Interview Magazine: Sk8thing
Interview Magazine recently caught up with rarely interviewed designer Sk8thing, who over the
Interview Magazine recently caught up with rarely interviewed designer Sk8thing, who over the past two decades has created endless designs for the likes of BAPE, Billionaire Boys Club/Ice Cream, NEIGHBORHOOD, WTAPS, UNDERCOVER, Bounty Hunter, and T-19, to name a few. Amongst other topics, we learn why Sk8thing doesn’t enjoy traveling, his take on the current fashion landscape, and his thoughts on finding new inspiration. Offered below is an excerpt of the interview.
It has been a bit tough to find information on you. I’ve assumed that’s to protect the sanctity of your private life, and to put your work forward as a representation of your personality.
I usually turn down interviews… I just have no desire to do them, and I am always working for a brand with a “front man” I don’t feel a necessity to do it either. Maybe that is one of the reasons I have enjoyed working for brands with such visible leaders (Nigo, Pharrell, Hiroshi Fujiwara, etc.)
What was your art or design education, if any?
None. I was always drawing, but I was taught to use a Mac for the first time by Hiroshi [Fujiwara]. I learned from my friends.
“Looking outside” would seem to explain your restless pace. Is there any particular reason you don’t travel?
I don’t like traveling, and I especially don’t like planes, airports, etc. I do want to go to other places and see what’s happening. It’s not that I have a phobia or anything; it’s just that when I am asked if I want to go on a trip it always sounds like a lot of trouble so I usually just avoid it. I always have a backlog of designs that need to get finished, and I don’t really work outside of my studio so that often prevents me from traveling. I often feel like I want to go to New York or London or wherever, but it only happens very rarely. I have a set routine based in Tokyo that works for me and allows me to get my work done but also see people and stay open to new influences.
What are your plans tonight?
Tonight I will be making graphics.
The interview in its entirety can be found here.
