Q.01: Can you tell us your profile briefly?
My name is Katsuo. Born and raised in Japan, but I've spent almost half of my life in U.S.; so recently I think I'm somewhere between Japanese & American? Currently live and work in Los Angeles, California.

Q.02: You are from Japan, now living in the West Coast, is California's weather effecting on your work?
California weather is great. Make me want to go out while sun is up… I love driving old part of town or industrial part of town. Because it's raw and undefined. Often I like to see and study old sign, banner or rusty texture that I may want to use for my future work or getting out of town and head to wild-hot spring is nice sometimes to refresh and gives me bright ideas.

Yes, I think weather does effect on my work.

Q.03: Is it true your name 'Katsuo Design' came from the character in 'Sazae-san', the long running cartoon series in Japan?
Yes, It's from "Sazae-san". It's just silly nick name that my sister start calling me when I was little, just because when I shaved my hair I looked like this cartoon character "Katsuo". It's weird but being called "Katsuo" felt some what comfortable than being called my real name.

Q.04: How did you develop your style?
I'm not sure how, to be honest. The way I draw or make art is totally free style and coincident. As I start make something and always end up different and better than I expected. Most of the times, I don't even know what kind art comes up until the end.

Q.05: Where do you get inspiration from?
I'm inspired by random things such as color of vegetable to beautiful door fence, architecture to Egyptian mural.

Q.06: Who is your favorite designer or artist?
Mark Ryden is amazing!

Q.07: Which movie is your all time favorite, and why?
Seven Samurai.Seven Samurai. I've never seen this movie until I've recommended from someone from film major in College. I thought samurai movie was boring but when I saw the film, it was so good! Although the story is pretty simple, something sucked me in. It's totally samurai movie, but it's graphical and so stylish.

Q.08: Among past decade since '50's, which decade are you attached to the most?
I like late 60's to early '70's where designs are throw back from 1940's.

Q.09: When you create art work, do you sing? If so, what is your favorite humming tune?
I whistle sometimes. I like Jolie Holland. I've haunted her voice.

Q.10: Most of your work have hand made quality, how much do you use a computer?
I use computer as tool just because it's current technology and it works great. Everything starts from ink on paper, but sometimes I would use computer to make layout or design out of my own drawing materials. I like to use some type in my artwork, most of times I would type in computer. I use computer about 30%.

Q.11: What do you always keep in mind when you design or make art?
Happiness.

Q.12: What do you think it is possible to describe through T-shirts design?
Such concept as T-shirts as canvas is great. It is clothing yet people can make any possible artwork and express on there. You think it's just a t-shirts, but it is now like rave that I see lots of people are involved more and expressing their own thoughts or ideas through this material. I love the idea. I love designing t-shirts!

Q.13: Can you tell us about your experience for making design for 2KbyGingham?
It is definitely awesome to make t-shirts design. Unlike painting on canvas and hang it on your wall, t-shirts design will start walk in the city or any places that it landed. I have evidenced that someone who I don't know wear my t-shirts, and the person's tee was really worn out. It's exciting to see someone really likes my artwork.

Q.14: What kind of work is your favorite?
The kind of work that makes us do somersaults and spin on our heads.

Q.15: Last question, you are creating T-shirts for G. W. Bush to wear, what would you offer?
The Emperor's new clothes.