Mizuho Suzuki

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Mizuho Suzuki ("MS") 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?

MS : I learned most about design not at school but at the first packaging design studio I worked at, where I learned processes and ways of thinking while on the job.

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

MS : I've always enjoyed imagining things around me and thinking, "It would be better if they were like this." I wanted to become a designer, not just to imagine, but to make them a reality.

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

MS : I wanted to be a designer.

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

MS : Logos, flyers and other graphics

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

MS : A great designer is someone who can not only provide good designs but also suggest new ideas.

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

MS : It fits the atmosphere of the times.

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

MS : It can help you improve your brand image and sales.

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

MS : Original patterns and templates. I believe that there is someone out there who will like them.

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

MS : Having acquaintances who appreciate and like my designs.

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

MS : Paul Rand

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

MS : NASA Worm Logo: This is the piece that made me realize logos were cool when I was a kid.

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

MS : I would like to be involved in design in some way, like working at a select shop.

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

MS : In my case, I usually cannot publish my client work due to confidentiality agreements, so I think it's better to create and publish private work.

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

MS : Although I cannot confirm this myself, my goal is to create a logo or design that will last for over 100 years.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MS : It helps you organize a chaotic world and create a comfortable environment.

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

MS : I think design and trends are intertwined.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

MS : It saves time. Sometimes it gives me inspiration.

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

MS : Adobe CC, Desktop PC, iPad

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

MS : I wonder what kind of people were involved in making it.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

MS : The person who had the biggest influence on me was the chief of the design studio where I first worked.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

MS : A friend in the design industry who I hardly ever get a chance to meet.

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

MS : I was very honored to receive the award at a time when I had lost confidence in myself.

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

MS : Get plenty of sleep.

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

MS : I wanted to be a designer, but I never thought about it that far.

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

MS : I'm pessimistic about the global environment. I hope global warming doesn't get any worse. Maybe in 1,000 years, we'll be able to migrate to other planets? It seems like the design will evolve to a cosmic scale.