weekly wishes

I don't usually talk about my life on here, but I may be turning a new leaf with this post.



Last night MICA's AIGA chapter sponsored a screening of Gary Hustwit's (Helvetica) most recent documentary, Objectified. Afterward, a number of graphic and environmental design students had a discussion of the film. We talked a lot about the sustainably of design, and where design is going in terms of how we, as designers, can bring awareness. Some even questioned if designers really have that much power over their audiences.

It really surprised me that people thought design didn't have any influence on their audience. Design is media. Design is communication. It's up to the designer whether or not they want to influence their audience to think a certain way, right? That's how I've always felt about design. Am I wrong in thinking graphic/industrial/environment design can influence world views? Isn't that what propaganda does?

The film gave me a lot to think about, in addition to reaffirming my desire to work in a design field. I reccommend it to everyone interested in learning more about the things we use everyday.

My only complaint of the film is Gary Hustwit's only example of Democratic Design is IKEA.

The film comes out on DVD on October 13.

Additionally, I'd like to start documenting my work on here. I'm getting pretty excited about the work I am doing so far this semester. Hopefully I'll have something to show in the next few weeks.