Dictionaly of Grasses Book by Takako Masuki

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

TM : I got inspiration from the movie "My neighbor totoro". The cover design looks like a tunnel of grasses. Readers would be involved in the world of grasses.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

TM : If the readers buy it as a gift for someone or themselves, my aim comes true.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

TM : I would like to keep making my self-project, ASIAN_FOOD_DESIGn with Risograph.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

TM : half a year

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

TM : This work is commissioned by the publisher.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

TM : This design is commissioned so I will not sell it. I have my own work instead. It was awarded the Gourmand world cookbook award, design category, best of best.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

TM : I love cute designs, and lovely designs so it brought me to design this book.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

TM : I guess no.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

TM : 20~40 women who love nature.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

TM : Other similar books' design is specialized. This design is casual and cute.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

TM : The title is given by the author.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

TM : Adobe Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

TM : Transparent paper

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

TM : With Illustrator who drew leaves.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

TM : This design is not influenced by data or analytical research. I explored book shops and gardens instead.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

TM : I collected sample designs of transparent paper, then explored how to use it.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

TM : One of the Jury members asked me to submit it.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

TM : I designed the cover day by day, it took maybe 2~3 weeks. Every day I saw it and thought about what I can do.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

TM : Thanks for reading :D