sitting here at work, ive started pondering a lot on the reasons behind my entrance into the world of graphic design. i know that at least a small part of me chosing this vocation was that i didnt have to wear a uniform. being allergic (maybe only in theory) to all kinds of cheap polyester and synthetic fabrics - not having to wear high street skirt suits or brown tabards of the dinner lady variety had to only be a good thing.
but as it goes, i think there really is a much bigger reason behind it. reading "how to be a graphic designer - without losing your soul" recently has reminded me of some of my more youthful intentions.
i really do want to make a difference to the world. all my
heroes - joseph muller-brockmann, le corbusier, jules olitski, pierre
hughye, jim henson, thom yorke, squarepusher - they have all made
differences to the world.
i think thom yorke said it quite aptly in his interview on bbc 2s culture show: the whole point of music is that its life affirming. thats what its all about for me. music, art, graphics, photography... its all life affirming.
its easy to hear in music because of evocative lyrics and the fact
that as a culture were very used to knowing that there is another level
to music that we should appreciate, but with graphics its not quite so
clear cut. i want to make beautiful things. things that people look
at and like an incredible song makes them look again, and again, until
they can see something of themselves in it. i want to make things that
make people smile and laugh and feel good about themselves and feel
good about the world around them.
but then i wondered why i work in digital advertising...
