“ The basic starting point of Graphic Design Criticism as a Spectator Sport is “I could have done better.” And of course you could! But simply having the idea is not enough. Crafting a beautiful solution is not enough. Doing a dramatic presentation is not enough. Convincing all your peers is not enough. Even if you’ve done all that, you still have to go through the hard work of selling it to the client. And like any business situation of any complexity whatsoever, that process may be smothered in politics, handicapped with exigencies, and beset with factors that have nothing to do with design excellence. You know, real life. Creating a beautiful design turns out to be just the first step in a long and perilous process with no guarantee of success. Or, as Christopher Simmons put it more succinctly, “Design is a process, not a product. ”
Michael Bierut, in Graphic Design Criticism as a Spectator Sport
Screenshot
Founded by Ezrena Marwan:
It is an attempt to trace, map and document the development of graphic design in Malaysia. It is also a project to highlight the importance of archiving as a way to protect and preserve our own visual history.
Given the intertwined relationship between Singapore & Malaysia, it is probably not surprising for one to observe similarities during certain historial periods and the creeping influence of the West on local design. Fascinating, nevertheless.
Clearly-defined categories aid the casual browser. Some image links seem to be broken, or point to external sites/contributors.
Check out this interview with Marwan (by Karin Aue of BirdWatching.com).
Ian Lynam, Tokyo-based graphic designer, writes a seven-part series on contemporary Japanese graphic design for the Japan-focused art/culture blog, Néojaponisme.“Japanese Graphic Design: Not in Production focuses on the activities of highly active designers, type foundries,…
BirdWatching is a new platform for women in graphic design, professional practice and career development. Our aim is to develop the field of graphic design as a platform for diversity and cultural democracy by offering a forum for discovery, growth and experimentation.
BirdWatching is a socially driven, international organisation and the only one of its kind. Its list of contributors includes practicing graphic designers that are passionate about design and live and work around the world. Our common aim is to connect, support and promote women in graphic design everywhere. We do this through concrete actions such as initiating dialogue, curating showcases and arranging participatory activities. We organise talks and events, highlight role models and reveal mentors, scout for new talent worldwide and create opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-transfers and recognition.
“ You understand that your work goes beyond merely making your client happy—it’s about serving your audience, creating beauty, telling the truth and demanding greatness from life. ”
James Victore, HOW blog
(Source: blog.howdesign.com)
in Invisible Residents (NYT)
The Human Microbiome Project has spent two years surveying bacteria and other microbes at different sites on 242 healthy people. The chart below hints at the complex combinations of microbes living in and on the human body.
Sources: Curtis Huttenhower and Nicola Segata, Harvard School of Public Health; National Institutes of Health Human Microbiome Project
“ Often I’ve found that infographics are an afterthought, a big hole left in the middle of a layout, waiting for the chart person to provide some magic dust that somehow animates the story into a simple easily digestible visual take-out. For me, that is a back-to-front way of working. ”
Richard Turley
Creative Director, Bloomberg Businessweek
in Taking Care of Business, by Simon Esterson. Eye 80/11.
Simple, effective graphic for WSJ article “Anatomy of a Tear-Jerker”.
The Wall Street Journal (illustration) Associated Press (photo); Universal Music Publishing (score)
![History of Radio infographic [via SONOS]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzdg1a87aF1qbd9oyo1_500.jpg)