Naoya Katagami

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Naoya Katagami ("NK") 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?

NK : I’ve been fascinated by overseas cultures since I was a child.

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

NK : I enjoyed drawing illustrations and manga, and I also loved designing flyers for events with friends—before I knew it, it had turned into my profession.

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

NK : Rather than aiming specifically to become a designer, I just kept doing creative things that I loved, and eventually found myself working under the title of graphic designer.

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

NK : I always aim to create designs that capture the essence of things, and I hope to refine that further moving forward. I also work with photography using 35mm and 8×10 black-and-white film, and I would like to incorporate that form of expression more into my design work. I believe film photography captures the true essence of a moment, imprinting it directly onto the film.

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

NK : I’m still in the process of growing myself. I’ve developed through seeing many things and meeting many different people.

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

NK : I believe the definition differs from person to person, but to me, the distinction lies in whether the work captures some essence of truth or creates meaningful synergy.

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

NK : Not just something trendy or fashionable, but a design that reflects the essence and synergy of what the creator is truly trying to express.

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

NK : Everything has its own vibration and rhythm. A good season or moment gives birth to good design, and in turn, good design creates a new season. I believe there is a mutual relationship like that.

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

NK : I would like to create designs that go beyond expectations for people who seek deeper essence.

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

NK : I live in Japan and have had the opportunity to work with major domestic companies, but I hope to expand my work to a broader range of international projects.

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

NK : To approach each project sincerely without becoming arrogant.

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

NK : Leonardo da Vinci, Buckminster Fuller, Hokusai, Mucha, and Emil Ruder.

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

NK : The Tura Table by Mai Wahdan (#171874) really spoke to me — I could easily see it fitting into my own home.

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

NK : I was drawn to the simplicity of the “Tura Table” by Mai Wahdan (#171874). It felt like something I would genuinely want to use in my own home.

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

NK : I was drawn to the simplicity of the “Tura Table” by Mai Wahdan (#171874). It felt like something I would genuinely want to use in my own home.

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

NK : I’ve always pursued what I felt drawn to, though many of those interests ended up as hobbies or temporary phases. Even if I hadn’t become a designer, I believe I would still be doing something creative.

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

NK : Design, to me, is something that connects people with things and experiences—it bridges the gap between ideas and those who encounter them.

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

NK : Everyone I’ve met, every experience I’ve had, and every place I’ve been has helped me reach where I am today. More recently, I’ve received great support from the people at JAGDA.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

NK : Everyone I’ve met, every experience I’ve had, and every place I’ve been has helped me reach where I am today. More recently, I’ve received great support from the people at JAGDA.

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

NK : Of course, not just in design, but in doing anything meaningful, one encounters various difficulties—but I believe that’s simply part of the journey.

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

NK : As long as the essence of the work is properly conveyed, I believe designers are free to present it however they choose—so long as they maintain basic courtesy and order.

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

NK : I’m involved in various types of work, but moving forward, I want to create more essential, fundamental designs.

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

NK : A quote by Emil Ruder always stays with me: “There are people—sharp-tongued people—who say that the most beautiful surface is a surface with nothing on it. This is not a totally mistaken view. When we are faced with a white surface there are two things we can do: we can ennoble it or we can desecrate it.” This thought is always in my heart and deeply influences my goals as a designer.

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

NK : Continued evolution.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

NK : To better interweave things and people.

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

NK : Designing for a shop that is entering a new phase.

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

NK : The Hiroshima Peace Song Exhibition #164704. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, I created the design for a poster exhibition aimed at conveying peace to people around the world through the power of design. The project received a great response.

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

NK : I hope to see an increase in more essential and meaningful design.

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

NK : The polarization between what we call “design” and easily generated outputs by AI will rapidly accelerate, and what we refer to as true design will become more refined and sharpened.

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

NK : It depends on the project, but even after it’s completed, I keep questioning whether it’s truly the best it can be until the deadline.

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

NK : I usually start with rough sketches and notes.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

NK : The expression of more essential truths.

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

NK : We should create good design regardless of trends.

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

NK : We should create good design regardless of trends.

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

NK : I use Mac and Adobe software for my work.

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

NK : They are like the colors in a drawing — elements that give life and depth to the line work.

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

NK : They are like the colors in a drawing — elements that give life and depth to the line work.

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

NK : The essence.

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

NK : I usually create alone, so I’m not sure.

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

NK : The books and designs of pioneers have greatly influenced me. More recently, the members of JAGDA have also had a significant impact.

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

NK : Leonardo da Vinci’s manuscripts.

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

NK : By reading many books written by great designers and masters before me.

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

NK : Leonardo da Vinci.

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

NK : I feel truly honored.

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

NK : I like monochrome.

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

NK : At JAGDA Hiroshima, we’ve been involved in a project called the Hiroshima Appeals Poster Series. It’s a design poster initiative that began in 1983. This year, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, we created a postcard set that compiles all the posters, and I was in charge of the art direction. While I was working with the design data from past contributors to create the set, I experienced an overwhelming feeling—goosebumps all over. It felt as though I was being watched by the designers of past generations. It was an eerie yet deeply moving moment.

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

NK : When a design is completed, or when someone is genuinely pleased with the work—that’s when the day feels truly great. Receiving recognition through awards or having the work embraced by many people through media coverage also gives me a strong sense of fulfillment and motivation.

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

NK : Since it was a time when information wasn’t as readily available as it is now, I didn’t have a clear idea of becoming a designer. However, I was definitely a child with an unusually strong curiosity for culture and all things creative.

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

NK : I don’t know what will happen. Perhaps something other than humanity will be at the center of evolution. But what I do know is that I try to live each moment fully and strive to grow little by little every day.

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

NK : I hope to continue evolving as a designer. It would mean a lot if you kept following my journey from here on.