Designer Statement
In the field of graphic design, what interests me the most is having the ability to design a clear and simple solution to a complex problem. It is the job of the designer to be able to translate these problems in a graphic form that conveys information to the targeted audience. There are many solutions to any given problem, and finding the most successful one is a challenge that, once overcome, is very rewarding. Knowing the fundamentals of graphic design has provided me with the foundation required to have a career doing information design. I enjoy taking information and designing ways that make it easy for the audience to understand, and be graphically appealing. I am able to do so by completely understanding the topic I am working with through research.
The work of Massimo Vignelli has greatly influenced my design work and the way I approach each problem. Vignelli’s narrow usage of typefaces in his work has made me more conscious of my own typeface choices. Using typefaces that are strong and that you are familiar with leads to a better overall understanding of how they relate to your design and its message. Vignelli’s minimal aesthetic is also an influence on me because it shows that information can be conveyed in a not overwhelming manner and be more successful in its delivery. For example, Vignelli’s 2008 New York City Subway Diagram shows the general direction of each railway system without the minor details of every curve in the track, showing an abstract version of where each line is going. The importance of the design is how the type relates to the map, and what is the most successful way to set the text in a way that is readable, understandable, and consistent.
My design work fits into the state of the current profession because we are in a time where design is becoming more important to people’s everyday lives. In this ever-changing world with constant technological advancements, time is becoming something that not a lot of people have. Good design can save time, make life easier, and have a major impact on the intake of information. As a designer, if my work allows for these things to happen, then I consider it a success.