Makiko Taguchi

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Makiko Taguchi ("MT") 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?

MT : I entered and learned "Photojournalist Major" of "Japan journalist vocational school" which was in Tokyo in 1995. and from Professor Kenji Higuchi of an international photojournalist who is known for photographing the reality of nuclear power plant.

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

MT : I wanted to be a photographer because I was a dream from my childhood. I was not good at drawing, so I wanted to express something with a camera.

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

MT : I chose to become one.

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

MT : I take pictures and express them.

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

MT : I' not a legend.Because I am also studying.The only thing I can say is that young people also have plenty of dreams and do not give up.

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

MT : It's a difficult question.I would like someone to hear the answer to that question.

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

MT : The value of good design is whether people with it can be happy or not.

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

MT : I take pictures and express it, but if I have time I will point the camera to nature, people, still life.

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

MT : My dream project is to take a picture of one Japanese stage actress with my idea and inspiration.She is a famous and excellent expresser. But to get her taken, I need many connections, a good photography team, a lot of time and money.I have not got them enough yet.But I believe that someday I want to fulfill this dream project.

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

MT : I think that I was born as a Japanese.

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

MT : Bert Stern, Robert Capa, Howell Conant, Kenji Higuchi, Ruiko Yoshida, Kiyomi Tagawa, Joji Hashiguchi, Yoshihiko Ueda

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

MT : If I was born to men, I wanted to be a rescue worker.

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

MT : My familly, Friends, All around people, Many Dreams.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

MT : The ultimate goal is always to work with a fresh heart and affection. And it is to stay active until death.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

MT : Yes.The next exhibition will hold a solo exhibition in Tokyo from Friday, June 23, 2017 until Tuesday, June 27, 2017 in Japan.The venue is the "Gallery NIW" rental gallery located in Sekiguchi 1-44-8, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

MT : To a place that is simpler and less convenient.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

MT : It depends on the project to be tackled.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

MT : I start by experimenting whether image ideas can really be made into photographs.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MT : I am aiming for the heart to be honest.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

MT : I think that trends are something that has been systematically created by people to some extent.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

MT : Canon EOS 7D MarkII, 7D, Adobe Lithgtroom, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

MT : I do not know the difficult things, but I want to answer if asked.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

MT : I will be pleased.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

MT : I am looking for it now.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

MT : I only have practice.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

MT : It is hard.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

MT : My favorite color/Orange, place/Kokyo Higashi Gyoen(the East Garden of the Imperial Palace), food/Curry Rice, season/Summer, thing/Pocket watch, Fountain pen, brand/nothing

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

MT : Long ago, while shooting the drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk in winter, just fell to the sea with the Brownie camera just bought.Present is the memory at which young time can laugh.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

MT : Every morning, taking the sun.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

MT : I do not know wonderful, but photographer was a dream from my childhood.