With contributions from industry luminaries and design visionaries, these 25 books serve as invaluable resources for novice and seasoned graphic designers, offering timeless wisdom and contemporary insights into the art and science of visual communication.

History of Graphic Design by Philip Meggs

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 History of Graphic Design by Philip Meggs is a seminal text tracing the evolution of visual communication from ancient cave paintings to modern digital design. Published in 1983, it explores the cultural, technological, and artistic influences that have shaped the field, offering a comprehensive overview of graphic design’s rich heritage.

The Graphic Design Bible by Theo Inglis

The Graphic Design Bible by Theo Inglis is a comprehensive guide that delves into the fundamentals of graphic design. It covers design principles, typography, color theory, and offers practical for both beginners and professionals. With its engaging writing and visual examples, it’s an invaluable resource for aspiring designers and a must-have in the field.

The Color Harmony Compendium by Terry Marks

The Color Harmony Compendium by Terry Marks is a comprehensive guide to color theory and design principles. It provides a wealth of information on harmonious color combinations, color psychology, and their applications in various design fields. With practical insights and visual examples, this compendium is an essential resource for artists, designers, and anyone working with color.

Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton

Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton is a seminal work in typography and graphic design. This book explores the art and science of typography, from type history to layout principles. It’s a practical guide for designers, emphasizing the impact of type choices on communication. Lupton’s insights and examples make it an indispensable resource.

Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann

Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann is a classic reference for designers. This influential book outlines the principles of grid-based design, emphasizing clarity and organization. It’s a comprehensive guide, featuring practical examples and demonstrating how structured layouts enhance visual communication. Müller-Brockmann’s work remains a foundational resource for graphic design professionals and enthusiasts.

Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug

Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug is a user experience design classic. It simplifies web usability with practical insights, emphasizing the importance of intuitive, user-friendly design. Krug’s witty writing style and real-world examples make it accessible, making it a must-read for web designers and anyone involved in creating user-friendly digital interfaces.

The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst

The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst is a revered typography reference, delving into the art and science of type design. It meticulously explores the nuances of typefaces, emphasizing aesthetics and readability. This essential guide offers in-depth insights for designers, typographers, and anyone passionate about the visual language of typography.

Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton

Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton is a must-read for typography enthusiasts. It dissects type design’s principles, history, and practical applications. Lupton’s engaging style and visual examples make it accessible to beginners and valuable to seasoned designers. This book nurtures a deeper understanding of the power of typography in visual communication.

Logo Design Love by David Airey

Logo Design Love by David Airey is a go-to guide for logo designers. It explores logo design principles, case studies, and tips for creating effective logos. Airey’s insights and real-world examples provide valuable inspiration and knowledge for both aspiring and experienced logo designers, making it an essential resource in the field.

How to be a Graphic Designer without Losing Your Soul by Adrian Shaughnessy

How to be a Graphic Designer without Losing Your Soul by Adrian Shaughnessy offers career guidance for graphic designers. Shaughnessy emphasizes creative integrity and ethical design practices. The book addresses the challenges of the industry, from freelancing to ethics, making it an invaluable resource for designers striving to balance creativity and principles in their work.

Graphic Design School by David Dabner, Sandra Stewart, and Abbie Vickress

Graphic Design School by David Dabner, Sandra Stewart, and Abbie Vickress is a comprehensive guide to graphic design fundamentals. It covers design principles, techniques, and technology. With practical exercises and examples, it’s an essential resource for aspiring designers and students looking to build a strong foundation in graphic design.

The Graphic Designer’s Guide to Portfolio Design by Debbie Rose Myers

Designing Brand Identity by Alina Wheeler

How to Design Programs by Matthias Felleisen

Design as Art by Bruno Munari

A History of Graphic Design by Philip B. Meggs

The Graphic Designer’s Guide to Pricing, Estimating, and Budgeting by Theo Stephan Williams

Graphic Design Theory by Helen Armstrong

Graphic Design Theory by Helen Armstrong delves into the theoretical foundations of graphic design. It explores the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped the discipline. This book offers insights into the philosophical aspects of design and encourages critical thinking, making it an essential read for graphic designers and design students seeking a deeper understanding of their craft.

Type Matters by Jim Williams

Type Matters by Jim Williams is a concise guide to typography’s essentials. It explores type design, selection, and layout principles, emphasizing their significance in effective communication. With practical tips and examples, this book is a valuable resource for designers, writers, and anyone interested in the visual aspects of written communication.

Color Harmony by Hideaki Chijiiwa

Designing for the Digital Age by Kim Goodwin

Designing for the Digital Age by Kim Goodwin offers a user-centered approach to digital product design. Goodwin explores user research, interaction design, and information architecture, emphasizing empathy for users’ needs. Her book is a valuable resource for designers aiming to create intuitive and user-friendly digital experiences.

The Designer’s Dictionary of Color by Sean Adams

The Designer’s Dictionary of Color by Sean Adams is a comprehensive guide to color in design. Adams explores the psychology, theory, and cultural associations of color, making it a valuable resource for designers. It offers insights into color selection, symbolism, and the impact of color choices on design and branding.

