I had a hard time finding something that I was interested in blogging about this week. Then I came across the ad for Career Junction. The use of text as image works very well in this ad. The artist used everyday items in their same likeness while defining each with the word in such a clever way. I particularly like that the juice isn’t bottled.The ad also reminded me of how I have grown in my art skills over the years. I have noticed the decrease in my use of elaborate drawing/sketching in detail on paper. I believe that drawing and painting, and even sculpting is ultimately how an artist begins their artistic journey. In the beginning, a hands-on aspect is abundant in every artist. I sometimes have to remind myself that the computer is not the only way to design. Design is done with so many different mediums today. That is why I believe design is good for illustrating whatever you may come up with in your head with the use of many different techniques to choose from. In the past, everything was done on paper first. Graphic designers today have the choice of sketching out ideas first on paper or just jumping right in and rendering it in any program of their choice. Has the importance of pencil and paper decreased over the years? For some designers, maybe; others would definitely fight for their pencil and paper! I know I would.
I feel that the computer can be so much more complex compared to a pencil, which in itself is a tool for design. Computer technology is also so abundant that it is nearly impossible to withdraw from the effects that they may possess. I remember doing some much with pencil and paper back in high school and a little bit freshmen year at DePaul. Being interested in logos now, I try to always remember to sketch my ideas first, but now having my own MacBook and the programs, I tend to skip the sketching part. Pencil sketching I feel helps designers have a better understanding of form and structure. Different fields of art use the pencil more than others. For example, fashion students draw many sketches of clothing or students in animation, who work on draw animation. I would like to get back into doing more sketches or drawings once this quarter is complete. I do feel however that pens and pencils are still doing well in our digital age. I do not think the pencils or pens will ever fade away in design.
ReplyDeleteI hate this website sometimes for deleting my posts before they post. I just wrote a long response to this, but since I really don't want to go about doing that again, I'll sum it up.
ReplyDeleteI do not have a fine art background at all, as I think I've said before. While I value the illustrative aspect that many people can bring to the table, I find it inhibits my own thought process when I'm told that I MUST sketch beforehand. I am much better at getting my ideas out on a computer than spending time trying to draw when I don't have the skills.
I wonder if there are any other designers out there that believe that you can be a 'designer' without being a traditional 'artist'?
I think a good ol' pencil and paper are just fine for drafting up ideas! I use sketches before I start my work on the canvas (literal and digital). Most of the time, it helps me visualize what's in my head so I can better replicate it on screen.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do see the benefit in paper and pencil conception work, I would never say it is the only way to go. And Katie, I do not think one needs to be an accomplished illustrator in traditional media to be a good graphic designer. Paula Scher has even said she was never very good at traditional illustration when in art school which is what led her into graphic design (If I recall correctly).
ReplyDeleteI really love that illustration! I usually tend to sketch things out by hand first, not just because it's something that comes easily to me, but also because sometimes my program skills just aren't good enough for producing my ideas straight onto the computer. When I draw something, I'm only limited by my imagination. Once I figure out something that looks good, then I can see how I can reproduce that onto the computer, and I'll know what I need to watch out for.
ReplyDeleteBut different people work in different ways, and I think that one of the first things we should learn is what our own personal working style is, which may have to involve a stint with a process we're not really as familiar with.
I too forget that the computer isn't the only way to create, our generation has gotten so use to a keyboard and mouse that we sometimes forget about pen and paper.
ReplyDeleteI envy beautiful sketches as an end unto themselves, but ultimately, all I need to flesh out an idea is an arsenal of stick figures and abbreviated explanations.
ReplyDeleteFor those of us who went to Delicious Design in Zacks class, the designers there stressed the importance of taking the time to draw out your ideas and go through the design process that way before working with the computer. I used to start out with pencil and paper before I worked on the computer but have stopped doing that over the years. Its probably time that I go back to starting out with pencil and paper again.
ReplyDeleteI find it is much easier and efficient for me to sketch my ideas first then move to the computer. It is hard for me to just sketch right onto the computer and I find I waste more time.
ReplyDeleteI find it problematic when others try to force a certain way to organize ideas on students. If going about the creative process in a certain way works better for you than other way, just do what is best in your opinion.
ReplyDeleteI find that I am constantly mixing up the way I make things, I love to incorporate collage, paint, found object, and other decorative elements in my design work. Often I feel like I am breaking some sort of rule when I do this, but I also feel that experimenting is the only way for us to figure out what works and what doesn't, and can be a great way to keep designs fresh overall!
I am actually upset that the current situation of design is abandoning hands on techniques simply because it is faster and more efficient to make it and mass produce it on a computer. Saying that, I am taking full advantage of it during my busy days here in school, without the instant gratification of working on a computer I wouldn't have half the projects done.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carly. While for some, sketching with a pencil and paper can be really effective and helpful, for others it's just a frustrating struggle. Sometimes I start out with sketching, but other times I don't. I think my process really depends on the project.
ReplyDeleteive always been on the fence about sketching. there are time where i find it really helpful, but there are also time where i feel it doesnt help with anything.
ReplyDeleteI also miss sketching. I feel that as my years as an Art student have gone up, my actual pen and pencil sketching have gone down. Other than when Mark would require sketches I would often just start working on the computer. However, now I feel like I need to go back to sketching (esp. for our Capstone project).
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Nowadays, its probably best for designers to be good at computer efficient with designing (like using Photoshop, Illustrator, and etc.) and free-hand designing (drawing, sketching, and painting). More than likely, it probably depends on the target audience and/or the designer's job title.
ReplyDeleteWhile I've always been told to sketch, sketch, and sketch some more, I sometimes find it hard to do so.
ReplyDeleteAmazing sketches, sketching is something I do all the time I find it helps a lot with my final products.
ReplyDeleteThere are times when I don't have a clear vision of what I want to do for a project and I find that if I start experimenting with a pencil and paper the process quickly turns into a direction for my project. This hardly every happens when I try and turn right to the computer. For me sketching my ideas first helps a lot.
ReplyDeletei agree with the comments above regarding the sketching phase. i'll admit sometimes i find myself going straight to cs5. however, whenever i feel stuck, i go back to sketching ideas or making lists.
ReplyDeletei think our major is very liberating, because we have the opportunity to experiment in different media--our understanding of design remains the same.
I am guilty of going straight to the computer as well, even though I generally have it mapped in my head. I believe the sketching phase is super important, but I do make a ton of lists and notes!
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