In a nook in the midst of the Garment District and Chelsea, across from hundreds of adrenaline fused soccer fans viewing the World Cup on an outdoor jumbo screen, I found myself at ADC, surrounded by the brilliant, artistic minds of graphic designers awaiting the feedback of Milton Glaser, Steven Heller and Elizabeth Resnick, on the ideas of Graphic Advocacy. Curated by Resnick, the gallery pays homage to the International Posters for the Digital Age 2001-2012, in which the designers use the medium of the poster to have a political and social voice about the world around them.
After a brief hour of networking and hors d'oevers, we all took our seats as Heller took the podium to pick at the brains of Glaser and Resnick, setting the tone and arising the question of how are the words we're designing reaching a larger scale and audience and how this has evolved from the pre to post internet era?
Being my first experience of Glaser, I was taken aback on his eloquence and passion for creativity and design and how this relates to everyday life. Creating the "I (heart) NY" logo, he states that "Having an effective design is about the expression of a common interest."...and this may have to do with timing, he states in regards of his "I (heart) NY More Than Ever," which was a reaction to September 11th. He continues with saying, "We're constantly being insulted with information and persuasion (when is comes to advertising)...How do you get anyone to believe your point of view in such a jaded and misrepresented world."
The discussion amongst the three continues with "How does a good design come across," and Glaser, like a graphic jedi states, "When beauty and affection combine is where great work prevails." ....and that's the sound of my brain exploding...This is where the barriers cross from graphic, to fashion, to any sort of art....there's needs to be that connection. Resnick digs deeper with stating "The greatest mystery is why people like things,,,what is that connection or bond and WHY is it there?" She's asked to point out her favorite pieces from the gallery and although this is quite difficult, she lands on a Hiroshima poster displaying the nuclear effects on a deer, and points to the symbolism and the effect it had on her. The discussion is wrapped up with unified conclusion that a great piece of art-or work- is determined by if the person is changed after the piece of art has been viewed, and this is what true affection is. I left the lecture feeling renewed and inspired, as I'm sure the hundreds of other designers felt as well=)
Heller, Glaser, Resnick
The Gallery
Glaser's post 9.11 poster
My personal favorite
My 2nd favorite
Another favorite
