January 10th, 2008
Graphic Design and Hubris: Why it’s Sometimes Merited
Thursday, January 10th, 2008
Graphic designers (and "creative types" in general) are sometimes accused of thinking a bit too much of their profession. In design school, in reading about design, and in talking about design, we're convinced that we're learning a craft, that in our schooling, we're allowed knowledge of secrets that not just anybody can possess. We're convinced that graphic design can affect societal change, that it's an integral part of modern society. Without the talents and skills of creative professionals, the world would arguably be a much more bland place.
There are some that call this point of view hogwash, that it's just arrogance and hubris and ultimately, designers fill a niche in the capitalist world just like any other profession: we're there to feed ourselves and maybe make a buck or two in the process, so don't attach any undue nobility or respect to a service and skill that isn't too vastly different from anything less cerebral or artistic.
Normally, my inclination is to agree; I'm not designing for higher ideals, I'm designing to pay the rent and to add to my savings account. I certainly love design, and wouldn't be doing it if that weren't the case, and while some designers actually do affect serious societal change, they are surely in the minority.
That is, until I read this presentation (PDF link) over at Netdiver.
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