Practice—Theory L∞p (Graphisme en contexte)

Rikard Heberling, Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne, 2009-11-12

Find a relevant quotation which sums up your general position/attitude to graphic design.
"After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say I WANT TO SEE THE MANAGER." (William S. Burroughs)

Devise a concise general design methodology.
A graphic designer must be able to synthesize feedback from a number of different sources into a distinctive image; use research prepared by a marketing department and cost specifications determined by a budgeting department; and produce a variety of sketches and models that demonstrate different approaches to the product. This takes a person who can listen to comments and has a good eye for aesthetic design, a flair for color, and a solid understanding of the needs of the corporate world.

1.

List all the activities involved in your daily practice.
"Graphic design isn't one job. It's 20," wrote one overworked designer. When projects are under way, graphic designers can expect to work long hours brainstorming and meeting with executives to discuss ideas. The job is highly visible; successes and failures alike are recognized and are put on display. Individuals who are insecure about their skills or their ideas have a hard time accepting the amount of risk and rejection this career entails.

2.

In which field(s) do you aim to work?
Over time, choosing a specialty is the name of the game, either in website design, product or packaging design, material use, or object arrangement.

3.     4.

List some potential ethical problems you may encounter.
Designers must be able to work under extreme time constraints and very defined financial and design limits to produce quality material.

List the tools with which you will work.
Graphic designers must have talent and an understanding of the business world, including issues of finance and production, and should be familiar with computer software such as InDesign, Quark XPress, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and other painting and graphic design tools.

5.

In which ways might your work have an effect on society?
Of the nearly 27,000 people who try to enter the field of graphic design each year, only about 60 percent last the first two years, and about 30 percent remain in the field at five years.

6.     7.

Which new media will you encounter, and how will you work with them?
The design field, how you dress and give a huge insight to principals and design directors about how you think and what kind of personality you are. In the case of design interviews, women definitely have the advantage. The line between professional and artsy is blurred. Men choices in dress are a bit more inflexible. Do your research! If you have an interview at a super hip, cool, "rage against the machine" type firm, take more chances; no tie (they might stab you for that!), no button cuffs and a un-tucked shirt says you don't give a damn if they like you or not. Many times, this ego ploy works great and you can be invited to second and third interviews. For women, sexy is in; you're a power player with talent.

What might be the ideal context for your work to operate in or be experienced?
Graphic designers generate the visual presentation and design of goods, including websites, detergent boxes, album covers, and dog food cans. Websites, candy, hang tags, beer labels, and the list can go on and on.

8.

What will the lifespan of your projects be?
An artist's style may be very hot one season and turn into a parody the next. People who are unwilling or unable to change could find promising careers declining.

List the the social transactions that will take place in your practice (network)?
Many artists turn to graphic design to make a living during their lean years and then return to art. A number of them become gallery owners and patrons and use the contacts they made as designers to help out new talent in need of remunerative work.

9.

Where will your practice be based?
A successful graphic designer has an enviable life, choosing clients and earning significant amounts of money. A career in graphic design can be an exotic one - something close to being a race car driver. But be aware, you could be driving a stock car in the middle of Missouri rather than racing to the checked flag in the Indy 500. It's all about the moves you make while you're still young. Working in a major city where design is highly revered is the best way to start; Chicago, New York, Miami, Dallas just to name a few. Texas also has a rich history of embracing design; Austin, Dallas and Houston. You must be willing to constantly change; move, change jobs and take risks are the name of the game.

10.

List of illustrations:
1. XTC — Go 2 record cover by Hipgnosis (1978)
2. Keep Calm and Carry On motivational poster produced by the British government (1939)
3. Devo — Be Stiff record cover by Barney Bubbles (1977)
4. The Beatles — The White Album record cover by Richard Hamilton (1968)
5. Frames from Mothlight film by Stan Brakhage (1963)
6. Atelier Populaire (1968)
7. Can Dialectics Break Bricks? film by René Viénet (1973)
8. Promotion for Other Books and So by Ulises Carrión (1975)
9. Calendar by Jan van Toorn (1974)
10. Nam June Paik in front of Zen for Film (1962–64)