White Space Is Not Your Enemy by Kim Golombisky and Rebecca Hagen

White Space Is Not Your Enemy by Kim Golombisky and Rebecca Hagen is a practical guide to design fundamentals, emphasizing the effective use of white space. It helps designers create visually appealing and balanced layouts. This book offers insights on typography, layout design, and visual communication, making it a valuable resource for graphic designers.

The Best Interface Is No Interface by Golden Krishna

The Best Interface Is No Interface by Golden Krishna challenges traditional thinking about user interfaces. The book advocates for simplicity and innovation by reducing the need for screens and digital interfaces. Krishna encourages designers and developers to focus on solving real problems and creating seamless experiences. It’s a thought-provoking read for those in tech and design.

Designing Interactions by Bill Moggridge

Designing Interactions by Bill Moggridge, a co-founder of IDEO and pioneer of interaction design, explores the evolution of digital technology and user experiences. The book delves into the stories behind innovative designs, showcasing the thought processes of renowned designers. It provides valuable insights for those interested in the intersection of technology and human interaction.

100 Ideas that Changed Graphic Design by Steven Heller and Veronique Vienne

100 Ideas that Changed Graphic Design by Steven Heller and Veronique Vienne is a compelling exploration of pivotal moments and concepts in graphic design history. It highlights groundbreaking ideas, from the printing press to digital design, offering inspiration and insights for both design enthusiasts and professionals in the field.

The Graphic Design Reference & Specification Book by Poppy Evans and Aaris Sherin

The Graphic Design Reference & Specification Book by Poppy Evans and Aaris Sherin is a valuable resource for graphic designers. It provides a comprehensive reference guide covering everything from design principles to production and printing techniques. This book serves as an essential companion, offering practical information for design projects of all kinds.

Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows

Thinking in systems by Donella H. Meadow in Sys introduces the concept of systems thinking, a powerful approach to understanding complex systems and addressing real-world problems. Meadows outlines strategies for analyzing and influencing systems behavior. This book equips readers with tools to navigate the intricate relationships that define our interconnected world, making it a valuable resource for problem-solving and decision-making.

Ways of Seeing by John Berger

Ways of Seeing by John Berger is a thought-provoking exploration of art and visual culture. Berger challenges conventional notions of art and its interpretation, emphasizing the role of context and perception. His insights into the impact of images on our society and understanding of art continue to influence how we engage with visual culture.

The article contains sponsored affiliate links from Amazon to valuable resources.

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A Showcase of Technological Marvels

The Dubai Future Museum serves as a platform to exhibit the latest advancements in technology, science, and design. It brings together a diverse range of disciplines, from artificial intelligence and robotics to sustainable architecture and renewable energy.

Visitors are immersed in a world where innovative concepts become tangible, fostering a sense of wonder and igniting the imagination. The museum’s curated exhibits showcase prototypes, interactive installations, and futuristic visions, providing a glimpse into the possibilities that lie ahead.

Inspiring Future Generations

One of the key aspects of the Dubai Future Museum is its focus on inspiring and nurturing the next generation of innovators. Through educational programs, workshops, and interactive experiences, the museum encourages young minds to explore and engage with emerging technologies.

By fostering curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, it cultivates a culture of innovation that will propel the UAE forward in the global innovation landscape.

Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

The Dubai Future Museum serves as a hub for collaboration and knowledge exchange. It brings together experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from various fields to share their insights and visions for the future. Through conferences, seminars, and networking events, the museum creates a vibrant ecosystem where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and innovation is accelerated. This collaborative environment fosters cross-disciplinary dialogue and strengthens the UAE’s position as a global innovation hub.

Driving Economic Growth and Sustainability

The significance of the Dubai Future Museum extends beyond its cultural and educational impact. It plays a vital role in driving economic growth and sustainability in the UAE. By showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, the museum attracts global attention and investment. It serves as a catalyst for research and development, attracting talent and fostering entrepreneurship. The ideas and initiatives born within its walls contribute to the UAE’s economic diversification and its transition towards a knowledge-based economy.

A Symbol of UAE’s Innovation Landscape

The Dubai Future Museum stands as a symbol of the UAE’s commitment to embracing innovation and shaping the future. It embodies the nation’s vision to be at the forefront of technological advancements and to foster an environment where ideas can thrive. By showcasing the latest breakthroughs and providing a platform for collaboration, it strengthens the UAE’s position as a global leader in innovation.

Conclusion

The Dubai Future Museum represents a fusion of art, technology, and innovation, showcasing the UAE’s determination to lead the way into the future. With its awe-inspiring exhibits, educational initiatives, and collaborative ecosystem, the museum serves as a gateway to imagination, inspiration, and transformative thinking. It plays a pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s innovation landscape, driving economic growth, and positioning the nation as a global hub for innovation and creativity.

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With its ability to generate original and innovative artwork, generative AI is revolutionizing the street art scene, pushing boundaries, and offering new possibilities for artistic creation.

In this article, we explore the impact of generative AI in the street art scene, its applications, and the implications it brings to this ever-evolving art form.

Understanding Generative AI in Street Art

Generative AI refers to the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to create new and unique content. In the context of street art, generative AI algorithms analyze various data sources, such as images, texts, and patterns, to generate original artwork that can be translated into large-scale murals or other street art forms.

