Interview with Tomohiro Kaji

Tomohiro Kaji ("TK") interviewed on Sunday, 7 July.

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

TK : I started my career as a graphic designer, and became an internal-creative team leader as well as senior marketing manager.

How did you become a designer?

TK : I have 3 huge inspirations in my life. The first one is by my grandfather who was a calligrapher. He had been drawing calligraphies mixing letters and any shape by painting or paper material. Often he had made sculptures. The second one is some advertisings created by John C Jay. He has been a huge inspiration for me, always. Lastly, El Lissitzky. His graphic designs shocked me out from a ob of typical poster design. Their art inspired me to become a designer. And I learned a graphic design at Academy of Art University in San Francisco, US.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

TK : Trying help making a good product or business for client. And design how good they are to the world.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

TK : Climbing on a huge mountain with steps one by one.

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

TK : An experience as a creative director and marketing manager as a in-house creator so I learned how to bridge good creative and business.

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

TK : Business growth of my company as a creative agency for global good clients.

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

TK : Always ask if it is the best for for them, and for you.

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

TK : There is no success or failure. It is just a part of a process and just keep going to where you really want to go.

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

TK : Design is in a matter of process. Good design always comes at the end of result.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

TK : If there is no more explorations for a client and for me.

Who is your favourite designer?

TK : John C Jay

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

TK : Educating clients to be a good for their customers as well as for society.

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

TK : This is the first time.

Tomohiro Kaji Profile