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Interview with Makiko Maeda |
Home > Designer Interviews > Makiko Maeda |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Makiko Maeda (MM) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Makiko Maeda by clicking here.
FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
MM: I studied jewelry design at Fashion Institute of technology and started to make own jewelry. Since I was in New York, It was normal being artist.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MM: I had own space in my apartment. Recently, I am working on 3D modeling than hand made.
FS: What is "design" for you?
MM: Based on the concept what I have, it is way to describe what I feel and think.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MM: Fine jewelry, has lot of geometrics and details.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MM: Simple and clean but balanced.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MM: It was a collection for fashion jewelry line. Used rough rose cut and diamond and 22k gold.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MM: Gold and platinum.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
MM: When I done very different taste of work as usual.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MM: Balance.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MM: Most of the time I'm happy but I'm frustrated when nothing coming up on my mind.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MM: I am happy and proud of my work.
FS: What makes a design successful?
MM: Challenge and curiosity.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MM: Bad, I need time to improve my work.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MM: Not hurt anyone, people, animals and environment.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MM: No, everything looks same these days so it will be less variety.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MM: 2013 SNAG Conference in Toronto, Canada. Not planned anything yet.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MM: Anything around me. People, flower, tree, birds, etc..
FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
MM: One of a kind with twist of fine jewelry.
FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
MM: I am from Japan, my design is delicate, clean, simple and detailed which are seen in traditional japanese design.
FS: How do you work with companies?
MM: Mostly working as a freelance.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
MM: First of all, I have a lot of meeting and conference before start working with. It's not only for design but to know if we are good match.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MM: It depends on what I make. Sometime to start sketch and curve wax. I like to use internet to research what style is trend now. Then, use computer if the design is actually functions.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MM: PC, sketchbook using since I was at school, Book, color pencil, tracing papers.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
MM: Wake up and a cup of coffee, work, eat, sleep.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MM: Try to be different from others.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
MM: Positives are being creative, it's important for life. Negatives are too competitive and difficult to survive.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MM: Stay simple.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
MM: Computer for future.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MM: Software, books.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MM: Focus on my work.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MM: Depends what I work on.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
MM: How much do you charge for one design.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
MM: Working as a bench worker.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
MM: some fashion jewelry companies.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MM: working on wedding band is one of my favorite. I am happy that people chosen me for very important rings.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MM: Be a designer famous jewelry house.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MM: working by my self.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
MM: It's secret until I finish it.
FS: How can people contact you?
MM: e-mail me
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
MM: No, thank you so much.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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