This technology enables artists to explore new creative avenues, break away from traditional techniques, and bring an element of surprise and innovation to their work.

Applications of Generative AI in Street Art

Inspiration and Idea Generation

Generative AI serves as a powerful tool to inspire street artists and generate fresh ideas. By analyzing vast collections of street art images, graffiti tags, and other visual references, AI algorithms can create unique combinations, styles, and compositions that artists may not have considered.

This collaboration between human creativity and AI-driven inspiration opens up new possibilities for artistic expression.

Mural Design and Execution

Generative AI enables artists to create complex and intricate mural designs that may be challenging to achieve solely through manual techniques. AI algorithms can assist in generating detailed patterns, textures, and color schemes, providing artists with a starting point and a foundation for their mural creations.

This technology streamlines the design process, saves time, and allows artists to focus on implementing their vision on a larger scale.

Interactive Street Art

Generative AI can also enhance the interactive elements of street art, creating immersive experiences for viewers. By incorporating sensors and AI algorithms, street artists can create responsive artworks that react to the presence or actions of passersby.

This fusion of technology and street art blurs the boundaries between the physical and the virtual, engaging viewers in a unique and interactive way.

Implications and Considerations

While generative AI offers exciting possibilities for the street art scene, it also raises important considerations and implications:

Authorship and Originality

With AI algorithms generating artwork, questions of authorship and originality arise. Street artists using generative AI must carefully navigate the fine line between leveraging AI tools for inspiration and ensuring that their work remains a genuine expression of their creativity and personal style. Establishing a balance between human agency and AI assistance is crucial to preserving the authenticity and integrity of street art.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

Street art has a rich history of community engagement and collaboration. It is important to ensure that generative AI does not overshadow the collaborative nature of street art. Artists should aim to involve local communities, engage with cultural contexts, and maintain the spirit of inclusivity and community participation that makes street art a powerful medium for social commentary and expression.

Ethical Use of AI Technology

As with any AI application, ethical considerations must be addressed in the context of generative AI in street art. The data used to train AI algorithms should be diverse and representative, avoiding biases that could perpetuate inequalities or reinforce stereotypes. Transparency in the use of AI technology and its potential impact on the community is essential to foster trust and ensure responsible artistic practices.

The Future of Generative AI in Street Art

Generative AI has the potential to redefine the street art scene, bringing forth new forms of expression and artistic collaboration. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect more seamless integration of AI tools into the creative process, leading to even more awe-inspiring and thought-provoking street art installations.

The key lies in striking a balance between human creativity and the assistance offered by generative AI, ensuring that the street art scene remains a vibrant and authentic platform for self-expression and community engagement.

Conclusion

Generative AI is a powerful force within the street art scene, enabling artists to push boundaries, explore new creative frontiers, and engage viewers in novel ways. From inspiring new ideas to streamlining mural design and enhancing interactivity, generative AI offers exciting opportunities for street artists around the world. However, it is crucial to navigate the ethical implications, preserve artistic authenticity, and foster community engagement to ensure the continued growth and relevance of street art in the age of generative AI. With responsible and thoughtful integration, generative AI can be a transformative tool that amplifies the voices of street artists and captivates audiences globally.

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Here, we delve into some of the key ethical implications surrounding AI-generated art.

Authorship and Attribution

AI-generated art blurs the traditional notion of authorship, as the creative process involves collaboration between human artists and machine algorithms.

Determining who should be credited as the artist becomes a complex question. While the human artist provides guidance and input, the AI system contributes significantly to the final artwork.

Resolving issues of authorship and ensuring proper attribution become critical ethical considerations.

Originality and Authenticity

The concept of originality becomes ambiguous when AI is involved in the artistic process.

AI algorithms are trained on existing artworks, raising concerns about the potential for plagiarism or imitation.

AI-generated art may replicate established artistic styles or mimic renowned artists, challenging the uniqueness and authenticity of the artwork.

Balancing innovation and creativity with the potential for imitation becomes a crucial ethical concern.

Artistic Intention and Creativity

AI systems lack subjective consciousness and personal experiences, leading to questions about the authenticity of artistic intention and creativity.

Can AI truly possess artistic vision and intent?

Does the absence of human emotions and experiences undermine the depth and meaning of the artwork?

These philosophical questions raise concerns about the role of human emotional connection in art and the potential loss of the human touch in AI-generated creations.

Impact on Human Artists

The advent of AI-generated art raises concerns about the impact on human artists and their livelihoods.

As AI systems become more capable of producing high-quality artworks, there is a potential for displacement within the art industry.

Human artists may find it challenging to compete with AI-generated art, which could lead to fewer opportunities, reduced demand, and economic repercussions within the artistic community.

Cultural Appropriation and Bias

AI algorithms are trained on existing datasets, which may contain cultural biases or perpetuate certain stereotypes.

When AI is used to generate art, there is a risk of amplifying and reinforcing these biases.

It is essential to address and mitigate algorithmic biases to ensure that AI-generated art promotes inclusivity, diversity, and cultural sensitivity.

Value and Market Impact

The introduction of AI-generated art into the market raises questions about its economic value and impact. How should AI-generated artworks be priced?

Will the market value them differently from human-created art?

