Midori Yamazaki

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Midori Yamazaki ("MY") 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?

MY : Creative Director / Artist / Researcher. Graduated From London Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design / MA Communication Design and worked at DLX Design Lab, the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo. Specialized in Communication Design Including Digital, Graphic, and Space Design. As for a career background, took the role of Creative Director at adidas, NIKE, Facebook, Condé Nast, and Won multiple awards including Design Space Associate Award, Art Directors Club Award, NY Art Directors Club Award, and Type Directors Club Award.

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

MY : I used to make clothes for famous brands such as Burberry and COMME des GARÇONSs, but I began to want to not only create high-quality products, but also increase sales through brand marketing, which led to my current job as a designer.

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

MY : At first I was forced to choose a completely different profession, but I chose to become a designer. It wasn't a natural decision, it took willpower.

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

MY : I am interested in the algorithms that lead to the aesthetics, so I would like to create more related work.

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

MY : The creative process is what makes a design better.

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

MY : Good design makes the target aware of their true needs.

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

MY : I want to create a life-size version of the perfect wave I designed in my award-winning work "Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse".

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

MY : Inevitability is the key to successful design.

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

MY : Nick Knight, Rei Kawakubo, Kaoru Kasai, FIELD, Gaudi, etc. And I think I am most influenced by nature.

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

MY : My goal is to work with photographer Nick Knight. He uses the latest technology to create his own unique worldview and has a major impact on the world.

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

MY : Being able to judge the quality of the designs you have created, in other words, learning standards for judging design, is an effective way to improve your design skills.

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

MY : Design is "value creation"

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

MY : I have learned so much from everyone I have met, both good and bad, and I believe that has shaped me into who I am.

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

MY : I have experienced design plagiarism many times. Still, I want to continue creating original works and become a designer who can have an impact on the world.

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

MY : I am currently working on a dream project that has been about 10 years in the making. I can't reveal any details yet, but I am having a lot of fun.

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

MY : Establishing and expanding my design.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MY : I believe that design is good at creating a better society. I think we should just design as we always do, "designing a better society."

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

MY : Being able to create a design that I never expected.

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

MY : It all depends on the situation; sometimes I was only allowed three hours, and sometimes it takes 10 years for the situation to be right.

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

MY : Start by imagining what went well in the project and letting my imagination run wild.

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

MY : I use technology to design, but I try to use it to realize the ideas I have in mind, and not to be technology-driven.

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

MY : Color has a direct effect on the senses, so it is an element that is very important to me.

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

MY : I'd love to hear what you think when you see or use a design I made.

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

MY : I don't have a perfect design partner. I believe in co-design, but the conditions for successful collaboration are rare.

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

MY : I was impressed by the designs of my classmates at the art university I studied at, and I learned a lot from them.

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

MY : I have a lot of them, but the photo book I bought at Nick Knight's studio is my favorite.

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

MY : I was self-taught in design for a long time, and then studied at art school, so I think I have acquired skills from both on-the-job learning and research-led design.

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

MY : I like summer when the light is strong and everything looks shiny.

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

MY : Your comments, an offer for a project, a commission of artwork, and an invitation to go surfing are always welcome.