maintain my creativity through continuous learning.
My design style is algorithmic and code-based, exploring the balance between chaos and order. I'm drawn to systems that generate beauty through unpredictability.
I work as a freelance artist/designer and take on projects as they come.
Once I’ve decided on a direction, I create a prototype. I make sure to share my work frequently throughout the process.
One of the positives of being a designer is that, in a way, you get to create a new world. It’s a form of shaping reality through ideas and visuals. A downside, though, is that it’s easy to forget that many people in the world don’t really care about design—or even notice it. But maybe that’s the same in any field.
My golden rule in design is: A designer is like a performer.
I think humility is the most important skill.
I don’t manage it, to be honest.
I’m not sure, but I’d say raising a child has been one of the most important experiences.
The most fun part is when I’m thinking of different ideas. Not sure why, though.
I work on my designs by myself.
You can contact me via email at mail@printwithcode.org
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