Winter 2011: Response to David B. Berman’s Do Good Design

Ravings of a Madman?

According to Berman, what is “good design”?

Berman believes that our world is in “a major crisis.” Advertising and media outlets are out of control with their “visual lies”. Multinational conglomerates are destroying the landscape all over the globe with unsightly advertisements. Since designers have the ability to reach millions of people with their messages the work they produce should be moral and based on truth. The “do good” part of his message seems to be centered around seeking credibility for the graphic design field and truth in advertising.

Do you agree with his definition? Why or why not?

I do agree with his definition, to an extent. Certain industries seem to constantly “get away with murder” in these modern times. We definitely are deceived by the mainstream media on a daily basis. Therefore, I believe that it is the responsibility of the graphic design community to make the public aware of these “visual lies.”

Are you a “good designer”? Why or why not? 

I don't think I could be considered a “good designer” yet. According to David, I have to commit a small amount of time “helping repair the world”. I should be considered a “good designer” after my senior thesis is completed (its going to be an Eco-friendly children’s book/toy project.) In addition, I’m not sure my causes are the same as Berman’s but I do believe that we can fix some of planet Earth’s issues through art and design. 

What do you think of this book? Your general reaction.

I do agree that over consumption in our hyper-techno society is a huge problem. What I don't agree with is Berman’s apparent belief that the basis of the American capitalist system is bad. On the other hand, I do believe that the art and design community has an obligation to keep some of the more immoral companies “in check.” The challenge is, “How do you go about exposing the lies in your work?”

Studio V: Final Assessment

Wow—Did this semester fly by or what? One thing I learned this semester was that its crucial to have good time management skills. This can be a tough one especially for us creative "types".

In addition, these projects have proven to me that you have to plan, plan, plan it out! Sketching is like planting a seed. As you progress through your ideas on paper, at the end you'll have something that makes sense. Hopefully, it turns out to be a beautiful "flower". 

I also realized how important it is to work in a team environment. Rarely, if ever, do you work solo in a corporate environment. So the idea of "playing well with others" is another important skill to have. It's all about democracy!

UrbanGlass Packaging, Shopping Bag & Icon Sketches

Packaging box ideas shown are for single item purchases as well as multiple sets of glassware. Shopping bag, artist cards, and glassblowing tool and process icons are represented.

And here are the final icon and logos stickers finished in Adobe Illustrator CS5. Take a peak and let me know what ya think!

All designs/sketches are ™ & © 2010 Tom Genese

A Perpetual Calender for your fridge!

This project was real fun once I figured out what to do… I'm glad a craft store like Michaels exists because otherwise this would not have come out that great! Button magnets and Scrabble-like wood pieces . You'll be able to see the finished calendar in person at my portfolio review at the end of the year.

These are my beginning ideas on paper…

And here you can see how my idea develops… (note where I crossed out ideas that were not working.)

And my finished Refrigerator Perpetual Calendar!

Urban Glass Vs. glassworks…

The only real competition of Urban Glass seems to be a retail shop called glassworks of  Pittsburg, PA. Since they do not make the products they sell, they seem to be lacking the arty Co-op feel of Urban glass.

This high end shop offers glassware by famous designers from all over the World. Some include Annie Glass, Royal Doulton, Swarovski. There is no mention that any of the glassware they sell is made on-site.

Glassworks' website site features the numerous product lines they sell by each individual designer/design house that they carry. In addition they offer a Bridal Registry, Corporate Gifts including Awards and Trophies, as well as Baby Gifts. To give you an idea of the kind of glassware they sell here's a sampling of just how expensive the products they sell are:

A 4 and a half inch Sea Turtle goes for $405.00…

One Round Ruffle Tray will set you back $88.00…

A teeny tiny Salad Plate is priced at $63.00…

A pair of Candlesticks will drain your finances of $380.00…

The Annie Glass Ruffle Cake Stand is priced at a whopping $270.00…

and one lone Ruffle Wine Coaster will give you some definite sticker shock at $71.00!!!

While your at the shop or the website make sure to check out the the naughty little lingerie shop called "Cheeks"…

In addition, the MoMa Store, the Museum of Art & Design, and The Shop at Cooper-Hewett all offer some kind of upscale glassware on their sites.

Influencing Illustrators…

Right now, Paul Pope is redesigning his website but DKNY Jean's current promotional campaign features this immensely talented comic artist.

Moving right along… Historic Walking Tour Map of Bridgeport's South End

I'm getting ready to finish up our Map Project this week… All of my issues with typesetting the "directions" and fitting all of the location pictures are completed… I've also decided to do away with the magazine spread on the reverse side of the my Illustrator Map and replace it with one big illustration featuring some characters. Here's my initial sketch—

"Gathering of the Vibes" Sketch #1

Last Monday was the final deadline for our "Historic Walking Tour of the South End". Here's my second sketch for illustration of the concert crowd at the Vibes show which take place at Seaside Park every Summer…

"Gathering of the Vibes" Sketch #2