pop.see.cul : Can you briefly describe yourself?

Hello, This is Kei Kobayashi. I am originally from Japan. I came to London to study abroad in 2006, and graduated from Central Saint Martins, BA Graphic Design course in 2010. After university, I started working as cutting assistant in Rob Ryan‘s studio.

pop.see.cul : Can you talk a little bit about your final major project at Central St Martins. What was your aim?

My final major project was a tribute to my childhood memories. The concept was ‘Nostalgia’. I created a toy, a paper puppet set, which was inspired by three books from my childhood. ‘The Three Bears’ by Tolstoy, ‘Birthday’ by Hans Fischer and ‘Caroline en Europe’, which my mum bought on their honeymoon in New Caledonia. When my mum went there, she found that book accidently. When she was a child, this book was also her favourite. When I was 3 years old, she gave it to me. The books prompted me to come over to Europe.

I was trying to make people touch the artwork using their five human senses. It is not always true that a person’s childhood toys go on to become their nostalgic treasures; but this was the case for a number of people I talked to, and it was the case for me. Some nostalgic treasures always stay with me in my daily life. Treasures take different forms for every person, however the toy, for me  is capable of fulfilling many of the requirements of a treasure. And I hope that my paper puppet will be a treasure for someone in the future.

pop.see.cul : What is the first thing you remember about your childhood? Your best or worst memories perhaps.

When I was a child, my favourite moment was when my mum told me stories every night before I went to bed. I still remember the colours of each scene and phrase. My worst memory is the day when my cat passed away.

pop.see.cul : What inspires you the most?

Not only art and design but also a trips in Europe. For example, the view from an airplane or a beautiful sunset at the seaside.

pop.see.cul : What are your plans for the future? What is your dream?

I would like to be a designer who can create quality artwork that people want to keep for their whole lives, allowing it to become a treasure.

pop.see.cul : How would you describe your style in general?

I have always described my work as ‘hand made graphic design’. It’s really difficult to explain it, because I have not only did graphic design but also fashion and product design. But all of my work was handmade. Therefore, I love to use the term ‘hand made style’

Some of Kei’s sketchbook pages :