The unique nature of AI-generated art challenges existing market dynamics, and establishing fair value becomes an ethical consideration.

Transparency and Disclosure

Ethical considerations also revolve around transparency and disclosure. Should AI-generated art be clearly labeled as such? Should viewers be informed about the involvement of AI in the creative process? Transparent disclosure ensures that viewers can make informed judgments and appreciate the artwork within its context.

Addressing these ethical implications requires a multistakeholder approach involving artists, AI developers, art institutions, and policymakers. Establishing guidelines, frameworks, and ethical standards can help navigate the complex terrain of AI-generated art, ensuring responsible and ethical practices.

While AI-generated art presents ethical challenges, it also offers opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and new artistic possibilities. By addressing these ethical concerns proactively, we can harness the potential of AI while preserving the integrity and value of art in the digital age.

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Known for merging Eastern and Western influences in his work, Noguchi created sculptures, furniture, and public art that reflect his appreciation for nature and a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality.

His iconic Akari lamps and sculptures continue to influence design and art.

His sculptural and functional creations displayed an innate understanding of material and form, reflecting a deep appreciation for nature and simplicity. Noguchi’s philosophy emphasized the integration of art and daily life, striving for objects that could enhance human experiences.

His Akari lamps, with their delicate paper shades, became iconic pieces of functional art. Noguchi’s influence on modern design extended to his public sculptures, advocating for art’s accessibility in urban spaces. His legacy endures through his timeless creations, which continue to inspire and enrich contemporary design and art.

Akari Lamps

The Akari lamps, created by Isamu Noguchi in the 1950s, are iconic paper lanterns known for their elegant simplicity and warm, diffused light.

Noguchi’s designs were inspired by traditional Japanese lanterns and crafted from washi paper and bamboo. These timeless creations bridge cultural aesthetics, offering a harmonious blend of function and art.

Coffee Table

Coffee Table by Isamu Noguchi (1944) is a renowned biomorphic design. Its sculptural base, made from carved wood and glass, showcases Noguchi’s ability to blend art and functionality.

This iconic piece has become a symbol of mid-century modern design, celebrated for its unique form and the fusion of art and furniture.

Play Sculpture

Play Sculpture (1933) by Isamu Noguchi is an interactive and dynamic playground piece located in Piedmont Park, Atlanta.

This innovative creation, featuring sculptural elements integrated for play, was designed to engage and inspire children. Noguchi’s artwork demonstrates his interest in merging art with interactive public spaces.

Water Stone

Water Stone (1986) is a striking sculpture by Isamu Noguchi situated at the Denver Botanic Gardens. This artwork comprises a large, abstract stone form with a central, serene water feature.

Noguchi’s Water Stone seamlessly blends natural elements with abstract design, creating a contemplative and harmonious space within a garden setting.

California Scenario

California Scenario (1980s) is a celebrated public sculpture garden in Costa Mesa, California, designed by Isamu Noguchi.

This serene landscape features diverse elements, including water, plant life, and sculptural pieces, offering a poetic reflection of California’s diverse natural environment. Noguchi’s design provides an immersive and contemplative experience for visitors.

Playscapes

Isamu Noguchi designed a series of innovative Playscapes in the 1960s. These playground structures for children combined sculptural aesthetics with interactive play elements.

They challenged conventional playground design, emphasizing creativity, imagination, and physical activity. Noguchi’s Playscapes continue to inspire modern playgrounds, reflecting his commitment to art in public spaces.

Sculpture to Be Seen from Mars

Sculpture to Be Seen from Mars is a conceptual piece by Isamu Noguchi (1947). It humorously suggested that art should be so grand that it could be seen from the planet Mars.

While never realized, this artwork embodies Noguchi’s avant-garde and imaginative approach to sculpture and the boundaries of human perception.

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People often wonder where creativity comes from.

Creativity Definition – What is Creativity?

How can an ordinary person become a creative one?

Creativity isn’t about a new age, hipster, or beatnik look or lifestyle; you don’t have to don a new personality or even learn a fine art to be creative.

Creativity is inherent in all of us, from the dentist that designs a perfect new smile to the house movers that know just where to put furniture to make a room beautiful.

Creativity is simply the expression of self through creation. All you have to do to be creative is to create. It could be fine art, but it could also be something that entertains people or something that simplifies life or makes it better or more interesting. It could be the creation of something that defines new ways of doing or thinking about things.

Making just a few simple changes to your outlook and adding a few simple practices can radically bring out your creative side.

1. Stop thinking and start feeling

When you get caught up in your head overthinking an idea you can kill it by worrying about the ifs and buts too much.

While thinking is necessary for exploring the idea and seeing it in the right context and arriving at the best conclusion for how to express it, it is equally, or sometimes even more important to listen to your heart and gut.

Humans respond more deeply to emotion than to logic. This is what makes us human

That is true for you as the creator and for your audience as the viewers and appreciators of your work.

If you listen to your heart and let your emotions guide you, you may end up with an end product that is better than you first imagined.

There is a school of thought that says that when you have done all of the preparations for an endeavor, if you put it aside for a while, your subconscious will continue to work on it for you so that when you come back to it, you will have better ideas and be able to finish it with ease.

