Tsutomu Kitazawa

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Tsutomu Kitazawa ("TK") 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?

TK : I studied art at Musashino Art University and later became a concept artist for video games after working in the world of commercial film imaging and movie related works.

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

TK : I like to use my design abilities to solve "problems".

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

TK : I chose to become a designer by myself.

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

TK : I have done concept art for video games such as "Bloodborne" and "ELDENRING" in the past. I would like to continue doing concept art for AAA level video games.

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

TK : To prepare for the opportunities that are sure to come your way in the future, do not be in a hurry, but steadily build your career, step by step.

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

TK : A great designer is someone who is always actively searching for a solution to a problem. A great designer is someone who has hundreds of different solutions in stock.

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

TK : It is that the projects have many elements that accurately solved the problem. Frankly, without being inside the project, it is difficult to judge whether “the design is good or not”.

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

TK : It is my own large-scale solo exhibition.

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

TK : Careful research and a vast library.

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

TK : Mr. Syd Mead.

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

TK : My favorite is "SPINNER" by Syd Mead. It was created with a very conceptual mindset.

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

TK : It's my "art book ORACLE". It is an art book which is unlike any other I have ever seen.

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

TK : I think it's about expanding your input outside of design. In my case, it was movies.

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

TK : I might have become a painter.

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

TK : It is like a problem-solving puzzle. When you arrive at the correct answer, you feel a sense of accomplishment.

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

TK : My mentors from my commercial Filmwork helped me. My wife is my biggest supporter.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

TK : The balancing skills were extremely helpful.

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

TK : It is low basic skills. I have strengthened that

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

TK : It is important to spread your work extensively throughout social networking sites.

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

TK : We are looking for a strong partner agency to translate and market the art book "ORACLE" worldwide. We are looking for a strong partner agent. Here is a sample of the art book "ORACLE.Please take a look. https://shopro.tameshiyo.me/9784796873727

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

TK : To be an artist.

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

TK : I believe that we are always expected to express ourselves with originality.

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

TK : We are currently developing "art book ORACLE" in various media. We expand the illustration works in various directions – mainly in art book, autograph sessions, work description on YouTube, sales of reproductions, and so on.

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

TK : It is a concept art project for the video game ELDENRING. The game has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. https://www.eldenring.jp/

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

TK : We do not expect major changes. Good design is universal, and we would like to see it evolves.

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

TK : We will move toward a world of coexistence with AI.

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

TK : Some are completed in one month, while others take up to five years.

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

TK : The first step is careful research.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

TK : I believe that the more difficult a project is, the greater opportunity for growth I can get.

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

TK : It could be both.

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

TK : ADOBE PPHOTOSHOP、ZBRUSH、blender

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

TK : It is an element that accurately conveys information and is a condition that enriches the viewer's mind.

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

TK : Simulate the author's thinking that led to this design.

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

TK : a member of Fromsoftware.

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

TK : Mr. Syd Mead.

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

TK : It is KRONOLOG, an art book by Syd Mead.

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

TK : I actively participated in challenging projects.

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

TK : I feel very honored to receive the awards. I believe that fame will naturally spread if you create good works that you are satisfied with and release them to good medias.

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

TK : I start each day with the intention of finding new ideas.

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

TK : I had no idea.

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

TK : I can't imagine it at all, but I hope the culture of design remains.

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

TK : We released our first art book "ORACLE" in December 2023. It is only available in Japan, so we are looking for a publishing agent in each country so that we can translate and release it in other countries around the world. Please contact us if you are interested. Please contact Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions by e-mail. Mail：kigawa-rokudai@shopro.co.jp AmazonJapan URL https://amzn.asia/d/0ZviLni Here is a sample of the art book "ORACLE.Please take a look. https://shopro.tameshiyo.me/9784796873727