We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Katsumi Tamura ("KT").
Katsumi Tamura is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Katsumi Tamura Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Katsumi Tamura.
Katsumi Tamura Design - Typeface Calendar
Katsumi Tamura Design - In Bag On Desk Calendar
Katsumi Tamura Design - Pleady Brand Elements and Communication Tools
Designer Interview of Katsumi Tamura:
DI: 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?
KT : I became a designer as I was interested in drawing, making and design since childhood.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
KT : I have 2 design fields ― client works and original products. 4 creators (1 art director, 2 designers, 1 copy writer) belong to my design farm.
DI: What is "design" for you?
KT : Client works are designed based on the concept, “Design for Solutions”. Original products are designed based on the concept, “Life with Design”.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
KT : I love simple and luculent designs, ageless and borderless designs.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
KT : My favorite design is familiar items like stationaries I can reflect the concept, “Life with Design”.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
KT : First of all after establishment, I considered things and values I could supply to my clients.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
KT : Creative works using a paper which have various possibilities.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
KT : I'm always thinking about design.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
KT : My designs focus on making a user happy and affluent.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
KT : I feel satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
KT : I feel happy and pride myself imaging peoples are pleased to use my products.
DI: What makes a design successful?
KT : Innovative designs, moving design with idea and creativity.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
KT : First of all, I consider if the idea or design have existed in society yet, and if they can move peoples.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
KT : Exhibition of the A’design award competition
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
KT : Life, Nature and City etc. ― all thing's shapes and colors surrounding myself.
DI: 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?
KT : I create a new product by switching view angle as usual. My main products are standable calendars and message cards.
DI: 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?
KT : I have been living in Tokyo, Japan. I design with borderless idea regardless of Japanese culture and history.
DI: How do you work with companies?
KT : I manage and direct a team and design work totally.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
KT : It is important to communicate to designers. Because that discovers essence of problems and leads to breakthrough.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
KT : To broaden horizons, consider deeply, and try without fearing failure.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
KT : Subtraction design, not addition design.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
KT : To take an interest in various things. Besides, to get own originality.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
KT : 3 – 6 months per a project
DI: What was your most important job experience?
KT : Corporate communication design
DI: Who are some of your clients?
KT : Representative real estate company, electronics maker and telecommunication company of Japan
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
KT : Design and produce of original products
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
KT : I will increase items of original products, and give delight to many people in the world.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
KT : I have worked as a team member. I manage and direct a team and design work totally.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
KT : I plan to enhance the lineup of original products.
DI: How can people contact you?
KT : I can be contacted at tamura@goodmorning.co.jp.