What is Graphic Design for?

What Function does it perform or what problem is it trying to solve?

Type:

Richard Sarson: 

 

This typeface is supposed to be hard to read, yet nice to look at at the same time.  I think it is successful in an abstract way- the problem it is trying to solve is to look interesting.  And, for me, it does.

Print:

Studio Glithero:

'Using traditional print press techniques and an unorthodox appropriation of an envelope-folding machine, the project is presented alongside a making-of film that pays homage to the faithful relationship between the printers and their machines.

The utterly restless Studio Glithero have just released a wonderful new film entitled Paper Planes to document the creation of 'five expertly crafted' paper airplanes as part of Wallpaper's Handmade exhibition in Milan last week.'

Branding:

Studio Glithero:

 

Package:

This CD packaging works so well because of its unorthodox approach and use of materials.  For example, there is minimal pint on the transparent CD case, and a perforated edge which adds a certain preciousness in which once it is opened it can never be the way it began again.  Like opening a present.  What is Graphic design for?- for making everyday objects more interesting and exciting.

Product:

Unfortunately the designer was unnamed when I found this.

More focused on layout, this book experiments with shapes, numbers type and tone to create a basic yet interesting design.

Poster:

The typeface on this poster reminds me of Sagmeisters poster for the AIGA's 1997 biennial conference.  It has a playful, hand-crafted feel that people can really connect to.

Layout:

Designer unknown.

What function?- Interesting layout adds quality to type- making it more of an image than a page with type on it.  Specifically here the use of negative space looks refreshing, as if it were a considered poster.

Layout:

 

What is graphic design for?

This layout gives a feel of quality and expense.  The colours are desaturated which heightens its expensive look.  The small amount of text means that the viewer focuses on the image and title most.  Graphic design here has improved the visual quality of the piece.  It will be taken more seriously this way.

Stock:

GFSmith 

 

Ironically, the stock we design on has to incorporate some form of design to give an idea of the possibilities for that stock.  So, here, GFSmith have printed onto different types of stock, showing it off- using type as a contrast against it.  It works.  Following GFSmith have definitely made me more aware of the potential different stocks have on increasing the quality of the final resolution.