How's Chicago?
So in the interest of not repeating myself, and in "personal development" I've started this blog.
A few things to note. Many of the projects I work on, and am surrounded by involve a certain amount of confidentiality. Due to this, I will not be referring to companies or campaigns. I can, however, discuss the design process at gravitytank, and certain aspects of my involvement in the company.
In the past three weeks I've learned a lot about how the practice of graphic design works in "the real world." I've also learned that I belong to a class of designers who identify themselves as image based. In the landscape of professional graphic design, or at least limited exposure thus far involves much more strategy. Much more of a conceptual basis, leaning on the stark clarity of modernism, and not (at least visually) breaking the mold. In design practice like this, design must be invisible, and it must be the information that retains prominence.
There is good form making happening here though. I would only say that it is of a lesser priority than clear, elegant, and sophisticated design. It's an interesting environment for someone who's been told he's a maximalist.
Though I've never understood the appeal in oceans of white space and clean, simple geometric forms; I think I'm learning more and more everyday to appreciate it for its simplicity. I've found a certain peacefulness that accompanies the experience of such work.
The most interesting part of the experience thus far has been working on a team with professional designers who have been in practice for many years.
Like actually sitting in a room with them, much like studio at KCAI, and working. It's been wonderful experience in learning how to communicate with clients, vendors, and with your superiors (which I may add, is everyone here - spare the other interns).
Despite a corporate hierarchy, gravitytank is much more relaxed in terms of the way it treats its employees. Everyone is viewed as more or less equal, and I was immediately surprised by the amount of freedom and involvement I've had in the company, and by the way I've been treated. Yes, there are repetitive, mindless tasks involved in being an intern, but these are much more few and far between in a company this large and well-known.
So far I've been working in two major areas:
Icon development for our library of iconography, used on projects.
(Jamie, the training I received in viscom is indispensable in this kind of work)
and branding on print collateral for a client.
When working for a client, a team of designers, strategists, and researchers work together in one of the many "bays" within the office, which are basically large studio spaces with one communal table. Working in this environment has been a lot of fun, and has involved a considerable amount of blasting MGMT and Feist, late nights with deadlines, and a constant conveyor belt of coffee and tea.
So - pretty much like the studio environment at KCAI. Except a lot less stress. A LOT less stress. Though I must say the amount of work given at KCAI really helps, or has at least helped me, to stay efficient and productive in a professional setting
As good as its been, I have been questioning my involvement at the intersection of design and business. That is essentially what gravitytank is. The experience is great, and I'm utterly grateful for this opportunity, but I think that I'd much rather work a design job that sees design as more of an offshoot of fine arts. It's just that I'm becoming much more aware of our role in society (designers, that is). We each put messages out into the global mix, that is our job. Im still trying to figure out what my message will be, but I know I don't want it to have anything to do with advertising, or legitimizing companies that shouldn't exist. I say this not because I've experienced any of this at gravitytank, this is a separate dialogue I'm having with myself.
Whatever the message is, I want it to be inspiring, positive, different. I don't want to be the mouth piece of commerce.
So - not to end on a negative note, that's the first three weeks. In a nutshell, of course. I really hate that expression, I'm not sure why I've used it. Or why I haven't erased it. In any case, check back for more updates. I'll try to keep this current.
2 comments:
Great recap Ramzy. I look forward to reading more. Say hello to Chris Conley for me (he may remember me from highground).
Interesting reading, Ramzy. I hope that you will not leave your internship with the idea that advertising is somehow evil. It is powerful, and can be used for supreme good purpose. It is much like writing in that way... depends upon who wields the power and what they are trying to say. There are many great and wonderful ways to use what you learn in the ad business to do some pretty powerful things. You should come visit the old ad design studio sometime so we can talk. Later!
Post a Comment