The Creative Loves of… Satsuki Shibuya

Creative Loves is back and we're starting the year off by bringing you the creative loves of the wonderful Satsuki Shibuya. Satsuki is a Los Angeles based product and textile designer / crafter / life aficionado! Her background is in graphic design, but she found myself longing to create things for the home and for everyday living, hence where she is today primarily making products for the home with a selection of other goods such as tote bags and business card holders. Welcome Satsuki!

Can you tell me  about your studio space? I have a room dedicated to my studio in our home, which is connected to our kitchen space. It actually works out perfectly as I tend to spend the most time in these two rooms. Before moving into our new space, we lived in a loft where my 'office' was literally situated in the corner of the living room. It pretty much consisted of two tables, one being my computer desk and the other was the 'miscellaneous' table, which included everything from cutting fabric, sewing, printing, packaging orders and anything else that needed to be done. The new studio is spacious, airy with wonderful natural light and I can finally have individual stations so that there is no need to shift things around. The best part about the space is being able to display all the little things that I have been collecting over the years and being inspired by them every day. My own little wonderland of sorts. It has truly allowed me to be more creative and productive, which in turn brings on new dreams and ideas.

Have you always been creatively driven? I've always enjoyed using my hands to craft things. I remember in junior high school, we had a home economics class where they taught students how to sew and cook. I loved the class so much that I ended up taking it twice! even then, I felt it wasn't enough to satiate my cravings to learn more. My other obsession when I was younger was ceramics. I began classes at 6 and by 9, I was throwing large pots on the wheel and selling them at the monthly community pottery sale. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to continue taking classes, but I definitely would love to get back on the wheel. During college, I majored in music as I had been playing the piano since 3 and thought that it was what I wanted, but after pursuing a career as a singer/songwriter, I felt the need to create visually. After returning to college for the second time and dabbling in a bit of fine art, digital medial, interior design and fashion design, I was introduced to graphic design which ended up being the place where I (re)found my love for hand processes. Upon graduating, I knew I wanted to start my own company and decided to take the plunge and began zakka nouveau (now known as Satsuki Shibuya). It started out as a graphic/product design company, but quickly changed focus to product design as I realized how much I enjoyed that aspect of the company. I think the moment when the dots connected for me was when my mom said to me, "ever since you were young, you always loved using your hands and it's like you're going back to what you do instinctually." I must say that it feels like I am finally back home after a long journey of trying to find what it is that i wanted to do.

What inspires you, where do you go for ideas? It might sound generic, but everyday happenings and nature inspire me tremendously. It may not be as direct as seeing a leaf and drawing it for a pattern design (or can be), but in the bigger scope of things, I think it is more the feeling that I get from situations. The breeze that carries the smell of fall might conjure up colors in my mind for a collection or the sun rays peeking through the clouds after a storm can bring on emotions that will be a part of a product name. I am also inspired by individuals who carry their own unique philosophies towards the work that they do and when you can actually see these thoughts in the physical world. Oh, and I'm sure it's hinted in my work, but I am enamoured by Scandinavian and Japanese design. 

Please tell us about your current Creative Loves…

Photography - Dabito of Old Brand New & Jennifer Young

Illustration - Small Adventure & Darling Clementine

Graphic Design - Louise Fili & Tea Time Studio

Home / Interiors - Another Country

Blogs - Hello Sandwich & Fieldguided

Books - Lotta Jansdotter Handmade Living  

Magazines- Haru-Mi & Frankie Magazine

Shops - Saana Annuka & Marimekko

What is a typical work day for you? Everyday is different. Some days I might start off jumping out of bed and hoping onto my computer anxiously trying to get some ideas down and other days I start the morning with a cup of tea and toast to allow myself some space before embarking on the day. Then it's usually a combination of sewing/processing orders/packaging up orders/working on various business matters and making sure to put time aside to catch my breath. But with everything, I try to pace myself and listen to what my heart/mind/body is telling me. If i'm feeling burnt out from the day, I stop what i'm doing and do something else completely unrelated to clear my mind. Sometimes I will even take a little nap to recharge my batteries. I've realized for myself that no good ideas come from a body that is tired, a mind that is burnt out and a spirit that is worn. Along with all that is going on, I try to make it a point to spend time with other creatives who inspire me as it helps me to see things from a different perspective. 

How do you approach each project? What tools and materials do you use to create you work? For each collection I start by having a theme or story behind it. For example, my previous collection, the golden rabbit (SP/SU'11), was based on the idea that this year (2011) is of the golden rabbit, which is said to bring good fortune/luck to people, but on the flip side, balanced by natural world disasters. I wanted to create a collection based on the philosophies of this year and to visually express the thoughts swirling around the idea. With the direction in place, I begin to collect fabric samples, pull images that might have a particular color or image that might fit with the collection, sketch, and write notes. Then I step away for a few days to let all the elements gathered simmer in my mind until something concrete comes together. Once I feel that everything has settled and a clear direction emerges, i move forward. As for materials, I usually work with natural fabrics (cotton and linen) and for the fabric printing use soy-based inks.

What projects are you working on at the moment? Right now i'm in the middle of preparing for the FA/WI '11 collection that is scheduled to be released in november. I've also recently changed the name of the company from zakka nouveau to satsuki shibuya and have been working on the website/shop/blog and also other collateral related to the name change. There's always something to work on!

What has been the most interesting or exciting project you've worked on? I don't have a most interesting project as every project i've worked on since starting zakka nouveau has been fun! I tend to not be able to do any work that I don't feel 100% excited about so each project/product that i've had the chance to work on thus far as been a wonderful experience.

In terms of your work what couldn't you live without? I couldn't live not doing what I do. I feel like it is an extension of who i am as a being and a way for me to communicate with the outside world. I finally feel like i've found what I have been so desperately looking for and without it, would be lost again.

What do you love most about what you do? The best part is when I see someone using what i've created in their everyday living or shares with me their experiences in regards to the items they've purchased. The thought of my own two hands creating something from a plain, flat piece of fabric into an item that someone can breathe new life into is just amazing. With the limited resources that we have, I feel that everything created should have a purpose whether it is to bring someone happiness or function within the lives that we live. I hope to be able to create things that will be a mixture of both. 

What do you want to do in the future? I would love to grow the company into more of a lifestyle brand which would include: linens sourced from natural fabrics (duvet covers and pillow cases just to name a few), ceramic & wooden goods, furniture and possibly even rendezvous into bags and clothing. I envision all the items being limited edition as I would want each piece to be created by hand with attention to craftsmanship. My dream is to one day have my own bricks and mortar shop where customers could come visit, directly interact with the products and have the space to chat over a cup of tea and some sweets (that I baked fresh in the morning). A place to connect hearts.

Where are you happiest? At home with my husband and pup skippy enjoying an afternoon lounging around while looking out the window at the blue skies overhead.

Thanks Satsuki!

{Photography by Jennifer Young and John Miller}