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Interview with Kazuo Fukushima |
Home > Designer Interviews > Kazuo Fukushima |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Kazuo Fukushima (KF) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Kazuo Fukushima by clicking here.
FS: 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?
KF: I have had a strong interest in art and design since I was young. I studied mechanical engineering in college, but after graduation I went to design school and majored in graphic design, and after graduation I gained experience in many design studios. The passion for design has always been with me and I was especially attracted to this profession because of its ability to combine problem solving and creativity.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
KF: Shanghai FUDESIGN was founded to provide creative design solutions. We work in a wide variety of fields including brand design, graphic design and packaging design. Our goal is to connect our clients with their targets and provide designs that bring their vision to life.
FS: What is "design" for you?
KF: Design is a tool for solving problems and evoking emotions. It is a holistic process that takes into account not only visual aesthetics, but also functionality and user experience.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
KF: I am particularly passionate about brand design. It is very rewarding to create a design that visually expresses the personality of a company or product and resonates with the target audience.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
KF: My favorite design is a branding project we did for a Yangmei client in Zhejiang Province. We were able to create a new logo, website, and marketing materials to refresh their brand image. Working closely with the client and bringing their vision to life was a very satisfying process.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
KF: The first project I designed for a design studio I worked at after college was a logo and tool design for a menswear exhibition. This was the beginning of my interest in brand design.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
KF: I am particularly fond of digital platforms, Adobe Creative Suite is my main tool, especially Illustrator and Photoshop.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
KF: I am most creative early in the morning. I find it easier to come up with new ideas and concentrate on my design work during the quieter times of the day.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
KF: During the design process, focus first on the concept and user experience. It is important that a design is not only visually pleasing, but also easy to use and functional.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
KF: During the design process, there is a mix of excitement and challenge. The process of bringing a new idea to life is always exciting, and you feel a sense of accomplishment as you do your best to solve a problem.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
KF: The moment a design is realized is a very emotional moment. I feel a great sense of accomplishment and joy, especially when I see that the client or user is satisfied and that the design is actually useful.
FS: What makes a design successful?
KF: A successful design should not only be visually appealing, but also functional and easy to use. Successful design is also successful when it meets the needs of the target audience and communicates the brand or product message effectively.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
KF: First and foremost, consider the functionality of the design and the user experience. After that, evaluate visual aesthetics, consistency, and alignment with the brand's message.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
KF: Designers have a great responsibility to society and the environment. It is important to pursue designs that have a positive impact on society, as well as to use sustainable materials and adopt environmentally friendly design processes.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
KF: The design field in China is evolving rapidly, with digital and interactive design becoming increasingly important as technology advances. The design of the future will be increasingly personalized and user-centered rather than brand-driven.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
KF: Every year I exhibit my work at the A'design Award and win a prize. Other than that, I don't plan to exhibit in any other exhibitions.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
KF: Inspiration comes from nature, everyday scenery, art, music, and travel. I also regularly travel abroad to take in new cultures and ideas.
FS: 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?
KF: My design style emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and visual appeal. I was drawn to this style because I feel that by seeking a balance between visual beauty and functionality, I can create more effective designs.
FS: 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?
KF: I am Japanese and I live in Shanghai. The rich cultural heritage of your country affects my designs. In particular, traditional patterns and colors add a unique essence to contemporary design. On the other hand, I sometimes find it difficult to strike a balance between tradition and modernity due to rapid urbanization and globalization.
FS: How do you work with companies?
KF: Working with companies begins with a deep understanding of the client's needs and vision. We then communicate closely at each stage of the project, always striving to provide design solutions that exceed expectations.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
KF: The first suggestion for companies to work effectively with a designer is to have a clear vision and goals. It is also important to maintain open communication and respect the designer's opinions and suggestions. To select a good designer, it is useful to carefully review their portfolio and evaluate the results of previous projects.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
KF: My design process consists of the following steps: 1:Research: I study the client's needs and market trends. 2.Brainstorming: I brainstorm initial ideas and develop concepts. 3.Sketching and prototyping: We give concrete form to the ideas. 4.Design production: Designs are finalized using digital tools. 5.Feedback and Revisions: Finalize the design based on client feedback.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
KF: 1. horse milk wine bottle from Inner Mongolia 2. traditional pattern pants from Thailand 3. Tote bag with ethnic African Kenyan pattern 4. clay pot made in Shigaraki Yaki 5. Apple HomePod mini
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
KF: My daily routine is as follows: I wake up early, do some light yoga, and have a cup of coffee. After that, I check my email, the news, and plan my day. Morning: I focus on client meetings and design work. Afternoon: After lunch, I continue design work and brainstorm with my team. Evening: Review project progress and prepare for the next day. Evening: I plan and cook my own dinner menu to relax and enjoy my hobbies.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
KF: My advice to young designers is to always be willing to keep learning and to try without fear of failure. Also, networking and interacting with other designers and industry professionals is important to broaden your perspective.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
KF: Positives are the ability to express yourself creatively, the constant new challenges, and the joy of exceeding client expectations. Negatives include the stress of meeting deadlines and disagreements with clients.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
KF: My "golden rule" in design is to keep it simple. A simple design is visually powerful and communicates a clear message.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
KF: The most important skills are creativity, problem solving, visual flair, technical skills (software proficiency), and communication skills.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
KF: My toolbox includes: * Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) * Hardware: High performance computers, graphics tablets * References: design books, magazines, internet * Sources of inspiration: art galleries, nature, music, travel, indigenous culture
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
KF: Prioritizing tasks using a task management tool is important for time management. Also, take regular breaks to stay focused and utilize time blocking to schedule your day efficiently.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
KF: Depending on the size and complexity of the design project, it can typically take from two weeks to several months. Time should be spent on each stage of the process: initial research, brainstorming, sketching, prototyping, feedback and revisions, and final design.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
KF: The most frequently asked question is, "Where do you get your inspiration? Many people are not sure where they get their creative ideas. Many people are interested in how you come up with creative ideas.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
KF: My most important job experience was a branding project for the Shanghai Yuyuan pastry gift boxes. For this project, I worked closely with the team to redesign the product as part of a larger brand strategy. This significantly increased the client's brand awareness and market value.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
KF: In particular, we have worked on many projects with clients in the technology companies, fashion brands, and food and beverage industries.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
KF: I enjoy brand design the most. It allows me to visually express the personality of a company or product and enhance the value of the brand. Working with clients to bring their brand stories to life is very rewarding.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
KF: In the future, I would like to work on more international projects and expand the influence of design from a global perspective. We also aim to focus on sustainable design and provide creative solutions that are environmentally conscious.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
KF: We work as a team. Each member brings different expertise and skills to the table, allowing us to provide more comprehensive and creative design solutions.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
KF: We have an ongoing branding project for a local Japanese start-up company. The company develops innovative eco-friendly products and is in the process of designing a logo, packaging design, and marketing materials to strengthen its brand identity.
FS: How can people contact you?
KF: To contact us, please use the contact form on our website or contact us directly at the following email address: * Email: zhouying@fudesign.org * Website: www.fudeisgn.org
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
KF: One point not covered in previous questions is that we are active food and travel bloggers and have 100,000 followers on redbook in China. We are also actively involved in the community and have collaborative projects underway as local photo ambassadors.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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