RadicalRooster

Hey everyone!

I have been hovering around the forums and thought I might as well join and get envolved a bit!

I am currently studying Graphic Design at College, and something is really bugging me... Its a 2 year course, the first year was very much learning about techniques etc (although a lot of that was with physical materials like paint etc, hardly any Photoshop so I am mainly self taught) and the second year, which I am in now, is putting those techniques to practice.

We are currently on our Final Major Project where we can do what ever we want, make up our own project and outcome basically, but not everyone is as computer literate as me and there were a few questions flying around which suprised me, they were...

'Can we use both computers and physical materials?'... Yes
'Will we still pass the unit if we don't use computers?'... Yes
'Will we still pass the unit if we just use computers?'... No

I asked that last question and I was amazed! Basically, despite the Graphic Design world turning ever more digital (websites and printing, Photoshop etc), to pass my project, despite it being on what ever I want it to be on, we HAVE to use some form of physical designs like print making or painting or drawing etc.

I'm not complaining; I guess it shows some variety and I want to pass, but I don't see why we can't create some amazing pieces of Graphic Design just by using computers?! Yet we are allowed to totally ignore the digital route and go for a more 'artistic' approach, I thought this was Graphics not Art!

Anyway, it was a bit of a rant, but can you understand how confused I am; especially on a personal project where in theory we can do what ever we like!

cityofangels

I must admit I would be equally horrified if I was told this.

It seems that different University courses sing from different song sheets, but I hope that by knowing the skills of physical art that many may not know you could have a chance to stand out.

Still I think for a major project, I agree with you, that you should have the choice of the media in which you finish your piece.

Sono Juventino

Screw the system. Do a piece of work just on computer and write your name with paint.

__________________
http://juvenorge.com | Personal site (Comming soon)

MediaMisfit

So I missed the question but I would assume your asking for our comments on digital vs. non-digital in importance. It's hard to say. I think that if you start non-digital by learning how to draw (a little) you'll appreciate the history of design and it will make your digital designs more authentic than just saying (what effect did you use to make that look like denim). I think that if students start there they will be able to unlock greater ideas when introduced to the digital world.

I have found that most students introduced to the sole mechanics of making digital graphics work often lack the grass roots of design that you learn such as space and simple structure and meaning.

I've had to work backwards in the sense that I learned the digital part first mostly because I gave up on drawing I art supplies is expensive. A slow computer and a pirated version of Photoshop 5 is where I think I started. It was still something but I had to go back and pick up a pencil and paper and start playing with different materials all while remembering that even though I'm no Picaso I'm drawing to get ideas that I can transfer to digital later.

There is a need for both but I would say that it would help if the non-digital artistry (arts and crafts) came first. Like in 2nd grade! lol :-)

Staur

like the way you think Sono

peace

RadicalRooster

It wasn't really a question, more of how can you get away by not using any form of digital media at all and yet you CANT get away by using digitial media alone... it confuses me! Especially when I have been told I can do what ever I want!

I agree that you need to know the basics and you cant get more basic than a pencil and paper, but I think my course is trying to make us create art rather than graphics... we looked at a lot of art forms in the first year which has confused me loads as I took this course for graphics not art!

Haha! I like your thinking too! I was thinking whilst photography is digital, you dont use a computer to 'take' the photo... so in a way thats kind of a physical technique! Then I can write my name in paint!



I'm not a designer since I am still at college but... Do any companies or any of you lot actually use paints and stuff? It just seems that nearly every bit of design I see surely does look Photoshopped!

Nora

That's really strange.. it would have made sense if not using computers was also not allowed. I don't really know what people get taught in graphic design classes but it seems logical to me that the main focus would be on computers. Did you ask why it wasn't allowed? I wonder what reasons they have for not allowing it..

RadicalRooster

I think it was something to do with 'limited creativity' or something and the 'lack of showing variation' and the 'lack of possibilities with Photoshop' I mean WHAT?!

I think they are scared that we are just going to nick images from Google (some people do) but I don't see how by making soemthing completely in art form can still get you a pass when most Graphic based jobs are computer based? I mean especially when printing multiple leaflets computers are easier and definitely less messy!

I'm just so confused that I cannot pass this part of the course just by using computers... we got a brand new set of iMacs with CS3 at our college and we are basically being told we can't 'only' use them and we must get messy too?!

alyCe

I think you are oversaturating this abit. I agree it's a wierd decision that you are able to pass without using a computer at all, what is the product you're going to make?

But look at it the other way, this is your final major project, this isn't a job, and you should use this for all it's worth. As a graphic designer you will probably get all the time you want with photoshop, do this project to hone your creativity. And remember there isn't anything wrong with using a computer to supplement. If I were you, I'd still ask some more questions, is photography a "non-computer"-element?

__________________
everyone runs, nobody hides

RadicalRooster

That's the thing... the outcome can be what ever we like from 3D based models (if you want to go in that direction) to 2D based graphics like posters etc.

I just think it goes against the whole 'freedom' approach to be told that I can do what ever I want but it must envolve some physical materials. Everyone is working in their strongest area and where they want to head for in the future. My strongest area is digital design using Photoshop etc so this is where I will produce my best work as I am rubbish at pencils and paints and stuff! Yet despite it being fine for people to work in their strongest area if its more illustrative, I am not allowed to work solidly in my strongest area because its digital... Its just a bit confusing!

I have asked and like I said its to do with 'showing variation' and 'experimentation' which I argue can be shown on a screen. Also our work must contain some 'tactile' evidence, all of which I would associate more with art than Graphics.

I know I cant win and I am going to have to do some physical 'arty' stuff, I just didn't realise till I got told this how people are using artistic techniques in Graphic design.