This brings to mind what the famous writer, James Stephens, said: “What the heart knows today, the head will understand tomorrow.”

2. Tell a Story

One thing that is unique to human ability is storytelling. A good story can bring out our emotions: anger, fear, laughter, love, and pride.

Telling stories entertain us with benefits.

Through well-told stories, we learn how to empathize and think, how to act, to learn, to socialize, and many other things that improve us.

Every vocation in this world, whether it is professional or personal, is often enhanced through storytelling.

A good storyteller advances fast in their chosen endeavors. A politician doesn’t rise quickly to the top through the policies and actions he actually makes, he rises fast through the stories in his speeches; by manipulating the heartstrings of his constituents.

Maybe that is a negative example, but it’s an easily recognizable one.

For a positive example, let’s look at the architects of Dubai, the people that created the world’s tallest building as not just a feat of engineering, but as a work of art – Burj Khalifa. The creators of this magnificent and beautiful structure built not just a building but told a story – creating history with bricks, metal, and cement.

Mr. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties which owns the building, said: “Burj Khalifa goes beyond its imposing physical specifications. In Burj Khalifa, we see the triumph of Dubai’s vision of attaining the seemingly impossible and setting new benchmarks. It is a source of inspiration for every one of us in Emaar. The project is a declaration of the emirate’s capabilities and of the resolve of its leaders and people to work hand in hand on truly awe-inspiring projects.”

3. Leave Cynicism Behind

Cynicism may protect you from being naïve or from putting up with what you shouldn’t, but it is of no use in the creative process.

Imagine your idea as a simple dot. When new ideas come into your head about your project, whether they’re going to be used or not, that dot begins to grow; you begin to innovate.

Don’t be a cynic during this process and don’t think about constraints. You don’t want to put jagged edges and holes onto your growing circle of ingenuity.

H.L. Menken defined a cynic as “a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin.”

Yes, during the creative process you will find that some of your ideas will work well and some won’t, but think of it as an organization – don’t judge the ideas that you leave behind harshly. Even though they didn’t work, they helped you fully form your final idea.

4. Explore things outside your usual sphere of influence

We often get caught up in our own worlds and don’t notice and think about other aspects of life outside of our own interests. Observe the world around you and the world at large

The next time you’re roaming around a gallery or are viewing some other event or element of creativity, look closely at the other worlds you are being mentally and emotionally exposed to.

You could take it one step further and do this purposefully. Say you’re a scientist – explore a cathedral or other center of religion and consider the reverence people have for the unknown. An economist might listen to a symphony and listen to the musical side of mathematics.

Explore things outside your usual sphere of influence. Keep delving into things you are unfamiliar with so that you round out your experiences and move in the direction of a holistic world view.

Staying abreast of what is happening in the world around us gives us connections to many ideas and the people that create them or create from them. This will only enhance your own creativity.

5. Reflect

Do you take a moment each day, consciously or unconsciously, to daydream or reflect?

Each of us has guiding principles and philosophies that shape our outlook on life.

These principles and philosophies help us answer questions about our happiness and what excites us.

If your principles or philosophies are unformed or are lacking, take steps to fill them out and help them take shape. It may happen that in the process of creation, you will have epiphanies and a new viewpoint will be born out of it.

Assessing the value of what we have done or what we are now doing gives us insight into how we or our creations help ourselves, help others, and help the world. Taking a moment out of our fast and busy lives to assess the value of our viewpoints and our creations is important.

6. Brush up on your skills

Maybe you’ve become bogged down by day to day life and you haven’t picked up the tools of creation for a few months, years, or decades.

Sometimes when this happens we are hesitant to create again, thinking that we just don’t have what we used to so it’s useless to begin again.

Don’t let such an attitude hinder you from creation. Pick it back up and practice.

They say practice makes perfect, and it’s true. Perfection doesn’t have to be a nearly photorealistic representation of something real – many people think that Van Gogh’s A Starry Night is perfection, yet he left bits of canvas showing through.

Present day high school art teachers would have a fit if one of their students did that, but it’s one of the most beloved images of all time.

Perfection is the beautiful representation of what made the artist’s heartbeat with emotion.

While you’re brushing up on skills you have or once had, go ahead and learn something new.

Tiptoe out of your comfort zone and experiment. If you’ve always sculpted ballerinas with clay, try something radical like entering a beachside sand sculpting contest. If you learned classical piano as a child, experiment with the chords and beats used in rock music.

Try something different.

7. Use your hands whenever you can

Our hands don’t get much use in this modern world.

We have dishwashers that take away the slippery soapy experience of cleaning dishes, keyboards that have replaced the familiar scratch of pencil on paper, and some people don’t even have to move their wrist to brush their teeth now that electric toothbrushes are available at home.

Have you ever heard of body memory? It’s the phenomenon by which you turn toward home while driving without even thinking or how you can get lost in thought while doing mundane tasks but still perform them perfectly without thinking.

Using your hands to do things also does something else to your brain.

It’s been shown that the act of putting words on paper with a pen or pencil makes your brain think that you’ve actually spoken the words aloud to a person.

Street Art Has A Remarkable Attitude, Satire, And Creativity

Therapists use this trick of the mind to help people cope with their personal issues with others by writing letters they won’t send. The mind gets the same release it would if the words were actually spoken to the other person.

