Disillusionment of the Modern Graphic Artist
I ran across the poster work of the designer Andreas Markdalen a few years back when I was heavy into pinning. I figured it was the work of an agency or publication, not a single designer. It had such a strong message, I never questioned the source.
“There is no such thing as a noble cause / Good design is for an absolute elite / When you say you care, you probably don’t / Graphic design is a waste of trees / A majority of your work is an output of your guilt / I hate celebrity culture but please mention me on your blog / Printing poster is a means of marketing portfolio / Printing a poster is not an achievement /”
There are lines in this poster that have relevancy and a general overall tone that resonates with every professional designer. Although most designers don’t express it in poster form, there is still a rebellion against the job called “graphic design”. The term and position used to be an outsider in the corporate landscape, but as of 2016 it is becoming a valued position to capture the attention of new generations.
FAVORITE LINE:
Good design is for an absolute elite
Good design has been a relevant topic lately. Reflected in my new website design, the Design Matters podcasts, and even the discussion at work. If you’re looking for “Good Design” on Google, one of the top hits will be Dieter Rams. A legendary product designer known for his Braun product work. I invite you to read his “Ten Principles for Good Design” and deny a certain type of elitist tone. Consider Dieter designing something for the government or kids. It might be hard to imagine this great designer making something for people who could not appreciate his elegant designs.
RELEVANT LINE:
I hate celebrity culture but please mention me on your blog
This line is so beautiful. It sums up the conflict that we, as a society, struggle with in reality TV and social media. Everyone is clamoring for attention and reputation.
What a contradiction. We live it every day. Celebrity culture is not the celebrities fault, it’s reflective of the society that we live in, perhaps always lived in. We hold people up for reasons of beauty, sex, gossip, talent, association, violence, etc. Many of our recent celebrities have less to do with greatness of action and personality, and more to do with scandal or greatness of situation. This is the culture that we engaged with daily, we design for them, we pander to them, we are them.
In Conclusion
Andreas Markdalen sums up the global culture in and around design with a few provocative statements. Some meant to shock, wound, and ultimately call into question our own nature as the design elite.
We feel we have achieved something special, something elite, something noble, something that transcends consumerism, environmentalism, celebrity, etc. We have actually been tricked into believing our own re-truth about our accomplishments as designers, “we are the artists who made it, the rebels who fight against the system” Hurrah!.
We are as much apart of the system as anyone one else. Let’s admit a few truths, then go from there.
Additional Reading: 2) When Creativity Becomes a Profession
