You said it Paula!
24 Feb 2010, Posted by Kylie in brands,design,topics, 1 Comments
Check out this great interview from the blog Pr*tty Sh*tty with Pentagram partner Paula Scher. Her candid perspective is thought provoking and refreshing. Midway through the interview, Paula shakes things up a bit and states the following:
“Many talented young designers today have abandoned their roles as improvers of the general visual environment. Many only want to work on cultural work, or not-for-profit work, or on projects they perceive as “good-for-society” which may have a high profile within the design milieu, but don’t really reach ordinary people. These designers are afraid to get involved in mainstream packaging, promotion or corporate work. They forget that these are the products and messages that most people really encounter in their daily lives, that these products and services are at the heart of the American condition, and that there is responsibility for us as designers, always, to raise the expectation of what design can be. We are responsible for that daily experience. These “ivory tower designers” leave the job to others (ad agencies, schlock shops, etc.) who are simply doing it for the money, and are often cynical about the outcome.”
What do you think about this idea of “ivory tower designers” versus those designing for the daily American experience?
1 Comments
Matt Orminski @morminski
That’s very interesting, Kylie. It really makes a lot of sense when you think about it. If you want to work for some idea of the greater good of design, why shy away from the things that people will encounter on a daily basis? It reminds me of some studies I have read about product placement, which, when done right, can actually enhance the authenticity of certain media because, in reality, these brands are an important aspect of our everyday lives.
February 25, 2010 12:10 pm.
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