Both of these strange oddities of the mind can be used to make you more creative if you use your hands to do familiar or new things. When you’re doodling or writing in a diary, do something a little different each time. You’re practicing the body memory you already have and you also creating new ones.

Use doodling, writing, or any hand use-dependent art to express your inner thoughts and feelings.

This doesn’t have to be for show, it can be just for yourself, but you’ll be surprised at how much satisfaction you’ll get out of seeing your ideas form in the tangible world.

Even playing in the dirt, finger painting, or the way you wash your car can be outlets of playing with creativity through the use of your hands.

8. Collaborate

Getting together with another person to create something will expand your creative horizons.

Sharing ideas, methods, and materials will give you the opportunity to work in ways you haven’t before and each of your thoughts will spark great ideas in each other’s minds.

You can mix and match your life experiences, knowledge, and talents to create a great story.

9. Stay positive

Don’t let your ego sway you.

There are two ways your own perception of self can hinder you. Either your ego says to you that you’re not good enough, which could keep you from expanding your talents, or your ego to say to you that you’re the best, which could cause you do not want to expand your abilities.

Either way – don’t let it control you. Stay positive about the creative process, but don’t get too carried away.

10. Keep it simple

Complexity can destroy the very essence of your ideas.

Imagine that a florist is going to put together a bouquet of roses together. Now imagine that she uses 12 different colors of rose and then puts them in a vase covered in a complicated geometric pattern of various colors.

It’s overkill.

Trust the idea to form itself with your help and don’t overthink it.

Expanding your experiences will encourage you to embrace life and live it fully. These ten acts will not only enhance what you create, but they will also help you to create a life that resonates with vitality and inspiration.

What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts

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Literary genius Shakespeare expressed this perfectly in his play Loves Labours Lost of 1588 –

Good Lord Boyet, my beauty, though but mean,
Needs not the painted flourish of your praise:
Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye,
Not uttered by base sale of chapmen’s tongues

When it comes to art, some may say that not all art is beautiful, that it should not be beautiful, always.

As with many aspects of life, such as peace, faith, love, and happiness, one man’s view is vastly different from another.

It is, then, one’s opinion.  Or not?

What is peace?

A nice quiet day spent with family or a day without bombs exploding around you?

What is faith?

Does faith believe in something so deeply that nothing else matters, or will you have a wonderful day today?

The options are vast, and the interpretations are many.

And that is, perhaps, what it comes down to – interpretation.

From a subjective stance, beauty is what you make of it, what your preference is, what calls to your heart, soul and mind.

Objectively, the harshest of views, and not necessarily the truest, beauty means perfection, absolute precision and the essence of purity.  Object views are often what society has decided is so.

The debate can continue until the cows come home.

But maybe we can look into history to decide what beauty is and whether art is, in fact, beautiful.

Famous definitions – What is Beauty?

Leo Tolstoy, a Great Russian author, coined this phrase, which sums up art beautifully –

“The activity of art is based on the capacity of people to infect others with their own emotions and to be infected by the emotions of others. Strong emotions, weak emotions, important emotions or irrelevant emotions, good emotions or bad emotions – if they contaminate the reader, the spectator, or the listener – it attains the function of art.”

So, if we take these words to heart, it would appear that art should evoke a feeling inside of us.  Whether it is a bad feeling or good, it must bring about a change of being.

Art can be so powerful an influence that we could be inspired to produce a work of art ourselves.

Art as a therapy could instil a sense of well-being for some and not only relax them but allow them to think clearly about troubling matters.

Some art may have the opposite effect.

An art piece may have us building up feelings of anger or pure rage, and we may react differently to people after being subjected to those graphics.

But isn’t that also the beauty of art.

If something can arouse such powerful emotions within us, cause us to behave in a certain manner and perhaps say things that we normally would not say, then surely this makes art is a beautiful expression of our inner emotions

Winckelmann, a German Art Historian, claimed that beauty boiled down to three key factors.

• The beauty of form
• The beauty of an idea
• The beauty of expression,, he says, is only possible in the presence of the first two factors.

So then, beauty must be the highest form of expression and in turn, the highest aim of art.

Another visionary, Victor Cherbuliez, saw art as an activity which

• satisfies our innate love of images
• introduces ideas into these images
• And gives pleasure simultaneously to our senses, heart, and reason. Beauty is just an illusion, there is nothing called absolute beauty, but we think beauty is characteristic and harmonious.

By his interpretation of art, beauty is then just an illusion. Beauty, possibly, doesn’t exist, and there is no absolute beauty in this world.

Beauty is what we see as characteristic and harmonious.

Art is beautiful

When we look at famous artworks such as Starry Night, Mona Lisa, Persistence of Memory, and The Birth of Venus, how do people find beauty in these pictures?The beauty of art lies in its ability to evoke diverse reactions and interpretations, allowing each viewer to find their own unique appreciation and understanding of the artwork. Whatever you believe art to be, and many art pieces will bring about different reactions in you, it is clear that the explanation is complicated and not definitive.

Every piece of art, whether a painting, a vase, or a statue, will have different colors, lines, and textures that will appeal to your soul and heart.

