We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Miyu Nakashima ("MN").
Tokyo-born and raised Japanese artist Miyu Nakashima, has Bachelor's Degree in Interior Architecture and Design. She started her architectural career in Tokyo, then because of her interest in Islamic pattern design moved to Istanbul. “Miyu Nakashima Design” is an abstract reflection of the artist's architectural background. Her design methodology/vision is based on her work experience in Tokyo, Istanbul, and Tallinn.
Miyu Nakashima Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Miyu Nakashima.
Miyu Nakashima Design - Biroi Jewelry Collection
Designer Interview of Miyu Nakashima:
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?
MN : I was born and raised in Tokyo and had my Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Architecture and Design. From my university years, I researched the relationship between patterns and structures in Architecture and experienced the charm and wide possibilities of geometric patterns alongside Japanese parametric pattern artist Tokolo Asao. As I firmly believe that getting to know Islamic Architecture which combines basic shapes and lines to achieve geometric patterns is, in fact, going back to the design basics where a designer can build a strong foundation, in 2012, I had moved to Istanbul from Tokyo where I had already got vast experience in modern architecture. After studying the Organic pattern design of tile art which is indispensable for traditional Islamic architecture under the famous Ceramic tile artist Fatma San, I worked as a modern Islamic designer at Hassa Architecture that builds mosques and cultural centers around the world.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MN : “Miyu Nakashima Design” is an abstract reflection of my architectural background. After working as a space-dependent Architectural designer for a long time, I wanted to be a location-independent artist and create a work of art that I could touch, experience, and share with the whole world easily. In this process, I decided to make parametric jewelry designs in which I could best use my architectural pattern design experience that I have been working on and developing for years. Instead of traditional methods, I prefer 3D printing because then I can direct all my energy solely to design innovation.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MN : I love to design any kind of thing, but especially it is space.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MN : For now, 3D printing technology is important to me as it saves me time to speed up the production process and I can focus on design.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MN : There is a feeling of excitement and joy when the basic shape starts to form.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MN : A sense of accomplishment and motivation.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MN : The last exhibition was held in Italy. While I am currently interviewing, I have an exhibition in Turkey and China.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MN : I often get inspired by my architectural designer experiences, and from the organic shape that exists in nature.
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?
MN : After working as an architectural designer for a long time, now I am a location-independent artist.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MN : Do whatever you love. Be brave, be bold!
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MN : My most used software are Grasshopper, Rhino 3D, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MN : As a parametric designer, my goal is to get rid of the real-world production constraints and design freely in the metaverse.
DI: How can people contact you?
MN : instagram: @miyunakashima website: miyunakashima.com