Yoshimi Sugiyama

Specialized in Photography Design.

Yoshimi Sugiyama

About Yoshimi Sugiyama

Through photographic prints, I try to convey to as many people as possible those thoughts that cannot be conveyed by mere words. Rather, the prints themselves are my words, as well as physical proof of my being. Much of my work is concerned with landscapes, which wield a great deal of spiritual influence over me.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Photography Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Photography
Sacred trees II Photography

Sacred trees II Photography

Photography Design


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Interview with Yoshimi Sugiyama

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?
I have been interested in fashion since I was a child, and I later developed an interest in design. I consider design as a form of art and consider myself as an artist. Art has been, and continues to be, the outlet for my emotion. I did not need to think hard to be an artist, art has been part of my daily life and exited in its natural state.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
It is a professional commercial photography and video production studio located in the south of San Francisco. Creating images for clients to sell and promote products sounds artificial, lifeless, and unspirited, however, I would say our studio is unique in a way. We try to create stories for every product and breathe new life into it in new and exciting ways. We try not to forget to challenge new things.
What is "design" for you?
I consider design as a form of art. I design to create an artwork, whether it be a commercial product image or a fine art book. Art has been part of my daily life and tries to express myself in the form of art. My design and work of art stem from a view or opinion or feeling that I hold within myself.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like to create a work which communicates a message and a story, and most importantly a work which inspires the audience.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
My most favorite designs are my representative works of “sacred tree” series. The design theme is Animism, which is ancient mythology. I am trying to visualize ancient people’s consciousness that “nature is sacred.”
When do you feel the most creative?
When I was able to create an artwork employing different techniques and the image came out exactly how I envisioned it to be. Specifically, when I was able to turn the lifeless images into living beings.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The design must be unique and influential, however, intent or purpose of the design should not be forgotten. I also consider visual design elements and principles such as color, balance, composition, direction, which I believe are the important foundational elements of art.
What makes a design successful?
A successful design begins with a good design concept with solid fundamental knowledge of art and design theory. A successful design should have all such foundational elements of art.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
I will consider a target audience and clear purpose of the design first. The good design should convey influential messages, and yet provide true value for the audience. The lack of understanding of your target audience tends to lead to distrust and disrespect towards the designer/artist himself.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
It is true that art comes in many different forms, and all artists have the right to freedom of artistic expression. It is the greatest things for the designers/artists that they are free to express their thoughts and opinions. At the same time, as a member of global society, the artists/designers are still responsible for showing respects towards different culture, opinions, thoughts, and environment, and not to convey wrong or misleading messages. We should be reminded that the art /design has been key to bringing about positive changes and has a strong power to inspire people in a good way.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
2013 May, Exhibition "Japanese Garden" at The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco The Japan Information Center, USA
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I feel lucky that I get to work on what I love most. I strongly believe that such respect for design, my culture, and nature all develop a creative mind which is becoming my sources of inspirations.

Extended Interview with Yoshimi Sugiyama

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I Studied Fine Art Photography and Commercial Photography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
How did you become a designer?
I love to create things. I feel the joy when I could cast my idea into a formalized shape.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I chose to be a designer, but I did not need to think hard to become a designer. Art has been, and continues to be, part of my daily life. I always enjoyed seeing the greatest works of art from contemporary art to a classic masterpiece. I was inspired to create my own unique works.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I wish to create an art work which communicates a message and a story. The audience does not need to agree with my message, but I wish they enjoy thinking about the message they each get. The greatest art takes a lifetime to understand. I also wish to design more of things I find in my everyday life.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Establish a concept of your art and obtain advanced skills to transform the concept into reality.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A good designer creates a design which is generally accepted. A great designer creates a design which is loved by many timelessly and continuously.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
A good interior design creates attractive and successful working environment. A good product design creates economical value by increasing marketability and prestige. A good fine art and photographic design attract people and raise people’s spirits and lift confidence.
What is your day to day look like?
I desire to create a design for a bigger scale objects, such as a huge wallpaper for home or office. I hope to create a design which will provide a peace of mind, enrich the existing environment, and create a higher qualify of life for people inside the building. The wallpaper will be part of people’s daily life. I also want to create a photographic design for an automobile.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I would like to challenge the integration of fine art and commercial art. I need to develop a good concept but hope to incorporate fine art elements in advertisement design.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Japanese legendary painter, Korin Ogata and a fine art photographer, Michael Kenna.
What is your biggest design work?
Fashion Designers, Automobile Design Firms, Furniture Designers, Architect such as, Alexander McQueen, John Richmond, Giorgetto Giugiaro, Pininfarina, Eames, Isamu Noguchi, Joseph Eishler. Their designs have concepts and are aggressive yet beautiful.
Who is your favourite designer?
My greatest designs are my representative works of “Animism 1 Sacred trees” The design theme is Animism, which is ancient mythology. It makes it great and unique because the works mirror the timeless natural beauty and ancient people’s spirit and consciousness that “nature is sacred.”
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I consider design as a form of art. I design to create an artwork, whether it be a commercial product image or a fine art book. Art has been part of my daily life and tries to express myself in the form of art. My design and work of art stem from a view or opinion or feeling that I hold within myself. Design is a communication tool between me and my audience.

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