What feelings these art pieces bring about in you will help you decide whether the art is beautiful. The future of art beholds the beauty of art.

The post What Is Beauty in Art? appeared first on The Artist.

His own works and the works of many other contemporary designs and designers today have been influenced by a motto of “Less, but better”, were simplistic and minimalistic design choices have been the norm.

During the 1980s, a set of principles around good design were formed by Rams, principles which can inform all manner of design types. These are Dieter Ram’s 10 principles for good design, quoted from the designer himself.

1.Good Design is Innovative

Rams said that “The possibilities for innovation are not, by any means, exhausted. Technological development is always offering new opportunities for innovative design.

But innovative design always develops in tandem with innovative technology and can never be an end in itself.” 

The important thing to note here is that innovation must always keep occurring. The technology of our day and age keeps on getting better and better and the possibilities for improvements in innovative design because of this are boundless.

Designers in the past and even more so for designers now, there is no excusable reason to not keep innovating and improving.

2.Good Design Makes a Product Useful

Rams suggested that “A product is bought to be used. It has to satisfy certain criteria, not only functional but also psychological and aesthetic. Good design emphasizes the usefulness of a product whilst disregarding anything that could possibly detract from it.”

Every product we buy and use is required to have a specific design and function. The products we purchase need to be useful and meet the purpose they are designed for.

25 Functions of Art That Make Us Better Human Beings

In addition to this, the function of the product ought to meet other criteria, such as aesthetic satisfaction for its consumer. Any aspect of the design which does not meet the product’s purpose, it’s aesthetic or its design criteria ought to be removed.

3.Good Design is Aesthetic 

“The aesthetic quality of a product is integral to its usefulness because products we use every day affect our person and our well-being. But only well-executed objects can be beautiful.”

The design of any product we buy needs to be inherently aesthetic. The looks of an item will ultimately inform our opinions and impact our daily well-being.

While the functional design of an item ought to be more important than the aesthetics, as humans we all enjoy things that look good. The natural impact of good aesthetics is a delight in the visual quality of whatever item is in question.

4.Good Design makes a Product Understandable

“It clarifies the product’s structure. Better still, it can make the product talk. At best, it is self-explanatory.”

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the design of a product is being able to be understood simply. While the design of some products requires documents, instruction manuals, or some form of explanation on how to use the product, any product which is simple enough to use is designed well.

Should a product require excessive amounts of documentation and instructions to be used effectively, perhaps there is an issue in the design of the product.

5. Good Design us Unobtrusive

“Products fulfilling a purpose are like tools. They are neither decorative objects nor works of art. Their design should therefore be both neutral and restrained, to leave room for the user’s self-expression.”

Any product that is created with the designer in mind or created with an idea of who the user might be or how they might use it is a product deemed to fail.

The very best products are the ones that allow the consumer to do exactly what they want to do without much restriction, all the while assisting them to do their tasks productively and joyfully.

6.Good Design is Honest

“It does not make a product more innovative, powerful, or valuable than it really is. It does not attempt to manipulate the consumer with promises that cannot be kept.”

The design of a product needs to be honest with the people who use it. This means that it doesn’t make any promises through its design that it does things that are not part of its function.

Were a promise to be made through the visual design, the right and honest thing to do would be to ensure that the product is able to function the way that is implied by its design.  

7.Good Design is Long-Lasting

“It avoids being fashionable and therefore never appears antiquated. Unlike fashionable design, it lasts many years – even in today’s throwaway society.”

Clothes, cars, toys – things which are fashionable or look cool which we often toss away as soon as the collective society decides such a design is unfashionable.

Therefore, designing anything to be fashionable is not a very useful aspect of a design. Things which are fashionable to our society today can be unfashionable tomorrow, so a good design will last longer than the fashionable things in our society because it never needed to be fashionable in the first place. 

8.Good Design Is Thorough Down To The Last Detail

“Nothing must be arbitrary or left to chance. Care and accuracy in the design process show respect towards the user.”

The very best designers are set apart from the good designers by the account of the care and accuracy that they take in developing their designs.

The work of a designer is meant to understand and respect the user and therefore every single step of the design process ought to be considered fully. Every step, input, image, and text in the design process is designed to impress and assist the consumer in everything they do.

9.Good Design is Environmentally Friendly

“Design makes an important contribution to the preservation of the environment. It conserves resources and minimizes physical and visual pollution throughout the lifecycle of the product.”

Some organizations and industries have a significant effect on the physical environment in their work.

Design isn’t meant to be wasteful and conserves resources where it can and seeks to reduce the physical and visual pollution in the world, both physically and digitally. 

10. Good Design As Little Design As Possible

“Less, but better – because it concentrates on the essential aspects, and the products are not burdened with non-essentials.”

The motto of Rams, “less, but better.” The way that we design ought to always be with intention and never more than is necessary.

Any aspect of a design that is non-essential and not useful for the function and workings of a product doesn’t serve the user and can be removed so that the product does not contain useless material.

Conclusion

There is much to consider here. Dieter Ram’s 10 Principles for Good Design can be seen to apply to both industrial and visual design works and provide good guidelines to suggest the best ways to create new designs. Our designs ought to be helpful and innovative, using the materials we have well and effectively.

