We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Kiyoka Yamazuki about their original and creative Calendar design work. Kiyoka Yamazuki is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original calendar works.
Kiyoka Yamazuki ("KY") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Japanese Kumano Kodo Calendar. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
KY : This theme was decided before production. I received a request from Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. to create an illustration of my colorful world with the theme of "Spinning History and Connecting Culture" and "Romantic Road." The elements of my designs (illustrations) are inspired by Japanese culture, traditional designs and invisible things.
KY : n 2002, I received a request for a calendar for the first time as an illustrator. The most important thing (because it's a 6-page calendar, you can use one illustration for 2 months without getting bored) is that I wanted to make a calendar. Every time I look at it, I discover something new, and I wanted it to be something that people who use it can enjoy every day. I also wanted to create a different image for each month by changing the color variations.
KY : I'm not a designer, so I don't have a design plan. By receiving this award, I feel that I have gained a new step (confidence) as an illustrator. I would like to start a new production.
KY : Since the concept was decided, I didn't think much about the design of the illustration based on that at the rough stage. The first illustration I worked on was the Nagasaki Highway. This was because the illustration of the Nagasaki Highway was also used for the order leaflet. I think it took about two weeks to draw the illustration of the Nagasaki Highway. However, the delivery date suddenly became shorter, and the remaining 5 pieces were made in 10 days. It was especially difficult to draw an illustration using the neutral colors of March and April. Even now, when I look back on this job, I remember not only how much I enjoyed it and how happy I was, but how difficult it was because I didn't have enough time. I finished it in 10 days and it was a miracle.
KY : In 2002, I was commissioned to create a calendar illustration with the theme of "heartbeat". The locations of the 'old roads' (such as Nagasaki Kaido and Minoji) were decided from the beginning. Other than that, I made everything freely based on my own ideas. I came up with all the composition, colors, and ideas myself.
KY : This illustration that I designed is not used by other companies. There are no plans to sell the production rights at this time. I would like to create an illustration (work) if there is a request. We look forward to hearing from you.
KY : That's all I can do, and since it's a calendar (and I'll be seeing the same work for two months), I think it's because I wanted people who use it to enjoy it every day. I wanted to draw illustrations that would not bore the viewers and users.
KY : When I was studying design, I studied various things other than graphics. I also took a coloring class. At the graduation exhibition, I made a folding screen using Japanese paper with doroe, yuzen, and stencil dyeing. She remembers when she became an illustrator (because she wanted to draw something that only she could draw). I think that the design of dyeing is probably also influenced. I don't remember being particularly influenced, but I liked the works of Keisuke Serizawa, a dyeing artist.
KY : I don't know who he is, but I think he targets all customers.
KY : I'm not sure myself. I think that is my service spirit. Whether it's a printed matter or a single illustration, I want to make it something that viewers and users won't get bored of.
KY : This design name was decided from the beginning. It was decided from the moment I received the job request. Our client: (Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.) has built a long tradition while aiming for a color culture. In 2002, aiming for a further leap forward, I drew an illustration on the theme of "old roads" that connect history and culture.There are many roads that people have walked in Japan. This theme is probably because the culture and history are deeply engraved there.
KY : This work was made in 2002, so I don't think there were many people who could draw illustrations on a computer like now. My design tools haven't changed a bit since then. It is a style that draws a lot of sketches with paper and pencil, and then draws on an illustration board using brushes and acrylic paints. This is still my go-to style. Now I need a computer to digitize, but I'm not good at it.
KY : Isn't it an idea and a unique color scheme? If possible, I want to draw illustrations that I have never seen before.
KY : I didn't work with anyone on the design. We do not work with people with technical expertise. However, through the introduction of Mr. Ogawa of the planning company Scope Co., Ltd., I was offered a job offer (I received the materials for the theme). I proposed and produced the design proposal, color usage, and composition by myself.
KY : I don't really need it. Hand-drawn is enough. But with technology, I think it would have been easier and cleaner to create my work. But I don't think it was fun.
KY : In order to complete this design, I collected materials on the theme of the "road" of the place, and researched what kind of culture had been nurtured in that place, and the traditions and festivals held there. , I inflated my thoughts. I will create an illustration design based on it. I didn't do anything special.
KY : It was my first time making a calendar illustration, so it took me a while (to decide on the color scheme for each month of the calendar). It was difficult because I didn't have time to make it. After all, I made 5 works in 10 days. It was hard.
KY : Last year I received an email from Me A' Design. I was a little hesitant about submitting it to the competition, but I wonder if I wanted to do something. In addition, her older sister said, "If you try, you can do it," so I tried it. (I didn't know it would be this hard)
KY : The joy of making and completing it yourself, the joy of completing a printed matter called a calendar with your own ideas. It made me want to make better things.
KY : Nothing in particular. We had a lot of questions. It was a good experience. thank you very much.
