Final Project: Self-Reflection

Prior to entering GID01: History of Graphic Design, I had my presumptions of this class not being my cup of tea because it was a history class. However, I made the mistake of thinking this was just any history class that I had to endure "boring facts" when in reality I learned more in this class than majority of my other classes. The proof is in the pudding, and that vanilla, chocolate, tapioca, or whatever flavor pudding is desired, lies within the field journals in my blog.

In retrospect, the best way to describe what I learned in this class is the history of graphic design. Yes, that's the name of the class and it's very broad, but let me break it down with an analogy. As a dancer, break dancing to be specific, there are many moves in the dance, whether it's the flashy moves, intricate footwork, or the dancing before going down into the footwork. The only thing that makes breakdancing stand out is the footwork, the basic six-step and some variations; everything else originated from somewhere else: the flashy moves came from gymnastics, some steps outside of the six-step came from the Russian culture, some of the dancing (known as top rocks) came from traditional Cherokee dancing, salsa, jazz, house, disco, etc. Those who have a good understanding of the history utilize the foundation and create their own style. So what does this have to do with what I learned from this class? I learned that many of the originators for graphic design understood the history and incorporated their own style to what is still being used today: various san-serif fonts, television/company logos, book and magazine covers, page layout designs, maps, advertising based on cultural influences, printing pages and pictures, and the list goes on.

Having a good understanding of what designs came where, my awareness for looking at posters, covers, portraits, pictures, even words have risen ever since I took this class. I look at the books on my bookshelf and notice the different fonts their titles are in, trying to point out what font they are and where it came from (so far 2 for 25). I have a big painting hanging in my room that is expressionism-inspired, which I used to categorize as "just a painting." I've always heard of the Bible being the best-selling book, but I never understood why until I took this class, in addition of the many branches of Christianity being a result of the many copies of the Bible being widespread, having others interpret the Bible differently from the clergy.

Whether if others might think it's a waste of time, I've started to appreciate art, in general, more. Trying to guess the time period it was made, analyzing for cultural inspirations, how the colors were used, other designs being utilized, the type of font, it's like a new guessing game for me to pass the time when it permits.

To close off this blog, I've learned to appreciate history more: knowing what derived from what, where something originated from, how many people had the same idea, the progression of a movement, style or technique, etc. I have opened up a little more to do research on the origins of topics that I come across, mostly in my own interests, but as time passes I'll be open to look at the roots of other topics outside of my hobbies. In essence, I'm becoming more of a student than ever because I should be learning constantly, whether if it's something new or something that I already know, but deeper in its past.

I'd like to thank all of my classmates for sharing their blogs, as well as giving me their feedback on my blogs. Whether you agreed or disagreed, you've helped me see things in a different perspective than my own and I am grateful for that. I'd also like to thank Professor Manske for the lectures and literature, as well as helping my learning experience becoming more enjoyable and fun. Without you Professor, I would not have been able to take this class and learn what I know now, so thank you. I wish everyone good luck on their finals and happy holidays to you and your loved ones.

- Allen Matsumoto

Field Journal #10: An Abstract Abyss Towards Optical Illusions

The day is finally here, the last field journal entry for the class. I was pretty hesitant about choosing a topic in this week's reading because I know it'll be my last entry (other than the final) and I've grown an attachment towards these entries every week. Enough of my rambling, here's today's field journal. 

Of all the concepts mentioned in these two chapters, I had a connection with the rise of Japanese design section not because of half of my heritage, but how they incorporated influences from others to make new designs, yet keeping their roots. A design that caught my attention was Takenobu Igarashi's poster for the Kanagawa Art Festival, "a universe composed of dots evokes infinite time and space" (Meggs 490). I felt the ambiguity lying within this poster coming from the one shape it utilized, which was a simple circle. A circle, according to geometry, has an infinite amount of angles, and combining a bunch of circles, varying in different sizes, to form a warp-like space continuum.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/178103360237094044/

After being "mesmerized" from the abyss-like space warp, it reminded me of optical illusions. Well, this one is easier on the eyes, not being as effective as others, but it could be one of the pioneering influences in optical illusions. We know the ones where we look at a certain pattern and they start to move or ones that look like one thing, but can also be interpreted as something else such as the glass/two people and the rabbit/duck.

http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/~akitaoka/saishin-e.html

http://www.thunderboy.org/Pics/Optical%20Illusions/Optical%20Illusion_030.html

http://www.spring.org.uk/2012/01/duckrabbit-illusion-provides-a-simple-test-of-creativity.php

The difference between these illusions and Igarashi's poster is the lacking of theme, but aside from that they are relatable in the sense of being "illusions." Other than entertainment or even pleasure, I'm not too sure what optical illusions can be utilized for. Maybe they might be used on some designs such as Igarashi's poster, or consist of an improvised version of an illusion, but I don't see optical illusions stepping out in the design industry as "masterpieces" or "the next Mona Lisa." A simple brain-teaser or interpretive image is a perfect category for them (in my opinion of course). However, I'm not too sure if the 3D chalk art seen on streets/roads count as illusions, but I'll just include one at the bottom just for fun. Enjoy!

http://pelfind.com/photo/85605p1822802/stunning-optical-illusions-created-by-street-chalk-artists