We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Hajime Tsushima ("HT").
He lays emphasis on work, design education as an associate professor of the Osaka University of Arts junior collegne part. And he works in the representatives of the design office as Art Director. He takes the birch at the university and hold a design lecture for society. As an individual, He belong to Japan graphic designers asociation, and he participates in a peace poster exhibition held in Hiroshima every year. By this peace poster exhibition which participated from 2008, He produced many peaceful posters so far. His representative work isa poster of “PEACE" and “LIFE". "PEACE" won a gold medal in ONE SHOW 2014 and LIFE" won the grand prix by international poster Biennale in China in 2015. I think that his this work gave a shock to people of the world. It is his representative style making works being conscious of new graphic, the graphic which I have not watched. It is with the part of his world peace activity by this peace poster exhibition being the exhibition that can be realized simply because it is being bombed place Hiroshima, and participating in this. Iraise it under the theme of "losing the world with one piece of only poster peacefully". Peace and the environment can be called his everlasting theme. It is a pleasure whether you can change the future by power of the graphic.
Hajime Tsushima Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Hajime Tsushima.
Hajime Tsushima Design - Hiroshima Dentetsu Hand Towel
Designer Interview of Hajime Tsushima:
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?
HT : I wanted to be an artist and a designer since I was a child. I loved drawing and was good at it.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
HT : Tsushima Design was established in 1995. It is located in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, in Japan. Hiroshima City is widely known as the first place in the world where an atomic bomb was dropped. My company specializes in design work for various advertising materials, including branding, corporate identity (CI), packaging design, editorial design, and web design.
DI: What is "design" for you?
HT : Design is not just a job or skill for me; it is my very life. The insights and emotions I gain from my daily experiences are expressed through design. It is a dialogue with the world and a means of building connections with people. My designs aim to resonate with people's hearts and enrich their daily lives, even just a little. Through design, I convey my values and thoughts, and the ability to contribute to someone's life is my greatest joy.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HT : Designing posters is one of my favorite activities. Posters have the power to create a strong visual impact and convey a message instantly within a limited space. That challenge is incredibly captivating to me.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
HT : I love creating designs that resonate with the hearts of those who receive them. I don't have a specific answer to what kind of designs those might be.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
HT : The first design I created for my company was its logo. The logo has been revised about three times since then.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
HT : I especially love Japanese design. I am captivated by the unique beauty of traditional patterns, materials, and elements inspired by nature. Wafū design often carries deep meaning in its simplicity, and its subtle elegance and quiet strength resonate deeply with me.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
HT : I feel most creative when I experience the culture of Japan's Edo period, especially in museums. For example, I am inspired by traditional art forms like ink painting and ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HT : When designing, I focus primarily on the concept. The concept is the foundation of the design, guiding all visual elements and direction. By understanding the project's goals, message, and target audience, I ensure the design is consistent and communicates effectively. I start by developing a strong concept and then build the details, such as colors, shapes, and layouts, based on it. This is the most important part of my design process.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
HT : When designing, I mainly feel excitement and a sense of achievement. The process of turning new ideas into reality is always stimulating, and I experience a special joy when unexpected results emerge. Ultimately, I take great pleasure in knowing that the client is satisfied with the final outcome.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
HT : When my designs are realized, I feel a sense of achievement. Especially when the initial idea takes shape and works in practice, I feel a great sense of fulfillment. The greatest satisfaction comes when the client is happy. I take great joy in knowing that my design has met the client's expectations and helped achieve their goals.
DI: What makes a design successful?
HT : I think the most important thing for a design to be successful is that it connects with people's hearts. When a design resonates emotionally, it leaves a lasting impact and clearly communicates the message.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
HT : I believe the most important aspect when judging a design is the concept, followed by the layout. The concept defines the core message and purpose of the design, while the layout ensures that this message is communicated clearly and effectively.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
HT : As a designer, I believe it is important to have responsibility towards society and the environment. Since design directly impacts people's lives, it is necessary to consider social issues and approach design ethically. It is also important to choose sustainable materials and methods to reduce waste. Choosing environmentally friendly design is essential for protecting the planet. Designers should create designs that not only focus on beauty and functionality but also take society and the environment into consideration.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
HT : Design is becoming more digital, and ordinary people are becoming more involved in design. As a result, I believe design will continue to spread throughout society and impact more people's lives.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
HT : I haven’t held a personal exhibition. However, my work was displayed in Osaka, Japan, in December 2024. I would love to have my own exhibition someday.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
HT : As I mentioned when answering the question about when I feel most creative, I draw inspiration from ukiyo-e and ink paintings from the Edo period.
