Keiji Ishikawa

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Keiji Ishikawa ("KI") 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?

KI : While working at a telecommunications company in Tokyo, I started going to Edo Kiriko studios in 2015 to learn cutting techniques and independently study hand polishing techniques. In 2019, I left the company and moved to Tokushima to open "KJ Studio," which produces and sells Kiriko. After that, I also learned glassblowing techniques in Tokushima.

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

KI : Because I love coming up with new designs.

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

KI : I chose to become a designer myself.

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

KI : I am developing designs for cuts to be put into glass products. I want to create new designs that heal people.

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

KI : Continue to have the orientation to seek out new things and pioneer new designs.

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

KI : A good designer gives people a sense of security, and a great designer gives people a sense of security as well as a hint at a new stage in the future.

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

KI : The story that the design is created from should enrich people.

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

KI : Good design is worth investing in because it enriches people's lives and fills them with healing.

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

KI : I want to design something cut into all the glass products around us for someone special to each of us.

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

KI : We are currently considering it.

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

KI : Whenever I think of something, I write it down and review it later.

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

KI : No one in particular.

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

KI : I'm interested in designs that use light effects to make people happy.

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

KI : My previous award-winning designs are great because they have unexpected visual effects that you feel when you hold the glass in your hand.

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

KI : I think it's always about seeking something essential and new.

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

KI : Some artisan.

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

KI : Design means something new that innovates our daily lives.

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

KI : My wife is my supporter.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

KI : Being humble about everything.

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

KI : Nothing in particular. Even when problems arose, I didn't think of them as big an issue and solved them as they came.

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

KI : I think it's essential to explain the story behind the design in an easy-to-understand way.

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

KI : We are currently considering it.

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

KI : To establish a method and train successors.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

KI : To make life more prosperous and more healing.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

KI : Yes, I think so.

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

KI : I can't say anything specific, but I'm considering some new projects.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

KI : My previous award-winning designs are great because they have unexpected visual effects that you feel when you hold the glass in your hand.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

KI : I think we will see more design experiments with the help of generative AI.

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

KI : I think it will become more segmented, and systems will be implemented to guarantee the originality of designs.

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

KI : One week to 1 month.

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

KI : I checked the users of the design and the design concept.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

KI : I am constantly being humble and always seeking new things.

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

KI : It can be both.

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

KI : It helps to broaden the scope of design and speed up its implementation.

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

KI : When I use a lot of repeated patterns, I use image editing and spreadsheet software.

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

KI : They are essential elements that create a sense of comfort and healing for people who touch and enjoy the design.

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

KI : The story behind the design and the visual and sensory effects of the design.

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

KI : Imagine the concept image that the design is aiming for.

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

KI : I don't have one at the moment, but I think it would be fun to work with someone like that in the future.

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

KI : No one in particular.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

KI : Nothing in particular.

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

KI : I have always thought about the cause of even small mistakes and improved them.

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

KI : I want to talk with people I can speak to creatively and constructively.

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

KI : I am very honored to receive awards, and my increased recognition has positively affected my work.

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

KI : I like pale colors, the sea, vegetables, autumn, glass crafts, etc.

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

KI : I can't think of any stories to share here.

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

KI : It is very encouraging to start making plans to start doing things that I didn't have time to do before.

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

KI : We will experiment with design, partly with the help of generative AI. In 1000 years, we will still be designing with more advanced devices and tools.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

KI : Nothing in particular.