We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative KiyokaYamazuki (" KiyokaYamazuki").
She is one of the most active illustrators in Japan. She mainly creates illustrations for corporate information magazines and calendars. She has been a lecturer at the Japan Designer Art College in Nagoya since 1999. She has also been teaching the joy of imagining and creating through art studies at Tokai Medical College in Nagoya since 2010.
KiyokaYamazuki Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by KiyokaYamazuki.
KiyokaYamazuki Design - Aisanka Information Magazine
KiyokaYamazuki Design - Japanese Kumano Kodo Calendar
Designer Interview of KiyokaYamazuki:
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?
KiyokaYamazuki : I became an illustrator when my older sister, who was a designer in Osaka, had an acquaintance, an illustrator, look at my illustrations. I wanted to be a painter when I was three years old.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
KiyokaYamazuki : After working at a design office in Nagoya from 1985 to 1987, I am a freelance illustrator from 1987 to the present.
DI: What is "design" for you?
KiyokaYamazuki : Design is my job. From 2001 to 2023 (still) I am a lecturer at a design school. Also, from the illustrator's point of view, it's about how to show the illustration in the advertisement to appeal.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
KiyokaYamazuki : How to show your work (how to show it?, how to express it?) come up with an idea. I like to think about the composition and create.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
KiyokaYamazuki : My first job as an illustrator was to draw campaign posters for the Tottori and Shimane "Nippon Railroad". She was happy to receive the request. It was a work with the theme of the legendary animal "YamatanoOrochi", so it was a lot of fun.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
KiyokaYamazuki : Hand-drawn illustrations: paints, brushes, Japanese paper
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
KiyokaYamazuki : Once you have decided on a theme, create something that follows that concept.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
KiyokaYamazuki : If it is a product, it should be easy for users to use, and it should also look cool.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
KiyokaYamazuki : It's hard when you have no ideas. But it's fun to see the work take shape. When I see the finished work, I reflect on it, but I also want to try again.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
KiyokaYamazuki : I reflect on the feeling of accomplishment when the work is done and (Is this good?). Also, if the project is fun, I want to challenge again.
DI: What makes a design successful?
KiyokaYamazuki : Tenacity, Perseverance, Continuity and never give up
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
KiyokaYamazuki : If it's a product, it should look good and be smart. And most importantly, ease of use. The most important thing is to be safe
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
KiyokaYamazuki : It seems that many of the designs so far have been economically oriented. I believe that designers have a great responsibility in using materials that are in line with society and the global environment, and in thinking about designs for a sustainable and earth-friendly society.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
KiyokaYamazuki : I think that design will be born where there are people, the area will expand, and it will continue to evolve. In that sense, I feel the importance of design. The future of design is with people.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
KiyokaYamazuki : I did a small exhibition in November 2022. Also, although it is not a design exhibition, I exhibited at the New York art expo in New York in 2019.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
KiyokaYamazuki : It changes each time, but ancient Celtic patterns, Japanese and Chinese patterns. Recently from grass and flowers.
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?
KiyokaYamazuki : I get a lot of inspiration from old things (classics), and recently from the flowers around my feet. I also get inspiration from imaginary things (animals). I also get it from culture such as classical performing arts and festivals.
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?
KiyokaYamazuki : I live in Hida Takayama. The famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go is also nearby. I think I am influenced by the cultural heritage of my own country without knowing it. Precision and seriousness are strengths and weaknesses, aren't they?
DI: How do you work with companies?
KiyokaYamazuki : A request is made to the company through the designer. Now, a designer who saw my website sent me a job request by email.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
KiyokaYamazuki : I think it's quite difficult to find good designers. It may be important to appeal from here. I want companies to always keep an eye out and research designers. "Is it a fateful encounter? "
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
KiyokaYamazuki : We listen carefully to our clients, find out what they want, and come up with ideas that match them. We have several meetings with customers to propose and produce better products.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
KiyokaYamazuki : Old lacquerware Mainspring wall clock used by my grandfather Japanese rain gear (Mino) earthen storehouse pottery
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
KiyokaYamazuki : It's been a busy day. I can't write it down.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
KiyokaYamazuki : There are design hints at my feet. Seek the old, learn the new
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
KiyokaYamazuki : I'm not a designer, but it's all about balance, seeing the big picture, and coming up with ideas. Good or bad, there is a commitment.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
KiyokaYamazuki : I want to make what I want and what I think is good. However, it must also be good for third parties (users).
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
KiyokaYamazuki : Communication skills, ideas, production skills. Power to complete, power to continue. heart not to give up
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
KiyokaYamazuki : Mac os, 13.4 Adobe (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) Books (Japanese patterns, fictitious things), etc.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
KiyokaYamazuki : In addition to creating illustrations, I also have a farming job, so it is very difficult to make time.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
KiyokaYamazuki : It depends on the project, but it takes about 1-2 weeks from idea to production to completion.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
KiyokaYamazuki : How long does it take you to complete an illustration?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
KiyokaYamazuki : My first job as an illustrator was creating illustrations for campaign posters for JR in Tottori and Shimane. I was very happy to receive the request. Also, it was a work with the theme of the legendary animal "Yamata no Orochi", so it was very creative and fun.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
KiyokaYamazuki : There are no specific customers.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
KiyokaYamazuki : This is the job you requested after seeing my illustration. Participate from the planning stage and produce your own ideas. It's an exciting and fun job.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
KiyokaYamazuki : In September 2023, we are planning an exhibition by seven illustrators in Takayama. At the request of two of my former teachers, it will be an exhibition with seven people (me, two former teachers, and four others). I look forward to it.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
KiyokaYamazuki : Own design development
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
KiyokaYamazuki : Illustrations for an exhibition by 7 illustrators are being produced. The theme is the Japanese Noh play "Yamauba". I will make it from now on.
DI: How can people contact you?
KiyokaYamazuki : Even if you contact me by cell phone, I'm not very good at English, so please send me an email.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
KiyokaYamazuki : Nothing in particular