For twelve weeks, I reflected on my
thoughts, observations, researches, and questions in the form of field journals
and submitted them onto my blog. Throughout the quarter, the textbook, Megg’s History of Graphic Design by
Phillip B. Meggs and Alston W. Purvis, has guided me through prehistoric visual
communications to the Gutenberg press to the philosophy of the Bauhaus group up
until the latest technological advances, all of which have affected early and
contemporary graphic designers.
The course “GID 01- History of
Graphic Design” for the 2014 fall quarter required me to post my findings
weekly for others to read and for me to explore my fellow classmates’
reflections. Besides absorbing a great amount of information every week, I
investigated and questioned topics that the book briefly mentioned or topics
that sparked my own curiosity. Often times, I was left impressed and inspired
after reading my classmates’ field journals and that motivated me to improve
week after week.
Here are all ten of my field journals,
from the beginning to the end of my journey of graphic design from around the
world.
I've always known I wanted to
pursue a career within the arts but I didn't know what specifically. It wasn't
until high school in which I was set in graphic design and later on package
design. People were impressed that I had a major set in mind, but when they
asked, “Well, what is graphic
design?”
I was set aback and muttered,
“Graphic design? Um… everything??”
Little did I know, I was right!
Reading the online lectures and the textbook solidified my answer; design is
everywhere in our daily lives and affects everything produced by humans. Every
week I was astounded on how much material the textbook packed in each chapter
and I continuously made connections to the modern world. By taking this course,
I have developed an appreciation for the simplest items in life: books,
printers, posters, icons, maps, and magazines. All of these items have come a
long way since early humans used stone tablets to track records and to see how
far the world has evolved made me realize the significance of graphic design. I
wouldn't say I am more sensitive to design (not yet anyways), but I do admit
that I appreciate the craftsmanship into the creation of work made by graphic
designers and spend more time and effort analyzing the choice of fonts, color,
sizing, space, symbolism, and logos.
Taking this course has also given
me more assurance and confidence about my decision to become a graphic designer.
Before, I wasn't sure what jobs I would be able to find once I am out of
school, but now I have learned about the endless possibilities and
opportunities for graphic designers. Nowadays, I don’t worry as much about my
future and I am even more determined and optimistic to get into Cal Poly SLO’s
graphic design program. As history repeats itself, there will always be a
demand of good design and good design can ultimately change the way people perceive
certain products and events, evoke emotions, help organizations and businesses
attract attention. I can also think of graphic design as a reflection of our society and that graphic designers capture the unique traits of their time. Or I could become a designer who infuses elements of
expressionism to contribute to grow awareness of social issues I am deeply
passionate about like the lack human rights in North Korea or the skewed
perception of beauty in South Korea. Or I could continue with my interest in
package design and work with marketers and advertisers to make a product “pop”
from its competition. If anything, I know I’m on the right path and I will
continue to study graphic design wherever it takes me.
Though I have learned a lot about
the world of graphic design and I will undoubtedly take my knowledge to other
graphic design courses with me, I also learned to value my own capabilities. I
remember on my second field journal, I didn't earn full credit and Mr. Manske commented
how insightful my research was but it lacked my own opinions and thoughts. I
remember staring at my computer screen at the middle of the night and re-read
the comment over and over. I have always been terribly shy since middle school and
I struggle to participate and to raise my hand in class because I have always
assumed 1) my thoughts and opinions weren't important enough to share and 2) my
comments wouldn't change anything. Being in an online environment has helped me
to slowly gain confidence in sharing my opinions and expressing myself to my
own classmates, something I wouldn't have ever done in a regular classroom
setting. Each week I worked diligently to show my best work to my professor and
classmates and became eager to read responses and comments. Reading some of my
past field journals, I was surprised to find out how much I have contributed to
the class. I am proud that I am in a learning environment in which everyone’s
opinions matters and is heard and now I know to apply this thinking into the
real world and to give input in group projects, class discussions, and in
everyday problems.
I will take everything I have
learned here and take these lessons with my wherever I go. I have spent long Tuesday
nights typing up mini-essays, weeks of synthesizing and storing information
from reading in my head, days brainstorming what topic to cover in my field
journal, nights proofreading my work before submitting them, and hours flipping
back to the book and lectures while taking the online quizzes. Nevertheless,
the experience was worthwhile and I will miss the weekly routines once I submit
this into my journal. So I thank Mr. Manske
for pushing us to prioritize our opinions and to share them and I thank the
students who have read my journals, offered thoughtful feedback, helped me view the world in a different
perspective.
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