Hajime Tsushima

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Hajime Tsushima ("HT") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

HT : After graduating from the Department of Craft and Industrial Design at the National Okayama Polytechnic College, I worked as a product designer at an environmental facility manufacturer. Later, I established the Tsushima Design independently. Currently, I serve as the representative of Tsushima Design while teaching graphic design as an associate professor in the Department of Design at Osaka University of Arts.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

HT : My dream since I was a child was to become a designer or an artist. I have loved drawing ever since I was young and always wanted to make a career out of my art.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

HT : Of course, it was my own choice. I became a designer driven by my strong passion.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

HT : I design graphic design in general, including branding, corporate identity (CI), package design, web design, and editorial design.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

HT : It’s important to keep putting in constant effort. The key is to never give up and to keep pursuing things relentlessly.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

HT : A good designer can create beautiful and functional designs, but a great designer sees the essence of the problem and provides solutions through design. They also go beyond existing constraints and limitations, proposing new perspectives and approaches.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

HT : ey elements of good design include clarity of purpose, aesthetic balance, and uniqueness with creativity. Methods for evaluation involve assessing how effectively the design achieves its stated objectives and innovation. Additionally, it considers whether the design remains appealing and functional over time and whether it positively impacts society and the environment.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

HT : Good design improves usability, enhances brand value, evokes emotions, and creates new value. It also contributes to problem-solving and sustainability. Investing in good design strengthens competitiveness, ensures long-term success, and positively influences society and culture.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

HT : If I had the time, I would design posters. I would create posters on various themes and challenge myself by participating in exhibitions and competitions held around the world.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

HT : I would love to have my own solo exhibition someday.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

HT : Deeply understanding the user’s feelings and constantly seeking new perspectives are key. Creating something that resonates with people’s hearts is essential.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

HT : I draw inspiration from Edo-period ink paintings and ukiyo-e, with famous artists like Katsushika Hokusai and Ito Jakuchu being key influences.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

HT : I like traditional Japanese art. It's like Ukiyo-e.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

HT : This "Life" poster is my signature work. It won the Grand Prix at the China International Poster Biennale, along with top awards at numerous international competitions. It was created with typography completed in multiple lines, with careful attention to detail in every aspect of the design.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

HT : believe it’s important to constantly observe various things and stay alert to gather information. Also, it’s essential to never give up and pursue things until the end.I also believe that the accumulation of daily effort is crucial.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

HT : I haven't thought much about it

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

HT : I believe that design is life.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

HT : It's my family.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

HT : I was good at the graphics department and loved making posters.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

HT : I never thought of design as a wall, but rather as growth.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

HT : I think the most important thing is to pursue your own originality.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

HT : In the future, I'm thinking of opening my own exhibition.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

HT : Humanity may have transcended physical existence and merged with technology and AI.