Atsuko Tateno

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Atsuko Tateno ("AT") 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?

AT : I learned Photojournalism at University of Central Oklahoma, and graduated at 2001. I moved back to Japan to be a photographer, but I could not find any opportunities. But I was very interested in web design at that time. So I studied design by myself. And I got a job as a web-designer. I moved several offices to challenge myself on higher level. I was still taking pictures for myself for those years. After few years later, I figured out that design, art, and photography are all connected. And now I want to be a photographer.

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

AT : I love to create something like, photography, art, and illustration. I feel great when something I made moved someone else’s heart.

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

AT : I would like to take a picture, and retouch them. I am interested in photography project which involves graphic design, illustration, and magazine.

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

AT : Good designer can finish her work. Great designer can impressive the people.

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

AT : Consistency, and meaningful.

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

AT : I think good design is able to reach the people whom it wants to take some attention from.

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

AT : I would like to work for someone who wants me to work as a photographer and retoucher.

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

AT : Photographer and retoucher of fashion and cosmetic field.

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

AT : I visit museum, and get inspired from the greatest artist for centuries.

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

AT : The design which gives me a message.

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

AT : Listen to the other people’s opinion.

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

AT : Job for my life

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

AT : My colleagues at web design office where I worked.

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

AT : Learning photography and design for my life.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AT : Learning, and having fun.

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

AT : I guess both.

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

AT : Nikon, Mac, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Wacom Pentablet.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

AT : They tell the mood. Mood can give some message.

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

AT : Freshness

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

AT : I am not a master designer, but I often visit museum and watch the great art .

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

AT : I often happen to choose green. I guess it means I like green. I love all kinds of food. I love winter the most.