Interview with Kimio Fukutani

Kimio Fukutani ("KF") interviewed on Tuesday, 17 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

KF : It's been 20 years since I started designing jewelry. I started working at the jewelry studio THE GREAT FROG in London. He has been involved in jewelry for 20 years and has been favored by various Japanese artists and celebrities.

How did you become a designer?

KF : When I first thought about my friend, designed jewelry and gave it to my friend, I was very pleased. I felt a sense of purpose in the work that can bring happiness to people with the jewelry I design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KF : When designing, think from the story, not from the shape. Calculate back from the story and design. The final design is balanced so that the beauty of the jewelry will stand out.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KF : I want people who wear the story of jewelry that I think of to sympathize with me and wear it for the rest of my life. How many memories can you make with your own jewelry? What kind of happiness can we deliver? Such Just thinking and designing will motivate you to think that you are a valuable person.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

KF : My mother, who liked antiques when she was young, has a big influence. I remember being surrounded by antique jewelry and furniture, albeit small

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

KF : I want to continue making jewelry that is packed with my own concepts and stories. I was able to make a successful bid for two Argyle pink diamonds at the auction, so I want to try high jewelry using the special pink diamond

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

KF : I think it's important to try to make things with thought and talk about the jewelry you designed. Beautiful, cool, and cute are the basics of jewelry design, and it is also important to try a design with originality that is different from humans.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

KF : What kind of thought do you want to design and what kind of thought do you want to convey? It is important not to copy a good design, but to create your own design with hints.

What is your day to day look like?

KF : There are many hints in everyday life. Even objects that are not related to jewelry can become jewelry. Since it is Instagram every day, it is useful for my own design while watching new techniques, designs, videos, etc. for jewelry making.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

KF : "Rather than follow the trends, stick to the jewelry you want to design yourself. If you follow the trend, the design will be similar or close to each other.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

KF : think that the design shows the humanity of the person. It's interesting because people aren't the same. Empathize with the person's thoughts and ideas and decide whether they are good or bad.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KF : There is no perfect design. I think other designers are the same, but even if you think you made a perfect one, there will always be parts that you want to start over later. But I think it's growth. Because I designed it, I can make better ones again.

What is your biggest design work?

KF : I definitely tried this A design award. I have never participated in such a contest, so It was a challenge to see how my design would be conveyed to people.

Who is your favourite designer?

KF : I am attracted to the designers who created the era in every field. I respect designers who make things that weren't common sense until now. Andy Warhol, the flag bearer of pop art, and Antoni Gaudi, the architect who designed the Sagrada Familia, which is still under construction. I envy the sense that even if I die, I can take over that intention.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

KF : Since I lived in London, I visited most countries in Europe. Italy is one of my favorite countries. When I was young, I visited the city without knowing right or left, so when I became an adult, I slowly came into contact with historical buildings and other cultures. I think I can get a different inspiration.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

KF : A person who walks together without blurring the goal that should be aimed at from the same perspective. If there is such a person, I can devote everything to my work without hiding it.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

KF : If my experience is useful to others, I would like to develop new designers and participate in and contribute to events.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

KF : I think that design is evaluated only when people judge it. No matter how much I think it's okay, no one can tell. The value of design is created only when people recognize it. The experience of participating in the contest for the first time and being able to win the award on the front stage for the first time gave me confidence. It will also give you an opportunity to take on new challenges. I want to repeat this and grow as a designer.

Kimio Fukutani Profile