We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Satoshi Umeno ("SU").
Engaged in urban development businesses after majoring in architecture; Later, established UMENODESIGN in 2003 after working at an architectural design office and a furniture manufacturer; Playing active roles in a wide range of fields including interiors, fashions, websites, graphics and packages while producing and executing a brand strategy for various products with an emphasis on product designing; As “hint”, based in Tokyo, engaging in the management of sales channel developments, the marketing of in-house brands, etc., continuing to offer designs and products inside and outside Japan.
Satoshi Umeno Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Satoshi Umeno.
Satoshi Umeno Design - Outotsu Glass and Coaster
Designer Interview of Satoshi Umeno:
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?
SU : My father was an architect, so I studied architecture and then became a designer.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SU : We design a variety of products, graphics, textiles, etc.
DI: What is "design" for you?
SU : A tool that makes your life richer and more comfortable.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SU : Functional design that takes advantage of materials and technology
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SU : The designs I like are functional and organic.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SU : sofa, lighting
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SU : magma ceramic
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
SU : When I was able to solve a client's problem through design
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SU : Usability, cost, and beauty
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SU : Think about the other person like you do when cooking.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SU : I'm glad you shared this feeling.
DI: What makes a design successful?
SU : own experience and consideration for others
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SU : Ease of use, demand, newness
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SU : Designers must make society more convenient, achieve a higher quality of life, and solve environmental problems.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SU : The realm of design is limitless. It can have an impact not only on things, but also on the spirit that will be passed on to the future.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
SU : It is June 2024. The next exhibition will be in June 2025.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SU : Identify the strengths of materials and technologies and replace them where there is demand.
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?
SU : Unisex design that comfortably stimulates the senses.
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?
SU : I live in Japan. Influenced by Japanese-style beauty of straight lines, simple beauty, and products born from functionality and technology.
DI: How do you work with companies?
SU : We have a contract for manufacturing and sales.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
SU : We make proposals that bring out the strengths of your company. Companies and designers create products on an equal footing.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SU : Design to bring out the company's strengths and create a concept that consumers can relate to.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SU : sofa, chair, table, bed, stool
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
SU : can't explain
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SU : It is important to not think about it in your head, but to touch it or see it with your own eyes.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
SU : The good thing is that you can embody the design. The bad thing is that when things don't sell, you end up creating more garbage.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SU : Appearance and presence that makes you want to hold it in your hands
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
SU : communication, hearing
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SU : pen and paper. Illustrator, CAD, etc.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SU : I try to generate ideas for up to three hours a day.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
SU : About 3 months to 1 year
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SU : how did you come up with the idea
DI: What was your most important job experience?
SU : When someone you don't know uses a product you designed
DI: Who are some of your clients?
SU : Mainly manufacturers and retailers.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SU : Products in demand as gifts. Because it makes everyone smile.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SU : I want to open a store and create a space where people can enjoy products, food, art, and music.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SU : I'm designing it myself
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
SU : Nothing in particular
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
SU : Nothing in particular