Sayoko Kitai

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Sayoko Kitai ("SK") 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?

SK : I have never learned it at any schools but learned it on my own.

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

SK : Whenever I see all the beautiful things around me, I am urged to reproduce them.

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

SK : I chose to become a designer and have never been forced to do so before.

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

SK : Just try to watch and examine things around you so that you can develop the ability to appreciate things or beauty.

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

SK : I think just keeping creating what you really want to design is the key.

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

SK : Morpho Rhetenor Helena Butterfly brooch is my greatest design ever because it was first time for me to be successfully able to make their wings form-changeable.

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

SK : When I design something, I design it again and again until I feel satisfied. This has improved my skills.

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

SK : I can’t imagine myself doing anything else other than the designer and creator.

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

SK : Design is my reason for living.

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

SK : Team members on this project, because I was finally able to create an embroidery work that can be called jewelry.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SK : I have pre-existing conditions and this helped me to achieve this height.

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

SK : On the other hand, my pre-existing conditions can sometimes be an obstacle for me.

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

SK : Creating an embroidered insect jewelry collection is in my mind for the next project.

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

SK : I want people around the world to get to know “Art Jewelry”.

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

SK : Morpho Rhetenor Helena Butterfly brooch is my greatest design ever because it was first time for me to be successfully able to make their wings form-changeable.

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

SK : On average, it takes one to two weeks just for designing.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SK : Don’t forget a sense of fun.

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

SK : As a designer, I want design to come first.

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

SK : We, designers, can be more creative and do more with technologies.

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

SK : Adobe photoshop and illustrator.

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

SK : They are the things that make designs more attractive.

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

SK : When I see a great design or product, I start to think how I can incorporate what I felt great into my design.

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

SK : Co-design is possible for me, and the most desirable partner can be a person who can inspire each other and be on level ground.

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

SK : MODEetMODE.

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

SK : When I see beautiful things that inspire me, I always think how I can make them look most appealing with my design.

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

SK : Young people all around the world. I like hearing different opinions and ideas.

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

SK : They are outcomes of all my efforts and recognize my achievements. I feel very happy when I get one, but it is difficult to be famous in Japan just for getting awards.

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

SK : I like all the four seasons in Japan and eating food in season.

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

SK : When I was walking along a street with an embroidered butterfly brooch on my shoulder, a passerby thought it a real one and said to me “a (real) butterfly is on your shoulder.”

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

SK : Beautiful flowers and dresses made my day great.

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

SK : I never imagined I would become a designer in my childhood.