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Excellence Prize
Vodafone Design File
Web
Artist : SANO Katsuhiko (HAKUHODO i-studio) / UMETSU Takeshiro
(Japan)
SANO Katsuhiko(HAKUHODO i-studio)/UMETSU Takeshiro
Left:SANO Katsuhiko…Born in 1976. A member of HAKUHODO i-studio.
Right:UMETSU Takeshiro…Born in 1977. Works as a freelancer. They won the Bronze Prize at the Cannes Lions-International Advertising Festival, as well as many other prizes, both in Japan and internationally.
The premise of this work is that "mobile phone designs should reflect people's life styles", as has been proposed by Vodafone. The website presents the concept behind each design and my thoughts about them, such as: 'what is it like seeing, touching, and experiencing this on the website?' or 'what is the pleasure of touching them with a mouse?' It makes me think that I can create a place for new experiences through the careful manipulation of simple parts, such as pictures, sounds, and interactive movement.
This website is very smartly designed; the unity of the whole, ease of navigation and the detail of interactive movement is not only simple for users to understand, but is capable of enriching their experience. The quality of this work must be a result of the creator's desire to be particular about every detail. It is wonderful that a website intended simply to introduce new mobile phone designs could provide this level of entertainment.
How old were you when you "created" something first time in your life? At that time, what did you create, and what kind of medium did you use?
SANO Katsuhiko／
When I was in elementary school, I liked putting blocks together very much and I remember using them frequently to make my secret lairs.
When I was in elementary school, I liked putting blocks together very much and I remember using them frequently to make my secret lairs.
UMETSU Takeshiro／
I made a T-shirt when I was a university student. I went to an art supply store and bought materials, then I thought I had actually followed the sales assistant's instructions, but it went totally wrong.
I made a T-shirt when I was a university student. I went to an art supply store and bought materials, then I thought I had actually followed the sales assistant's instructions, but it went totally wrong.
What kind of tools or medium do you use now? Please tell us the reason why you choose them.
SANO Katsuhiko／
I always use Flash for the final output. Speaking of the process, I use Photoshop or Illustrator to expand images. The reason why I chose them is a course I had on the job, I think.
I always use Flash for the final output. Speaking of the process, I use Photoshop or Illustrator to expand images. The reason why I chose them is a course I had on the job, I think.
UMETSU Takeshiro／
I use Flash and sometimes Java. They are convenient as I can make things easily.
I use Flash and sometimes Java. They are convenient as I can make things easily.
If you could get "dream tools/medium" for your creation, what do you wish to get?
SANO Katsuhiko／
The easiest way would be to have a tool that has a certain level of thinking but, when it happens, I will need a different level of thinking. It's difficult.
The easiest way would be to have a tool that has a certain level of thinking but, when it happens, I will need a different level of thinking. It's difficult.
UMETSU Takeshiro／
It would be good to have software which translates things I picture in my head into program code. But even if it really existed, perhaps I would not be able to use it as I would be scared of it.
It would be good to have software which translates things I picture in my head into program code. But even if it really existed, perhaps I would not be able to use it as I would be scared of it.
Do you have any consistent subject matter or theme through your works? If so, please explain us.
SANO Katsuhiko／
It is not easy to find a common concept in my work, since what I create on a daily basis is determined by requests from a client. However, I am always aware of the audience, how they view, touch and enjoy my work.
It is not easy to find a common concept in my work, since what I create on a daily basis is determined by requests from a client. However, I am always aware of the audience, how they view, touch and enjoy my work.
UMETSU Takeshiro／
I have nothing in particular...
I have nothing in particular...
Please tell us the most difficult or considerable part when you create your work.
SANO Katsuhiko／
Where embodying the entire frame from an abstract image. And human relationships...
Where embodying the entire frame from an abstract image. And human relationships...
UMETSU Takeshiro／
The hardest part is when I determine the directionality of a work. How should I say, I think this is everything.
