In the remaining weeks, we will explore the evolution of contemporary design through the lens of a few key ideas. As author Helen Armstrong notes in Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field, [design] is a discipline that continually moves between extremes—anonymity and authorship, the personal and the universal, social detachment and social engagement.”

We will examine major design movements and their lineages, with an eye toward:

  • Technological Change
  • Authorship vs Anonymity
  • Universal vs Personal/Cultural/Political
  • Social Responsibility vs Social Detachment

We will start by following the western canon and sprinkle in underrepresented designers, movements, and influences, as well as contemporary connections.

The goal here is for you to discover your own aesthetic lineages. Why are you drawn to one visual aesthetic over another? What are the ingredients (influences) that make up your visual style? Together let’s make a Designer’s Cookbook (or suggest another name for this). Each week write a post about an artist, designer, musician, scientist, philosopher, or movement. And with example images or videos, demonstrate how they are part of your design lineage.

Each week ask yourself: Was I inspired by any of the designers and movements we discussed this week?

If yes, dive a little deeper and identify which and why. Write about them in relation to your own work, design aesthetic, or creative ideology . See if you can locate visual lineages or connections in your own work.

If no, introduce us to a designer, artist, musician, scientist, philosopher, writer, or movement (etc) that has influenced your work, design aesthetic, or creative ideology. Include images of your work and theirs for comparison and demonstrate how they are part of your design lineage.

Create a post called “Some Title” – Designer’s Cookbook Week 10.

Add the category Student Posts > Designer’s Cookbook.

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