Interview with Sugimoto Kazutoshi
What led to the founding of Tailor Design.
What does it mean to face "design" as "work"?
Sugimoto shared his thoughts on this.
Did you originally have an interest in design?
Sugimoto (no honorifics)
I didn't have a clear awareness of what is called "design," but I have loved creating things since childhood.
I was good at art class when I was in elementary school.
I aimed to pursue fashion design, but the university I entered was architecture-related.
After graduating from the undergraduate program, I went on to a master's program.
What happened after you completed your master's degree?
Sugimoto
Since my university and graduate school were in Tokyo, I got a job at an interior design firm in the city.
I worked on interior design for Western-style confectionery shops in department store basements.
After leaving that job, I had various days of making ends meet.
I did all sorts of work, whether related to design or not, including temp work and part-time jobs.
What I find unique about myself is that I did loading work at a construction site.
Every day my arms were sore, and my body became muscular.
Because of this experience, I no longer felt anxious about "What if I fail in business?".
I became tough both physically and mentally.
It was really tough, but I look back on it fondly; I think it was a valuable time in my life.
That was harsh... How did you enter the world of graphic design?
Sugimoto
I got connected with a certified NPO called "Machin' Hongo" that engages in community development activities in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, through an introduction from an acquaintance.
They were holding a community cleanup event and asked me to design a flyer.
I had no knowledge or experience in graphic design, but I intuitively thought it was a chance and readily agreed.
It was completely volunteer work with no compensation, but that was the start.
It was in May 2012.
After that, I continued my relationship with Machin' Hongo, working on community branding projects, creating booklets about literary figures, and designing logos.
The "Hongo Department Store" project was also a collaboration with the same organization.
However, since I was taking it on as "work," I had to take responsibility for the quality of the deliverables.
Excuses like "It's my first time doing graphic design..." don't hold water.
So, I studied daily on my own.
I wonder if the efforts I made then are still benefiting my work in Kasaoka.
Indeed, it was the "encounters" that opened up new paths! And that led to my founding the company.
Sugimoto
Yes.
When I designed the flyer for the cleanup event, looking back now, it was quite clumsy and rough, but it made people very happy.
That made me very happy.
It was fulfilling.
It was fun!
I often think about this, but should work be done out of "obligation"?
No, I don't think so.
Rather, I believe work should be "something to enjoy."
Enjoyment is key.
So, what does "fun" mean?
For me, the answer is "multiskilled," and that "it's more enjoyable and appreciated to create various things by myself."
From such feelings, I started TAILORDESIGN OFFICE as a sole proprietorship in 2013.
From the Writer
There is a term called "craftsman spirit."
Stubborn and resolute, possessing absolute confidence in their skilled techniques, and not changing their style.
That's the image.
I have always understood that Sugimoto's pursuit of being a multiskilled worker is the opposite of this concept.
However, I suddenly think.
A multiskilled worker is a craftsman specialized in "people."
Meeting people, being close to them, and moving their hearts.
Such humanity and warmth emanate from the designs created by multiskilled workers.
Sugimoto said.
"I want to make my clients happy."
No matter how refined it is, design without the involvement of "people" has no power to bring joy to "people."
Only by thinking of "people" thoroughly does design gain a soul.
After all, design is profound.
TAILORDESIGN OFFICE Information
| Name | TAILORDESIGN OFFICE |
|---|---|
| Location | 2553 Oshima Naka, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, Share Atelier Umi no Kosha (Kasaoka Office) |
| Parking | Available |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | TAILORDESIGN OFFICE |
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