As a graphic designer my goal has always been to communicate and solve a given problem. Artists such as (psychedelic poster designers) are just that, artists. In my mind the difference between communication in art and design is experiment. In this series I have focused on experimenting with materials, messages, and content.

 

Think about all the times you have sent an email or a text message to only find out that your message was clear to you and only you. When sent beyond your control the message is taken out of context and taken into the reader’s context. If you are in a work environment that emails and printed communications are your main form of communication you can bet that a large percentage of what you write is taken at least slightly out of context.

 

A negative issue with this method of communication is that there is no visual interaction and miscommunication can result. In general the nation seems to be in a general form of confusion. How have reality shows become a higher priority than voting? How have we placed more importance on our social lives than on our family and overall well-being? Technology has helped push our world into a social monster of sorts.

 

During a year of experimentation of different techniques and methods this series has come about as a transitional body of work in my career. Working with the traditional idea of wood type, a printing matrix, and a press I have crafted a body of experimental prints focusing on visual communication, or the lack thereof. The idea that any word has a different meaning to each person based on their personal experiences in life, education, demographics, and language barriers is the main interest of this series.  The goal of this series is to question how do designers use communication effectively? How do we communicate as designers and how can we successfully make messages when they can be differed to so many different meanings dependent on the viewer. With the use of Microsoft Word Synonyms, I have chosen specific words within sayings, which precisely highlight the issue of multiple meanings.

 

Working in the design industry has proven to be a smorgasbord of mixed messages. This issue is most prominent between clients and designers, designers and managers, and in general: society. Why when communicating do we tend to use the softer side of the terms we are really trying to say? Why not just say what we mean and mean what we say. You know what I mean, right? Check out the visual journal of my processes throughout this experimental series. Check out a video of the process here: YouTube