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
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