First Analysis
An initial thought of mine as I saw the title of this class was âTopics in Graphic Designâ is a really vague title for a class. Graphic design is a big disciple and profession and many things fall under this umbrella. Things such as typography, graphics, illustrations, flyers, layouts and so on can fall under graphic design. Going over the syllabus helped just a little. The course description reads, âExplores the role of graphic designer in contemporary visual communications with related design assignments and research. Graphic design trends; the impact of computer technology; examination of the work of major 20th century designers; global graphics; the ongoing dialogue between advertising and graphic designâ. One there is a lot there to think about, one could think it has to do with how graphic design helps to communicate and two itâs vaguely specific, which is a good thing.
Being vaguely specific provokes questions like the ones we mentioned in class of things we would like to know and learn in class. There were questions that were shouted out like âhow to market yourself as a designer?â and âhow to freelance?â Some of my own questions were âhow to adjust to emerging media?â âHow important is a designerâs branding?â and I had questions about the gig economy and freelancing. Some of this questions I think could be easily answered by looking them up online but I would like a more in-depth look at them and really learn what the future holds for graphic design because I do want to be prepared for it.
Although, one does prepare as much as they think they need there is not a true way to be truly prepare. Things and people change. Graphic design is bound to change. Itâs changing everyday as technology advances. However, I did find something the professor said was really well said, about the fact that she likes learning new things and challenging herself and thatâs what motivates her. I somewhat aspire to be like this, willing to learn as I go.
Although I will have to learn as I go, the basics and the foundations of graphic design will always be there everywhere I go. Some of these basics were mentioned by Chip Kidd when he described clarity vs. mystery. It is all about communication and the kind of reaction a designer wants to get. Whether it is that Iâm making a public service announcement to inform and provide clarity, or a film poster and mystery would be the right emotion to evoke. I understand itâs all about that emotion. Emotions create reactions, but language does as well. When I talk to my friends I use different language as when I talk to a professor. There Iâm tailoring my language for two different target audiences and thatâs something one has to do in the graphic design world. Design and copywriting play a role in hooking the right audience
All in all, Iâm optimistic and anxious to start this class. I love graphic design so I look forward to learning about the various topics this class will cover. I see that many of my questions and the studentsâ will be answered vaguely specific in that not everyone is the same so peopleâs cases will be different and not everything applies to everyone. Iâm hoping to learn more about the reactions design draws from audiences and how both clarity and mystery are used in design more. It sound like thereâs much to learn.