We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tomoki Nomura. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tomoki below.

Alright, Tomoki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I wouldn’t call this a skill but a personality trait that I learned that is essential is perseverance. Sometimes, things for me don’t work out the first time around so I have learned to be able to keep trying. Even when there seems to be no hope, I can create reasons to be hopeful.

I learned furniture and industrial design through a mix of mentors, formal education, and online resources. My mentors provided me with invaluable opportunities, while ArtCenter College of Design laid the foundation for my career, teaching me essential skills for navigating a competitive industry. The internet, especially platforms like YouTube, filled in gaps in my technical knowledge and allowed me to explore areas I might not have encountered otherwise.

Looking back, to accelerate my learning, I would have reached out to more interesting people earlier, pursued design school right after high school, and embraced a more autodidactic approach sooner. Leveraging online resources and seeking out diverse perspectives would have enriched my learning experience.

While not a traditional skill, perseverance has been crucial for me. Many projects didn’t go as planned initially, but I learned to keep pushing forward and find hope even in challenging situations. This resilience has been key to my growth as a designer.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an industrial designer from Japan, specializing in furniture, lighting, fixtures, and soft goods. My passion for design stems from a lifelong love of using my hands and imagination to create things that enhance daily life. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to blend functionality with aesthetics, turning everyday items into cherished pieces that bring joy and utility. Each project is a chance to innovate and connect with people on a meaningful level. There’s something profoundly rewarding about crafting objects that people cherish for years.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, society can best support artists and creatives by fostering a higher standard for quality in design and functionality among consumers. When people demand more from the products they buy, it encourages producers to elevate their work, leading to a more competitive and innovative industry. This shift not only enhances the quality of what’s available but also makes the creative process more meaningful and purpose-driven. By valuing and seeking out well-designed, original products, consumers can help cultivate a thriving creative ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Non-creatives might struggle to understand that a career in design is not a linear journey. Gaining experience and producing high-quality work doesn’t always lead to opportunities and success. A significant factor is timing; it’s about finding the right audience for your work. While skill and knowledge are crucial, elements like luck and timing can play an equally important role, if not more. This complexity can be challenging to grasp, but recognizing that the creative path involves both hard work and serendipity can provide valuable insight for anyone navigating their own journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tomoki.design/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomoki.design/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomoki.design
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetomoki/