Whilst my previous comments regarding 4designers in London remain intact, I've found myself pondering further upon one thing said, almost in passing, by Frances Jackson, which since leaving London has been resonating within my ears. Especially regarding the critical thinking we're expected to adhere to as honours students.
Frances commented on her inspiration and motivations, informing us that she personally doesn't take influence or notion from the works of other noted designers/artists around her, rather taking inspiration from where it appears naturally.
Despite my opinion of her work ethics, and the quality produced by herself and her partners, Her mentioning of this has really struck a chord within me.
We're expected to draw upon influence, and seek out new forms of reference, And the curriculum (which is essentially our canon of learning anyway) has ways and means set in place for which we can acheive that, however, I don't consider myself an art historian, whilst others in my class may be well read, or have astonishing knowledge of the movements within art over the years, I personally do not.
I can appreciate the work of others, and within both the art world, and the graphics industry, there are things which appeal to me, and things which anger me. But if I am completely honest, I don't feel that I take influence from the great designers of our time, or the revered artists of their time.
A photographer recently mentioned in one of her blog entrys, about work ethos, and the importance of knowing where your work comes from, emotional or practical response.
Having read this entry, and applied the thinking to myself, I find it hard not to believe myself to be an 'emotional designer', not because I find attachment or moral code driving my motivation, but because every piece of work I do, I feel has to have reason, has to have it's own life.
I'm not against paying homage, I'm all for retroscopic vision and recurrent trends, it makes the understanding of appeal easier to translate. I do however, feel that I'd much rather follow my heart and head when creating work, rather than working towards the style of those which I admire.
