From the course: Graphic Design Careers: First Steps

Learning design history

From the course: Graphic Design Careers: First Steps

Learning design history

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- Why should you care about graphic design history? In the words of Sean Adams in his course Learning Graphic Design History, "One of the best tools to be a great designer "is to have a wide visual vocabulary. "History gives us that." Designers often focus on what's hot today and spend time trying to determine what's going to be hot tomorrow. Design is a field obsessed with all things on the cutting edge. Having knowledge of design evolution and cultural influence gives you a smarter and more varied toolbox to work from. Understanding the simplicity of the typography and emotional connection to color of the Bauhaus, as well as the handmade and unique principles of the Arts and Crafts movement, may help inspire your best work. It's also helpful to know what design trends were popular when, so you can use those styles in a design related to that time period. For example, say you're designing a poster promoting an exhibit of rock memorabilia from the '60s. Your design will more effectively communicate the events if the colors and typefaces you choose are from that period. Knowing history is essential to creating remarkable design.

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