PERSONAL DESIGN PRACTICE

Seymour Chwast On Milton Glaser, the Importance of Illustration + the State of Contemporary Design

https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/seymour-chwast-on-milton-glaser-the-importance-of-illustration-the-condition-of-contemporary-design/

• He co-founded Push Pin Studios with Milton Glaser, Edward Sorel, and Reynold Ruffins 
• The approach their studio had was a re-interpretation of past (60's and 70's) experimental brand imagery and graphic communication.
• Chwast has authored, designed, and illustrated over 80 books for adults and children alike. But, that is not all, he has designed for a huge spectrum of disciplines of both illustration and graphic design origins. 
• Steven Heller, a friend of Chwast said "He is his art and his art is him. His supremely individualistic approach culminates in art merging into the design and vice versa".

Interview via email with Chwast

• They talk a lot about how visual communication in design and illustration has changed since he started his career
• Chwast explains that he believes that contemporary design focuses far less on imagery and more on the concept
• He says that present-day illustration has also changed. The artwork has not gone out of fashion but has in fact gotten more respect and appreciation. Also, with the advancement of technology, digital illustration has allowed even more uniqueness and freedom. 
• However, people are no longer paying what they used to.

I really liked reading this article and interview with Seymore Chwast. It is comforting to read about successful multi-disciplined designers. I have always found it awkward to find my place within graphic design because I felt that I would have to leave my illustration at the doorstep in order to be a successful designer. I know now, that that is not the case. I have seen this in my own practice too, the more I embrace both sides, the more effective and good-looking design.

Did Design Stop Being “Multidisciplinary?”

https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/when-did-design-stop-being-multidisciplinary/

• Many recent graduates are left asking the question "what discipline should I go into?" and I have also been asking this question. 
• There are so many avenues within design like; publishing, editorial, creative advertising, etc. But, what if you do not have a particular one that you enjoy? 
• The author explains this as proof that the industry is expanding but, it has also fractured into so many subcategories. 
• So many designers like myself, have been stuck with the burden of picking an area of expertise. However, can I just label myself multidisciplinary?
• The article mentions how it is not something you will see on job sites or notice boards because mos companies promote jobs that ask for specialism in specific disciplines.
• In addition, it describes a multidisciplinary designer as one who transcends the silos that we are almost forced into at the beginner of our careers and rejects the compartmentalization of your concepts and creativity.
• This is not a new thing either. In the past when the design industry was much simpler, there was no need for such labels. It was the norm to be multidisciplinary. 
• The article uses the famous Massimo Vignelli as an example. Obviously, we know him for Helvetica but, he also designed interiors, clothes, and products. 
• It then goes even further into mixed disciplines, from fine art to design when the lines were far more blurred. 

I found this a really helpful article for my own practice and future career. Choosing a specialism or discipline has always given me a lot of anxiety, especially because I did not pursue design until I was 19 years old. I feel like I have not had enough time to make that sort of decision but, reading both of these articles has given me a lot more confidence and an idea of what I will be doing once university is over. It also ties in with my wanting to work freelance, I feel like being multidisciplinary and freelance opens me up to a lot of opportunities.