Hideyuki Kishihara

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Hideyuki Kishihara ("HK") 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?

HK : I design apparel and other products, but I have no specific professional training. However, I did attend a technical school for web design.

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

HK : The family business was a manufacturer of women's shoes, so I designed shoes. Later, I established my own company, designing and selling apparel and leather items.

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

HK : Forced to.

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

HK : Apparel, leather items, web, etc.

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

HK : See things from different perspectives.

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

HK : A great designer should have great output.

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

HK : What it means.

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

HK : I believe that design is necessary as a means to achieve good objectives.

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

HK : I want to design things that people wear and use in their daily lives.

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

HK : I can't think of any.

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

HK : To think of the face of the user.

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

HK : none in particular.

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

HK : Apple.Intuitive and beautiful.

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

HK : The design is based on the image of the user's usage scenario.

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

HK : Seeing different things from different angles.

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

HK : I am a designer and entrepreneur.

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

HK : Design is a means to an end.

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

HK : Family and Customers.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

HK : Seeing things from different angles.

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

HK : I am not a design master.

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

HK : As you want.

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

HK : I would like to design items utilizing traditional Japanese crafts.

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

HK : Continuing to be a designer.

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

HK : I don't know.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

HK : People from diverse backgrounds share issues and work together to solve them.

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

HK : Creating products that delight users.

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

HK : I can't choose.

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

HK : I hope that the design industry can help create a better world.

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

HK : Depends on the case.

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

HK : To envision the user's usage scenario.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

HK : Live as one likes.

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

HK : I believe that technology can help design.

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

HK : Illustrator,Photoshop

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

HK : color, materials, and ambient are all important elements in design, and their thoughtful selection and integration can have a significant impact on the overall success of a design.

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

HK : I would like to know the background behind the creation of this design.

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

HK : I think co-design works.

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

HK : Everything I see.

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

HK : I do not consider myself a master designer.

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

HK : Son died at age 5.

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

HK : Glad to hear others appreciate it.

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

HK : Color: I can not choose. Place:Home. Food: I can not choose. Season:I like the spring time when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Thing:No Idea. Brand:Apple

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

HK : I was happy when I saw a woman wearing shoes I had designed.

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

HK : To enjoy life.

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

HK : My childhood dream was to be a footballer.

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

HK : People are living happily.

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

HK : I am glad that you are using something I designed.