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Interview with Fuma Fujiwara |
Home > Designer Interviews > Fuma Fujiwara |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Fuma Fujiwara (FF) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Fuma Fujiwara by clicking here.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
FF: I like design work that makes use of my discoveries. To do so, we conduct various experiments.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
FF: Wood, acrylic, resin・Handwork, 3D printer.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
FF: When designing, there are times when things don't go well. So I try different methods to get past the trouble. I feel most creative when solving problems by fumbling around.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
FF: I value the relationship between design and people. For example, a sofa for someone to relax in should provide a comfortable sitting experience. Also, it should be beautiful in design to convey my findings to someone. I understand that design is communication with people.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
FF: There is an elation feeling of creating something new.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
FF: After the design is completed, I want to share my design with many people. There are two reasons for that. First, I want to share my discoveries with as many people as possible. Second, I am looking for advice from a perspective I do not have.
FS: What makes a design successful?
FF: To make the design good, it is essential to make prototypes actively. Then, if there are many prototypes, you can compare and choose the better one.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
FF: Check if the design is kind. A beautiful design will not confuse users. For example, ”a product can be recognized as beautiful at a glance”, "A system that is simple and easy to use", and "A design that with social issues concepts."
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
FF: Walking along the coast, you can find plastic bottles from different countries. On the other hand, I have never seen a water bottle on the beach. We need to design products that are cherished, not consumed.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
FF: The previous exhibition was held at the Tokyo International Furniture Fair (IFFT) in March 2023. Next, I would like to exhibit in a country other than Japan this year.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
FF: My designs are inspired by Japanese nature and culture.
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?
FF: I am always looking for my discoveries. For that reason, I will visit Japanese ruins and participate in activities in nature. As a result, I get realizations and turn them into the 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?
FF: I live in Okinawa, Japan. I moved to Okinawa when I was 18. Before Okinawa Prefecture joined Japan, it was a country called the Ryukyu Kingdom. The cultural heritage of Japan and Ryukyu inspires my designs.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
FF: When making prototypes using 3D models, I use "Rhinoceros 3D". Data created with "Rhinoceras 3D" can print three-dimensional models with a 3D printer or create two-dimensional parts with a laser cutter.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
FF: Long projects took two months, and short projects took two weeks. I am currently working on a project that will be designed over a year.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
FF: Concepts are very important in the design and are often asked.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
FF: I like design work with a lot of experimental manipulation. In the past, I have designed a lighting fixture that uses light reflection. I experimented with various light expressions using 32 mirrors.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
FF: I want to announce discoveries in various competitions in the future.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
FF: Most of the time, I do the design and development myself. However, in the middle of the design, there were times when I asked the people around me for advice.
FS: How can people contact you?
FF: Check out my Instagram. You can send me a message via DM.
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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