introduction

Graphic Design is a constantly changing field, as anyone can see just by looking around.  Throughout history we have observed both fast and slow change based on the resources available at different times and during different developments.  This is my first quarter taking graphic design classes at Foothill.  Before I was inspired to pursue my interest in graphic design, my only knowledge and experience came from making business cards.  I was aware of different font styles and could distinguish different art styles with the time period from which they came but that was the extent of my knowledge.  Now I can say I know who influenced which font styles and which designers launched art movements.  I have a new appreciation for graphic design.  Over the last 11 weeks I have learned and wrote about Gutenberg’s artistic font styles, Sachplakate’s minimalistic poster style, the survival and advancement in graphic design due to the WPA FAP, Saul Bass and his influence on the film poster industry, capturing a whole culture in art through the psychedelic posters of the 1960’s, and the inspiring creative use of fonts from David Carson.   These blogs just touch on a few select elements out of many more that have made graphic design what it is today.  This class has helped me become a better graphic designer by exposing me to new styles and ideas that I can use in my own designs.  Balance and color schemes have always been something I am interested in and have wanted to develop more, how to draw the eye and capture the viewer.   Not only have I learned a great deal about the history of graphic design but I have also improved my eye for design, which will help me with my future pursuits.  Now that I have learned about the design history I am excited for the future.  What is going to happen next?  I don’t know but I can’t wait to be a part of it.  I hope you enjoyed reading my blogs as much as I enjoyed writing them. 

Meggs' pics.

As I flipped through the pages of Meggs' History of Graphic Design, I had so much to take in.  I enjoyed looking at all of the different pictures showing graphic design.  I have limited experience in the field myself and have a great appreciation for all of the work that goes into sending a specific message through art.  Each picture has a specific meaning it is trying to portray and a feeling it is trying to invoke.  Graphic design merges both art with specific messages.  Instead of have a "picture worth 1,000 words," we want our pictures to actually have a specific meaning.  It is fun seeing how other people do this.  I love seeing how aspects and ideas of graphic design change from person to person and in society overtime.  As time passes different methods and mediums change and I wonder how much I will learn and change over the course of this class. 

Fonts!

I learned a lot from this section.  I felt for Johann Gensfleisch zum Gutenbergwhen when his investor sued him and he got his equipment taken away before he could print him 42-line bible.  I learned a lot about fonts.  I love fonts.  I worked in a print shop for three years but never knew the origins on "Baskerville Old Face"  now I know who it originated with.  I never know how fonts originated until I read these chapters.  There is a lot of art behind different types of fonts and printing.   I have a real insight on how graphic design started and how mass production came to be.  Looking at this kind of early print is actually really inspiring.  I love seeing and understanding all of the hard work that went into printing and design.

David Carson

My history with graphic design started several years ago when I fell into a job at a copy and print center.  I wasn’t always interested in graphics but I picked it up quickly and learned every thing I could with our limited resources.  I enjoyed my job.  I was going to school to major in Sociology.  “But what do you want to do?” people would ask.  “I want to work in advertising.” And how does that relate to Sociology? Well Sociology is the study of people and society and how people interact to the world around them.  I think people with the greatest understanding of people and society have the best understanding of how to influence people through advertising and graphic design.  This is one of the reasons I was fascinated to learn that David Carson had a degree in Sociology. 

David Carson first got my attention with his “Hanging at Carmine Street.”

In this image Carson uses text as more than just text.  He goes beyond what we think the boundaries are for text and uses it as part of the artwork and not meant to be read.  It is mean to be visually enjoyed and has a meaning in its own.  It is supposed to symbolize and evoke the feeling of "hanging." Being free, having fun, at the pool.  I think the term thinking outside the box fits nicely here.  The idea of most designs it to make the audience feel something and make them remember what they have seen. 

In this next image David Carson uses text for the image itself. 

Carson forms the text to the shape of a face.  The text is not supposed to be legible but just visual.  Carson used many irregular shapes in his designs and this shows his use of "normally diminutive picture captions enlarged into prominent design element." 

This image is one of my favorites.  Carson makes this image look like a photo copy.  The text is faded and slightly illegible but I can read "hollywood the 4th international design conference in Aspen" and the date.  My eye is directed the the match and the red title.  The match feels symbolic to Bernhard and his influence in design.  It is simple in its own way but still has much going on.  Carson makes it so his artwork has to be deciphered by the reader.  Sometimes it is hard to know what is important to read and what is there just to be visual. 

I really like David Carson's work.  I also can see how lots of his creative freedom is due to modern technology and the ability to do many things faster and easier.  I cannot imagine how difficult and  frustrating accomplishing designs such as these would have been without the use of technology today.  Graphic Design would have missed out on so much had it not been for computers and software.  I am excited to see what other advancements we will have in the future in graphic design and other artist that otherwise would not have had the tools to accomplish amazing work,