The Importance of Personal Work and Self-initiated Projects With Nao Nozawa (S01E04)

This episode is dedicated to Nao Nozawa, a Tokyo based graphic designer and art director. We cover topics such as dealing with feedback and criticism, the importance of personal work and self-initiated projects, the specifics of freelancing, and working with clients in Japan, and much more.

Biography

Nao Nozawa is a Tokyo based graphic designer and art director. She currently works as a freelancer within different disciplines including graphic design, art direction, accessories, and textile design, and is always eager to collaborate. She’s a member of the Japan Graphic Designers Association. Besides her client practice, she nurtures her personal work, through making exhibitions and books.

Selected Links From the Episode

• Nao Nozawa's Website
• Nao Nozawa's Instagram
• Kanetanaka
• Hiroshi Sugimoto
• Artless
• Japanese writing system
• Peter Drucker

Show Notes

• Introduction [00:00]
• Episode Introduction [00:52]
• Advice to Younger Self [02:32]
• Advice to Graphic Designers Who Are Just Starting Out [03:46]
• Freelancing and Working With Clients in Japan [07:59]
• Short Episode Break – Support the Podcast [11:08]
• Importance of Personal Work and Self Initiated Projects [11:59]
• Dealing With Feedback and Criticism [15:58]
• Nao's Current Struggles [17:30]
• Early Mistakes [20:03]
• Advice for Being a Better Designer and Creative Professional [21:23]
• Episode Outro [22:29]

Full transcript and more at https://creative.voyage/