Naka-kon marks the beginning of my con season and I have to say, it is starting out great! Thanks to a friend I had the chance to get out and enjoy this amazing convention, plus I had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with HIZUMI, of D'ESPAIRSRAY fame, to talk about his career in design and his company UMBRELLA.
Q. Thank you for speaking with us today. How did you enjoy Naka-kon? Did you have a chance to look around?
A. This is the first time I've really gotten to walk around and look through a venue where it is very concentrated on anime. It left quite an impact.
Q. You run your own company, UMBRELLA. Are the style of design you use and the name connected?
A. There is no real connection between the name and designs. The name for the brand comes from the fact that people call me the "Rain Man." The name doesn't have anything to do with my creative works.
Q. Can you tell us about overall influences? Such as other artists or things in everyday life that influence you to create your designs?
A. It mostly comes from talking with people. Like going out and talking with drinking buddies.
