For the past few weeks, this journal has chronicled my thoughts
and research on topics relating to Megg’s History of Graphic Design. I’ve
taken a few art history classes here and there but this is the first time I
took a class that concentrated primarily on graphic design.
A few times while reading through Megg’s History of
Graphic Design, I felt overwhelmed by so much information. Some concepts
and artists were familiar but a great many were wholly new to me. I did not
think it would be possible to be able to digest such a hefty textbook and centuries
of art and design in 10 weeks.
Yet now after I have finished the book, I find that I am
seeing art and graphic design with a more subjective eye and have a greater
appreciation for the various art movements, their ideologies, and
breakthroughs. In particular, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the invention
of writing, the various typefaces throughout history, how printing came to be to
be, and how designers played and experimented with typography.
I found the things I learned these past weeks to be
extremely helpful in preparing me prepare for my upcoming design classes for
the next quarter, most especially the typography class as I have always been apprehensive
about typography. As I am studying graphic design for a career the knowledge
I’ve learned will be immensely useful in the far future. I have learned a great
deal looking back at past artists using their works, lessons and trials for
inspiration and hope to apply it to my own designs. I want to use my knowledge to learn to push past boundaries and become an innovator in design.
Learning about the design innovations that occurred throughout
human history has not only been enlightening but also awe-inspiring. While
going through the book, I often wondered, is there anything more that can be
furthered in today’s world? Have we nearly reached the limit of possibilities
in this digital age? Like hand-crafted books, will print be a thing of the
past? Much like the past disdain of mechanically printed books over hand scribed
books; publishers today are trying to adapt with ebooks and digital publishing.
History proves that hanging on to the past techniques does not benefit society,
and design has always been about embracing change and progress. Print is still a
valuable means of communication; however the future of graphic design is in
digital media. Perhaps one day, we will all be reading books on our cell phones
and digital devices, and printed media may be obsolete for the youth of future
generations. Print may become an item solely for collectors. I wonder if a
concept such as an infinite canvas could one day be the norm, a future where
designers are not beholden to any sort of limitations except for their
imagination.
Of course, the future of design cannot progress without
understanding its history. Finishing Meggs’ History of Graphic Design gives me the belief and excitement that there are still endless possibilities
to be explored in design and that I could be a part of it.
