Interview with Takayas Mizuno

Takayas Custom Jewelry is a small studio, but highly functional with a creative atmosphere. The shop has been at this location for five years. There are plans to expand.

"Design" is an expression like a painting, unlike languages, it can be very quiet and humble, but yet be a very strong message to the people who understand it or are touched by it.

Jewelry is my speciality, but I do like designing furniture because of the architecture, and industrial merchandise like office supplies such as computer mouses, pens, organizational pieces.

A ring I designed for a couple about to be married, and it was my favorite because they didn't know what they wanted. However, once I listened to them talk about their relationship, I was able to express their emotions through the design, and they were highly touched and I knew then that the design was complete.

When I am alone early in the morning or late at night.

That whatever the design is, it does not compete with the comfortabiltiy of wearing it.

Excited, creative, challenged.

Achievement, satisfaction, happiness.

The process of making it forces one to adjust the design when it needs it, so that the prototype functions and appears the way I created it in CAD.

Functionality of the design is the most important aspect that I look for.

The designer should always consider what materials he is choosing to build his design. Since it has become easier to get more information , the designer should be very conscious of the effects to the environment and to society as a whole of which materials to use.

The design field is now being recognized as it should be. People are now realizing the importance of having a "good" design as the core of any product that is being created.

My inspiration comes from everyday objects. I make it a point to look beyond their "obvious" designs and functionality. I challenge myself on how to incorporate them in my designs.

I was always fascinated in the unison of organic and geometric shapes in my designs. Using two conflicting concepts and balancing them helps me to find new ways and be more creative.

Being born and raised in Japan and now living in the USA, has helped me see more clearly the contrasting concepts of designs. Japanese designers incorporates history,culture and traditions in all of their designs giving all of their work meaning other than just being functional and cold structures.

First is getting an idea/inspiration. Then I proceed to making it w/CAD to test how the design would look in 3D. Then I make the necessary changes and finish it.

They should first become the biggest fan of their design. But at the same time, be courageous enough to accept rejection and do the necessary changes to their design.

Being able to express myself in my design is one of the most wonderful feeling I experience as a designer. To be appreciated and recognized by my customers and peers would be the most gratifying part.

In my industry, my designs are what my customers want. I make my designs as personal for them as possible.

The ability thru training and experience to identify even the smallest details of the design.

CAD design soft wares and keeping updated with information regarding jewelry technologies and machinery.

I create a deadline for myself and I stick with it. No matter what obstacles or changes during the process, I make sure I follow my deadline for any project.

About 2 hours.

"Where do I get my inspiration?"

Meeting and dealing with various couples with different personalities. This interactions sharpen my ability to create a design that would connect my creation to the customers requests.

Working with jewelry was the best way for me to express my creativity. It gives me the pleasure of seeing my designs being cared for because of it's sentimental value and can also be appreciated by the next generation.

I am currently working in branding my jewelry. My future plan is do collaborate work with well known jewelry companies that would match my design concepts and ideas.

I work by myself in developing designs.

None at the moment.

They can contact me thru my email at info@takayascustomjewelry.com.