The hardest part is when I determine the directionality of a work. How should I say, I think this is everything.
Have you ever felt that your work is a "media art"? Also, what is the difference between "media arts" and "traditional fine arts"?
SANO Katsuhiko／
I have never categorized my work as a media art. It is awkward to think about how different art and media art are taking it seriously.
I have never categorized my work as a media art. It is awkward to think about how different art and media art are taking it seriously.
UMETSU Takeshiro／
I have been never aware of it. Or, really, I don't I think it is a media art. Perhaps "media art" is a realm where the mystery of setting of context is a key.
I have been never aware of it. Or, really, I don't I think it is a media art. Perhaps "media art" is a realm where the mystery of setting of context is a key.
As an artist/creator, please tell us your approach, stance or point of view when you create your work.
SANO Katsuhiko／
I have a few opportunities to create something as an artist but I commit myself to provide a new experience to viewers.
I have a few opportunities to create something as an artist but I commit myself to provide a new experience to viewers.
UMETSU Takeshiro／
I place more importance on my work if I enjoy creating it more than valuing what other people feel when they see it.
I place more importance on my work if I enjoy creating it more than valuing what other people feel when they see it.
What is your motto?
SANO Katsuhiko／
"Things will work out."
"Things will work out."
UMETSU Takeshiro／
"Pleasure is the source of pain in life."
"Pleasure is the source of pain in life."
What kind of situation in every day life do you get inspired most?
SANO Katsuhiko／
Each thing happens in daily life. Or, anything and everything I have experienced in the past.
Each thing happens in daily life. Or, anything and everything I have experienced in the past.
UMETSU Takeshiro／
When I am in my desperation...
When I am in my desperation...
What kind of vision do you have in your future development as the creator?
SANO Katsuhiko／
I mainly work for a client at present, but I am hoping to expand the area of my personal activities little by little. In the Japan Media Arts Festival this year, one of my works which I created privately was selected for a recommended work in the Art Division. I hope I can continue this kind of activity.
I mainly work for a client at present, but I am hoping to expand the area of my personal activities little by little. In the Japan Media Arts Festival this year, one of my works which I created privately was selected for a recommended work in the Art Division. I hope I can continue this kind of activity.
UMETSU Takeshiro／
To be international!
To be international!
Please name of the people, things, or phenomena that you have got most influenced by as the creator.
SANO Katsuhiko／
Mac :
It made me feel a stretch of presentation in the digital field. Also, no matter whether it is digital or analogue, I strongly recognized that the idea which lies at the bottom is essential.
University graduation production :
My specialty at University was architecture. I put my all into an urban design for my final graduation design and I experienced challenges and hardships as well as joy of creating something for the first time in my life.
Personages like who appear in costume dramas :
Their way of life is great. Particularly, people who lived in the twilight years of the samurai period are cool.
Mac :
It made me feel a stretch of presentation in the digital field. Also, no matter whether it is digital or analogue, I strongly recognized that the idea which lies at the bottom is essential.
University graduation production :
My specialty at University was architecture. I put my all into an urban design for my final graduation design and I experienced challenges and hardships as well as joy of creating something for the first time in my life.
Personages like who appear in costume dramas :
Their way of life is great. Particularly, people who lived in the twilight years of the samurai period are cool.
UMETSU Takeshiro／
Parents :
For good or bad, it is undeniable that the essential things in my base have been built up with heredity, education and the way of my upbringing which have been given by my parents.
One of my friends from the university :
If he didn't have Flash, I would have been just an ordinary company employee now.
SANO Katsuhiko :
If I didn't have a chance to work with him, I could have had a lazy easy life.
Parents :
For good or bad, it is undeniable that the essential things in my base have been built up with heredity, education and the way of my upbringing which have been given by my parents.
One of my friends from the university :
If he didn't have Flash, I would have been just an ordinary company employee now.
SANO Katsuhiko :
If I didn't have a chance to work with him, I could have had a lazy easy life.
