We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Atsuko Tateno ("AT").
Atsuko Tateno learnd photography at University of Central Oklahoma. and she loved Photography. She was scared to work as a photographer, because she knew working was not just a fun. So she worked as a web designer from 2008-2014. She lives in Japan and raising her 3 years old daughter. She spends most of the time with her daughter. She has started seeking opportunities of being a photographer, since her daughter’s kindergarden-school will start on this April, and she will have more available time.
Atsuko Tateno Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Atsuko Tateno.
Designer Interview of Atsuko Tateno:
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?
AT : Yes, I have. I always have been attracted by beautiful things, such as the moonlight, sundown, and fresh green field since I was a little child. I was also very interested in a job which requires technique, and taste. I watched a movie about a female photographer when I was 6. And I was quite sure I dreamed of being a photographer in the future.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AT : I used to be a web designer. Currently I do not work, and I want to be a photographer now. But I am always shooting some photos, and looking for opportunities.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AT : It is the tool to show the others the content with minimal words, and tremendous outlook.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AT : Photography project which requires photo retouching to add some flavor to the work.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AT : I worked for the local magazine to design the pages.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AT : Isolating the subject from background to replace the plain background.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AT : I feel creative when I am retouching the photo.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AT : I stick to the concept even though I come up with other idea.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AT : I feel I am working even though I do not get paid.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AT : Thanksful
DI: What makes a design successful?
AT : Consistency, and meaningful.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AT : I consider the bad opinion first. I love my work and that is why I show them on public. I would like to know why the other people has different opinion.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AT : I think I have to bring happiness , sadness, or any other emotion as a message to the people when they see my works. Otherwise my work is just for myself, and it affects only me.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
AT : AI technology is developed so fast. But I think creating and designing is still the work for people.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AT : I visit museum.
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?
AT : I love the tone of Japanese style. I keep the color of traditional Japanese artwork in my mind.
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?
AT : I live in Japan. I always am inspired by the environment, and the history of my country. Pros is I love my country, and foods in Japan are great. Cons is I would like to explore the world to get inspired more.
DI: How do you work with companies?
AT : It is a team. I respect the other and myself.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
AT : I take photos, and retouch them with Photoshop.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
AT : Camera, lens, Mac, Wacom, Pencil.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
AT : Housework at daytime, and Photo-retouching at night.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
AT : I do not have to take my daughter to the photo studio.That is a good thing. Bad thing is my eyes get exhausted.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AT : Design is not just for me but most importantly it is for the other people.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
AT : Consistency, and sensitivity to the world.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AT : Nikon, Mac, Adobe Photoshop, and Lightroom, Wacom Pentablet.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
AT : I work through the night if I have to.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
AT : Web design project.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
AT : I am not allowed to say the clients name on public. But they were the one of the biggest drink manufacture and ad agency, in Japan.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
AT : Photography project which requires the photo manipulation. Because I feel I am drawing when I retouch the photos.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AT : I would like to work as a freelance photographer.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AT : I am fine with ether way depends on the project.
DI: How can people contact you?
AT : Please email me.