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 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: 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: What skills are most important for a designer?
SU : communication, hearing
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SU : how did you come up with the idea
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SU : I'm designing it myself