Atsushi Kobayashi

Interview with Atsushi Kobayashi

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?

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.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I currently prefer to create interactive designs combining technologies and visual beauty. I want visitors to enjoy my installations.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

It was UI designs for broadcasting video systems when I was a new employee at Japanese tv station.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

Phidget is a physical representation or implementation of a GUI widget. These products are pretty powerful for making interactive installations.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel it is the most creative process when I am building concepts.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

I focus more on concept building and designing visitors' experience.

What makes a design successful?

I would say design should be understandable to anyone. How visitors react or interact with designs are fundamental parts to be successful design.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Great design stays up-to-date, but good design may loses its connections with current viewers.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

I would say designer should think of making lives better, more creative and beautiful.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

I think there will be no border between design field and technology field. Both evolve with deep relationship.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

My exhibition is still running in downtown Los Angeles until August 2019. I want to exhibit my installations in New York next.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

I always try new experience. That works for me to come up with design inspiration and creativity.

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?

The main characteristic of my installation is interactiveness. I focus on visitors' experience and design it to make visitors enjoy my installations.

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?

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.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

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.

Can you describe a day in your life?

I always try new experience. I like going to art museums, new restaurants and other countries and get inspiration for my creativity.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

See a lot of good designs and understand what kind of design you like. And make your own design standard.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

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.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

Derivative TouchDesigner / Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop / Autodesk Maya

What was your most important job experience?

Working for promotion events for Hollywood movies with talented colleagues in LA. I could learn new technologies for entertainment industries.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

I currently prefer to create interactive installations combining technologies and visual beauty. I want visitors to enjoy my installations.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

I will apply for international art festival, exhibitions and competitions.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

It's depends on the projects but I think anyone who has different expertise than I have may make a good design partner.

Designer of the Day Interview with Atsushi Kobayashi

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

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.

How did you become a designer?

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.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

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.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

Brainstorming is the most fun part of the design process to me, because I like discovering new possibilities. They thrills me

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

I want to work on art pieces which can be exhibited in contemporary museums.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

See a lot of good designs and understand what kind of design you like. And establish your design standard.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

Try new things, find new inspiration and keep myself up to date.

What is your day to day look like?

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.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

My design and inspirations are often related to technology. So I am always trying to keep up with new gadgets and new experiences.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

Great design stays up-to-date. I assume simplicity and long life matter in every design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

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.

What is your biggest design work?

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.

Who is your favourite designer?

It is totally different style from my work, but I really impressed with Zaha Hadid's architectures.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

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.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

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.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

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.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

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.

Extended Interview with Atsushi Kobayashi

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

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.

How did you become a designer?

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.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I currently prefer to create interactive designs combining technologies and visual beauty.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

See as many good designs as possible. And find your personal design style.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

Great design stays up-to-date, but good design may loses its connections with current viewers.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

I really impressed with Zaha Hadid's architecture even though it is strikingly different from my designs.

What is your biggest design work?

Zaha Hadid's architectures are amazing. Her designs grab people's attention and hold it.