“ BEHIND EVERY PHENOMENAL STREETWEAR PROJECT, IS A TEAM OF AMAZING ARTISTS THAT COME TOGETHER TO BRING IDEA INTO REALISATION AND THEN, THERE IS THE ULTIMATE CREATIVE INDIVIDUAL THAT JUST BRING IN THE MAGIC TOUCH THAT WE SEE IN MOST JAPAN’S PROMINENT STREETWEAR NAMES. AND THAT MAN IS MOTOKI MIZOGUCHI. FOR SOMEONE WHO IS OF FEW WORDS, HE IS CERTAINLY A MAN THAT LETS HIS DESIGN SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.
WE ARE TRULY HONOUR TO HAVE HIM IN THIS FEATURE AND TO GET TO KNOW THE CREATIVE MIND BEHIND THE MANY INFLUENTIAL STREETWEAR BRANDS THAT WE LOVE TODAY. ”
Q & A
Can you share with us on how you started mo'design and what were your early influences?
I had liked graphic design, so it was inevitable that mo'design started. The early 90's was also the dawn of Macintosh. I was also influenced by the designers who make full use of them.
From what we know of your background, you are a Law graduate. What had influenced your transition from law to design instead?
I think I was looking for a course in various directions at that time.
What made mo'design stands apart from the rest of the design agency?
It has been 25 years since I started my design career, but I don't do many kinds of work for business success, I just keep doing what I like. Graphic Design is my hobby, it is part of my life and the most fun for me.
You've collaborated with many great names in the industry, Hiroshi Fujiwara being one of them. Care to share with us how did that started?
Everything is a connection of friends. Same goes on how this started. We were introduced to each other through our friends.
Any interesting future project you are currently working on now?
Yes, plenty. I do have a few interesting projects currently underway.
How & where do you get your inspirations?
I am always on the lookout for something interesting. From what I see, everything around me are inspiration-worthy – art, sports, books, cities.
If you don't mind sharing more on your Boot Camp magazine project, do tell us on how the project started and how long it took you to make it happen?
I've always wanted to do pure publishing, that has nothing to do with commercial publishing. With the cooperation of many friends, we have started the magazine "bootcamp" - that introduces various talented artists.
“I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO PURE PUBLISHING, THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH COMMERCIAL PUBLISHING.”
In all of your previous projects, which would you say was your biggest challenge, for you and also for mo'design?
I have to admit, there are many. It’s hard to pick only one.
You travel a lot. Among your many trips, are there any specific destination that you like best?
I like Maui, Hawaii. It’s a perfect place to go for surfing and spend quality family time.
Taguchi-san of Challenger shared with us that you both snowboarded together on multiple occasions. Are there any other extreme sports that you are into?
Yes, I do enjoy snowboarding. And also surfing. I find these 2 activities as fun and enjoyable.
Care to share with us your favorite movie?
I have many favourite movies.
How about music? Are there any band that influence you and your career?
Some of my favourite music are Common, Lauryn Hill, & Prince.
During our visit to your office, we saw that you had quite a book collection. Are there any good reads that you would recommend to us?
I would recommend the collection of works by my favourite artists such as Richter, Wool, Tillman’s are very good.
During our visit to your office, we saw that you had quite a book collection. Are there any good reads that you would recommend to us?
I would recommend the collection of works by my favourite artists such as Richter, Wool, Tillman’s are very good.
With the current pandemic situation, do you spend most of your time at home or in your studio?
COVID19 has caused us to spend a lot of time at home. However, it is a good opportunity for me to reconsider my life and the future.
What are your views on the current pandemic situation, and how do you think it would affect the industry?
It is inconvenient for me to be unable to meet with people or go abroad, and I wish for you to be able to return to our peaceful daily routine soonest possible.
Any message for us and your design fans in Malaysia?
Thank you for your interest in my graphics. When peaceful everyday life comes, I would love to go to Malaysia and hear the impressions of my graphic work directly. Hope you and your family are all well and safe. Peace.
Interview: Jem | Translation: Khalisa Johari | Photography: Mizo @mo’design Inc. | Graphic: Adrian Nunis
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