This collection of ten field
journal entries were created while taking the class GID 01: History of Graphic
Design in the Fall of 2012 at Foothill College. The course description for the
class was "A study of the development of visual communication in art,
graphic design, illustration and popular culture. Emphasis on the role, impact
and interpretation of images, symbols, and typography used in informative and
persuasive media."
After all my readings I learned
many things about the origin of graphic design I hadn’t known before taking
this class. I enjoyed seeing the evolution of graphic design, observing the
changes that had taken place over the years. Researching for my journal also
inspired many questions and thoughts for me especially with the challenges they
may have faced designing in the past and constantly trying to innovate. I don’t
view graphic design as a new art form anymore, I have a greater appreciation
for the entire history that for me wasn’t previously a popular topic.
As an artist who also creates his
own graphic work, I connected strongly with learning the history, just as hip
hop had a history that I had to learn graphic design had one as well, and both
were equally as interesting. After this course I will definitely apply not necessarily
the methods of design but the mentality of design. I have always been
interested in how people perceive things visually. Now I believe that this isn’t
the finish line, we have the potential to move forward perpetually. I also
learned that it is a form that takes much practice and perseverance.
The future of graphic design,
starts with us. It really is impossible to predict what might be unveiled, but it
would be what can we do to further employ graphic design effectively as the
people in history have. How can we stay relative and come up with new methods more
effective methods, or how can we adapt to the new technologies the future might
hold. And with that I leave you guys with a short hip hop verse I recorded that
sums up the history of graphic design.
LYRICS:
"First we introduced our selves to the invention of writing
Alphabets, manuscripts, and the bible with 42 lining
Then moveable type in renaissance graphic designing
Viva La Revolution when Art Nouveau became exciting
Modern influenced, Sigmund Freud into surrealism
And Emotional response was what we called expressionism
Chapter after Chapter came more Chapters, no filler
After the first war, dada just got realer
Cranbrook, New York, and Bauhaus all schools
Early America had followed too
Tabloids and magazines that was what was cool
Information was easily given to you
Then came the 60s with the psychadelics
Pre digital to the digital macintosh we consider relics
You wouldn’t believe me even if I tell it
All this started way back when, cavemen with chisels and
mallets"
