Preface
Transgressing Graphic Design
Transgressing Graphic Design
Candice Ng, 2019
“If we believe in nothing, if nothing has any meaning and if we can affirm no values whatsoever, then everything is possible and nothing has any importance.”– Albert Camus, The Rebel
At the core of every human being lies an existential inquiry. Naturally, the act of living is, to a certain degree, a manifestation of one’s search for meaning. Every decision made has a consequence and every path, a destination. The choice of being a graphic designer is often made with a motivation of passion, specificity of techne and an inclination to be creative.
However, is there more to graphic design than that?
In the second series of Informal Reading, we dive into the existential and ethical questioning of being a graphic designer and how that role has surprising and expansive potential for social/cultural/political impact that supercedes mere function.
In Good Citizenship by Katherine McCoy, we will take a look at the problematic definition of ‘professionalism’ within the practice of graphic design and how it desensitizes the soul. Its pertinent call for thoughtful citizenship as designers is also a powerful proposition to consider.
Consequently in The Only Way is Ethics: What are the Moral Obligations of a Graphic Designer by Tim Abrahams, we investigate the call to transgress graphic design 02 emphasized by Milton Glaser. This notion of transgression as a form of risk and methodology for unapologetic advocacy for justice, truth and values is urgent to consider as we navigate the uncertainties of our times.
While all these may lead us to feel that the future is precarious, hope is offered in The Dematerialization of Design by Jorge Frascara; where the author outlines a list of fundamental ideas to confront these unprecedented changes and how design can be a channel for that.
It is equally exciting and challenging to be a graphic designer today. We learn that the choices we make has the capacity to shape culture and/or enact ripples of change. I hope these readings will encourage all of us to consider the ‘whys’ of our choices as graphic designers and be open to investigate and experiment with value-driven designs.
To echo Camus’ notion of values, I believe when we stand for nothing, we can fall for anything. What do you stand for?
At the core of every human being lies an existential inquiry. Naturally, the act of living is, to a certain degree, a manifestation of one’s search for meaning. Every decision made has a consequence and every path, a destination. The choice of being a graphic designer is often made with a motivation of passion, specificity of techne and an inclination to be creative.
However, is there more to graphic design than that?
In the second series of Informal Reading, we dive into the existential and ethical questioning of being a graphic designer and how that role has surprising and expansive potential for social/cultural/political impact that supercedes mere function.
In Good Citizenship by Katherine McCoy, we will take a look at the problematic definition of ‘professionalism’ within the practice of graphic design and how it desensitizes the soul. Its pertinent call for thoughtful citizenship as designers is also a powerful proposition to consider.
Consequently in The Only Way is Ethics: What are the Moral Obligations of a Graphic Designer by Tim Abrahams, we investigate the call to transgress graphic design 02 emphasized by Milton Glaser. This notion of transgression as a form of risk and methodology for unapologetic advocacy for justice, truth and values is urgent to consider as we navigate the uncertainties of our times.
While all these may lead us to feel that the future is precarious, hope is offered in The Dematerialization of Design by Jorge Frascara; where the author outlines a list of fundamental ideas to confront these unprecedented changes and how design can be a channel for that.
It is equally exciting and challenging to be a graphic designer today. We learn that the choices we make has the capacity to shape culture and/or enact ripples of change. I hope these readings will encourage all of us to consider the ‘whys’ of our choices as graphic designers and be open to investigate and experiment with value-driven designs.
To echo Camus’ notion of values, I believe when we stand for nothing, we can fall for anything. What do you stand for?