I have heard that a book and a DVD called “Brasil: Inspired” will be released in this spring of 2003 by the German publisher Die Gestalten Verlag (DGV). What sort of role did you take for this book? Please explain the contents of this project as well.

I came up with the idea for the project after I received a few curious questions from people in the States. My experience was that not many people were well informed about foreign cultures. It’s not tradition for Americans, in particular, to travel abroad, so their perspective of countries like Brazil is that it’s merely a large jungle.

So I approach DGV with the idea of inviting other Graphic Artists to illustrate their impression of what Brasil is like. The Artists chose several different aspects of the culture. Some actually traveled to the country to do research and other just relied on the few bits of information they had ever heard about the place. The print and animated material is amazing and turned out into a great project that will be released in the next spring. So my role on this project was to develop the idea, invite the Artists and manage the delivery of their submissions as well as to edit the content along with the Die-Gestalten staff.

This project sounds very interesting because it focus on one country “Brasil” that is also a theme of this project and I am curious about the production process of it. Did you go to Germany to deal with this project?

Actually I didn’t go to Berlin to speak to DGV. We have several conversations via e-mail and phone for about 6 months even before we had a final approval to move forward with the project. Dealing with all the Artists has all been done over the internet as well.

And this “Brasil: Inspired” will be put on the screen at RESFEST that is coming to Japan in this November. Are you going to join the “tour” to visit various cities around the world? Also, how do you feel about your work will be feature in Japan?

It's very exciting to know that all the motion pieces done for the project will be show at Resfest. I have always wanted to have my work shown at the Festival and this is definitely a very good opportunity. Unfortunately I will not join the Festival on its trip around the world but I will attend the event when it reaches Rio de Janeiro next year. I have always been interested in working with Japanese clients and have had a few opportunities to do so. I am very interested in finding a new business developer to work with hungryfordesign on getting more projects on the Japanese market.

There are many links between Brazil and Japan such as many Brazilian of Japanese descents are in both countries. What sort of impression to Japan do you have?

Yes. I believe that Brazil has the largest Japanese Colony which is mostly based in Sao Paulo. When in High School, I had several friends that were descents of Japanese people and that played a big role my impression about the culture. The families I met were extremely polite and welcoming, although some parents had quite strict rules with their children. The culture as a whole really amazes me and Tokyo is definitely on my list to visit in the next couple of years.

There are many links between Brazil and Japan such as many Brazilian of Japanese descents are in both countries. What sort of impression to Japan do you have?

Yes. I believe that Brazil has the largest Japanese Colony which is mostly based in Sao Paulo. When in High School, I had several friends that were descents of Japanese people and that played a big role my impression about the culture. The families I met were extremely polite and welcoming, although some parents had quite strict rules with their children. The culture as a whole really amazes me and Tokyo is definitely on my list to visit in the next couple of years.

Please tell us the cover design for this month’s issue. What did you imagine when you were creating this piece? What sort of message did you put there?

This animation was made with the intent to illustrate the shift between life and death. This cycle is shown by the illustration of a heart that is revealed and again covered by layers that allow it to live. I chose QuickTime player because I wanted a smooth and fast animation and effects that weren’t available in Flash. The message I wanted to give is just a reminder that life is brief and it needs to be enjoyed. I have been working too hard lately and sometimes feel like I’m wasting my time. I will be making an effort to do other things from now and on besides working on my artworks.

Please tell us the project(s) that you are currently doing. What sort of vision do you have in order to expand your field through designing?

I’m currently starting to work on a book of my personal work. It will contain not just most of the work I have developed in the past years but also dozens of pages of new images based on the theme of this publication. I’m working on the Brasil: Inspired site that will focus not just on the publication by DGV but on making the Brazilian Design community stronger and informing Graphic Artists from other countries of what is below the Equator.

One of the most important projects I’m also working on at the moment is a store on my site that will deliver my artwork to anyone that is interest. Typefaces, posters, clothing and other products will also be available for sale.

Please leave a message to Shift readers.

Follow your instincts. I don’t know if it’s a good suggestion for some people but for me it has always worked. In many situations that I have encountered difficulties, my instincts have never failed on helping me to choose the best way. My work process is based on spontaneity as well so following instincts has been something always present in my attitude.