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Interview with Kaoru Mizuno |
Home > Designer Interviews > Kaoru Mizuno |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Kaoru Mizuno (KM) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Kaoru Mizuno 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?
KM: Father's influence. I grew up with a lot of videotapes of labels my father had lettering on at home. That was my first exposure to typography and how I got interested in design.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
KM: We are involved in seamless design work, from graphics to spaces, with a focus on packaging, including CI/VI. Our mission is not only to look good, but also to ‘accompany the user's life and maximise the value of the brand’.
FS: What is "design" for you?
KM: Things that enrich our lives.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
KM: Brand logo design and packaging design. I like the process of incorporating the brand's philosophy into the design.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
KM: A design that is not doing anything special but has a strong presence.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
KM: Graphic design for a private museum, including the catalogue of an exhibition.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
KM: When our design sparks a lively conversation with the client.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
KM: Does it properly reflect the client's philosophy and message?
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
KM: Lots of anticipation and a little anxiety.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
KM: Great. Even better if the end user is happy and it sells even better.
FS: What makes a design successful?
KM: Thought. If it is well thought out and the essence is grasped, I can design all the way to the end without hesitation.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
KM: In an abstract way, whether the dots are connected to form a line.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
KM: Never use negative expressions that could attack or bring down anyone or anything in particular.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
KM: With the advent of AI and various apps, it has gradually lost its previous specialisation, It is now possible for anyone to easily give shape to their images.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
KM: none in particular
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
KM: Various things from nature.
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?
KM: We focus on simplicity, but with an emphasis on ‘blending into everyday life and being loved for a long time’. We seek beauty that fits in with the user's life, rather than eccentric design.
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?
KM: Japan. There are many influences. Wabisabi and Zen spirit have a lot to offer in terms of design approach. The disadvantage is that I'm not very good at bold and eccentric design approaches, which is probably a national trait.
FS: How do you work with companies?
KM: Basically, I only handle the phases that require creative work and expertise, The manager handles most of the interaction with the client. This allows us to build a flatter relationship.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
KM: This seems like a difficult question to me.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
KM: Basically, we spend almost as much time thinking as we do working on the design. Everything else is constantly fluctuating from project to project.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
KM: Rembrandt paper house I bought in Amsterdam Sony speakers (LSPX-S3) A coffee cup from HASAMI PORCELAIN Normann Copenhagen wall clock rOtring600 ballpoint pen
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
KM: Nothing special.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
KM: Take care of your clients.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
KM: The loss of the borderline between work and private life, Both a plus and a minus.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
KM: There is no set one.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
KM: The ability to be organised.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
KM: Pens and sketchbooks. I always use certain items.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
KM: I have a manager who takes care of it.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
KM: It depends on the client's scheduling. If there is no set time, there seems to be no end...
FS: What was your most important job experience?
KM: Everything I have experienced at Curiosity.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
KM: Cosmetics Company and Food Company.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
KM: Brand logo design and packaging design. I like the process of incorporating the brand's philosophy into the design.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
KM: Promotional projects in the city where I live now.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
KM: So far it has mostly been the latter, but in the future I plan to co-create with a team.
FS: How can people contact you?
KM: Please feel free to contact us at the following email. contact@mo-ther.jp
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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