We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative OTAKA NORIKO ("ON").
I’ve been working for the design of leather products for 30 years. I am also teaching about product designs at a crafts school in Toyooka-shi where has 70% shares of manufacturing of bags. As a designer, I’ve been working with craftsmen with good relationship. For let people know about the unique and high quality products, we have to entry this AWARD & COMPETITION. Of course, the nominating means a lot for us.
OTAKA NORIKO Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by OTAKA NORIKO.
OTAKA NORIKO Design - TPH Cypress Tissue Paper Holder
OTAKA NORIKO Design - TPH Tissue Paper Holder
OTAKA NORIKO Design - TPH Tissue Paper Holder
Designer Interview of OTAKA NORIKO:
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?
ON : Majored in graphics at university. During college, I was making copperplate engraving and lithograph works. In addition, I was interested in space design and focused on architecture lectures. I chose to work as a bag designer who is interested in the material leather and emphasizes the appearance in a small space.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
ON : I work as a freelance designer. We also manufacture and sell products that we designed.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
ON : I would like to make use of the characteristics of the materials and think about designs that utilize the skills of craftsmen. Of course, after considering the user.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
ON : Wallet for men.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
ON : When I wake up from a light dawn, I get the most creative idea.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
ON : I focus on thinking as simple as possible.
DI: What makes a design successful?
ON : We think that the design will be completed when the concept of materials, materials, and manufacturing facilities are all connected.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
ON : The things I design are made by craftsmen. It is important to be able to contribute to the transfer of craftsmanship. We also think that it is important to select the material in consideration of the environment and workers.
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?
ON : I am born and live in Tokyo. The environment is affecting me a lot. This environment, where things overflow and are often thrown away, has created the origin of my design.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
ON : When I start designing, pencil on paper is a must. Roughly write down the image that came to mind. At the time of design, I use Adobe software. For reference materials, I am watching old interior magazines.The source of inspiration is the "FMR" magazine.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
ON : Stacking is important for me.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
ON : The main request is to design fashion bags and small leather goods. There are requests from manufacturers and brands.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
ON : I am most interested in the process of creating a shape that I was thinking through trial and error. There is a lot to learn from craftsmen.
DI: How can people contact you?
ON : e-mail. otaka_n@corino2910.com