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?
HT : "My design style is simple and refined, focusing on clear visual communication. I draw inspiration from nature and culture, and I value the balance between form and function. The reason I explore this style is because I want to create designs that are both visually appealing and meaningful. In my approach to design, I focus on understanding the purpose and creating something that resonates with the audience."
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?
HT : I live in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Hiroshima is a historically significant place, and its cultural heritage has influenced my designs. For example, I draw inspiration from the Atomic Bomb Dome, which symbolizes peace, and from Hiroshima's traditional crafts. Additionally, Hiroshima is rich in nature, and the landscapes and changes in the seasons are reflected in my designs. The advantage of living in Hiroshima is that being close to peace, history, and nature makes it easier to come up with ideas that add depth to my designs.
DI: How do you work with companies?
HT : I first conduct a thorough hearing with the company to understand their needs, and then I propose a design. For example, with package design, I not only provide rough sketches and proposals but also create physical samples to present. This way, I can offer a more concrete and understandable proposal.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
HT : To work effectively with a designer, clear communication is key. It's important to convey the goals and objectives of the design and ensure both parties share the same expectations. Additionally, when selecting a good designer, it's essential to review their past work and portfolio to evaluate their capabilities. Specifically, it’s best to avoid designers who only present one proposal. By receiving multiple suggestions, you can gain more flexibility and a wider range of options.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
HT : My design process starts with brainstorming and research happening simultaneously. First, I gather the necessary information while developing ideas and determining the direction. Then, I move on to sketching and finally proceed with the actual design creation. This process helps bring the design to life.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
HT : My five favorite design items at home are two Herman Miller chairs, my Mac, a road bike, and my glasses. Each of these items stands out for their excellent design and functionality, making them not only useful but also visually appealing.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
HT : wake up in the morning and start my day by cycling about 70 km on my road bike. After that, I drink some coffee and begin work.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
HT : My advice to young designers is to never give up. The path of design is not always easy, and you will face challenges and obstacles, but it’s important to keep going without giving up. Also, always maintain a strong desire to improve. Continuously learning and growing will lead to better designs. Don't limit yourself, and always be open to new ideas and techniques. This mindset is key to success.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
HT : One of the positive aspects of being a designer is the opportunity to have a broad perspective. By being involved in various projects and engaging with different industries and cultures, your worldview naturally expands, and you gain a wealth of knowledge and experience. The ability to acquire new ideas and perspectives is a major attraction of being a designer. As for the negatives, I don't really feel any.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
HT : My 'golden rule' in design is based on the golden ratio and Japan's unique silver ratio. I believe that these proportions help create balanced and harmonious designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
HT : I believe creativity is the most important skill for a designer.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
HT : I use a Mac and a tablet for my design work. The main software I use are Illustrator and Photoshop, along with 3D software. I also refer to books and other resources for inspiration.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
HT : I make an effort to enjoy the process of designing, so it feels less like a time-consuming task.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
HT : The time required depends on the project's scope and complexity. I also dedicate extra time when necessary to enhance the quality.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
HT : The question I get asked most often is how I generate ideas for my designs.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
HT : Winning the Grand Prix at the China International Poster Biennale was a significant milestone for me. Two years later, I was honored to be invited to China as a jury member to evaluate poster designs.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
HT : I work with clients from local businesses in Hiroshima City to companies nationwide in Japan, spanning a range of industries.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
HT : I find poster design the most enjoyable because it has a shorter timeline to completion compared to other types of design work.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
HT : I don't have concrete plans for the future, but I believe that by enjoying my work each day, it will naturally lead to positive opportunities ahead.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
HT : For projects such as packaging, logos, and branding, I work closely with my team. However, when it comes to poster design, I mostly handle it on my own.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
HT : I have several ongoing design projects, but I’m not able to talk about them at the moment.
DI: How can people contact you?
HT : I can only speak Japanese, so the best way to contact me is via email. This way, I can use a translation tool to translate messages into English.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
HT : There's nothing in particular I'd like to add.