Our designs also ought to be thoughtful and take careful consideration of the views of those who consume them. These principles are useful for anyone who seeks to make designs, and a helpful guide to direct us in ways of doing design work much more effectively. Also, check out 7 Most Visited Design Installations From Around the World. [html_block id=”12849″] 

The post Dieter Rams 10 Principles for Good Design appeared first on The Artist.

Mainstream comics are still going strong and are gaining more and more popular because people are getting interested thanks to the wide plethora of movies, video games, and TV series we see. A few historical events have forever changed the course of the medium, which is always interesting to behold.

What would’ve comics looked like today if people hadn’t embraced the superhero concept? What kind of comics would we be reading? Would there still be comics at all?

Based on the fact that the industry has been so resilient over the years and is still here, we would say that it’s entirely possible. We can’t wait to see what will happen next.

A Brief History and Introduction to Comics

The history of comics can be traced all the way back to the 17^th century after the invention of the printing press.

However, what we today recognize as a comic strip would not appear until the 19^th century with the publication of The Glasgow Looking Glass, which is considered the first comic strip.

Indeed, there is an argument to be had, but one cannot deny the fact that it contains all elements we know, love, and recognize from modern comics – it incorporates satire, uses caricature, employs the use of thought bubbles, and is a continuous narrative represented through a series of pictures with captions.

A bit later satirical drawings that became more and more popular, appearing in newspapers and magazines, got the name “cartoons” during the 1840s.

Ally Sloper’s Half Holiday was the first serialized comics that featured a recurring character. It appeared in Judy, a British humor magazine, in 1867, and was created by C.H. Ross and illustrated by his wife, Emilie de Tessier.

Comics started to slowly grow in popularity and the industry started to thrive in the 1920s and 1930s. The Adventures of Tintin was born in Belgium, coming straight out of the mind of Georges Prosper Remi, more widely known as Herge.

In the meantime, in Britain, The Dandy and The Beano also opened the market to children through childish humor and storylines.

In 1938, Adventure Comics #1 launched with the superhero known as Superman on its cover. That was the year that completely changed the course and direction of comic books forever.

This is the direction we’re still following to this day.

Everything you see on the big screen right now stems from the popularity of the character at that time.

He served to define the genre of American comic books. It’s true that the genre saw a dip in sales and popularity in the 50s, but it quickly reclaimed its positions in the 60s.

In May 1939, Detective Comics #27 brought another genre-defining character to life – Batman.

Soon after, many other comic book characters would be created, which would give birth to the entire multiversity. Thus the Golden Age of comic books had begun.

During the Golden Age, comic books thrived. Comic books provided cost-effective entertainment and were popular among many different age groups. However, after World War II, there was a great dip in the popularity of superheroes.

While the most popular characters like Batman and Superman continued to sell, many others that hadn’t been established yet (like Green Lantern and the Flash) at the time were canceled.

The industry still expanded through different science fiction titles, such as Mystery in Space.

The industry saw some problems in the 50s. The numbers started to take a dip because of several factors.

Many believed that comic books actually caused juvenile delinquency, which caused problems and controversy.

Sales suffered from all the scandals, and Comics Code Authority, which was established with the aim of reducing juvenile delinquency and other problems caused by comic books, didn’t help.

In the mid-50s many people blamed comics for different youth-related problems. Parent groups help public comic book burnings to do away with comics. There were even bans in some cities. The industry took a huge hit.

Around the same time, TV was also an emerging form of entertainment, which competed with comic books for the time viewers. TV was innovative, fresh, and interesting, not because the programs were so good (the story-arcs in comic books at the time were far more interesting), but simply because it was a relatively new technology coming to the public.

The industry managed to persevere, though. The mid-fifties (1956, to be more precise), saw the beginning of the Silver Age. Many scholars believe that the rebirth of the Flash in Showcase #4 also gave the birth of the new age.

The Silver Age would be characterized by a new type of superheroes.

In 1961, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the Fantastic Four, which, despite the atrocious movies we’re now forced to watch, is one of the most influential comics of that time. For the first time, superheroes were humanized and given inner demons to fight and conquer, aside from the villains.

This was considered a revolution at the time because it hadn’t been done before. This made superheroes like Spider-man, Fantastic Four, and the X-Men a lot more relatable, especially among college students who could relate to the heroes and the problems they were facing.

The 1970s would (figuratively speaking) give birth to the Bronze Age of comics.

The transition wasn’t as sharp as the one between Gold and Silver Age and not all characters entered it at the same time. The timing is also quite speculative, though it’s widely accepted among fans and scholars.

The Bronze Age brought a lot more substance to the comics.

They began to provide social commentary and tried to tackle popular issues at the time, such as drug abuse. During the Bronze Age, we also so the revamping of some characters with some more serious and darker undertones.

The industry was thriving again and even saw the birth of the first specialized comic book stores.

The darker undertones that started with the Bronze Age transitioned in the Modern Age.

The creation of Alan Moore’s Watchmen and Frank Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns served to cement this. Both comics were critically acclaimed and saw huge sales.

In fact, they are among the most influential comics to this day. The darker tone of DC’s cinematic universe can be traced to the success of those comics, and the director of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (which is loosely based on Miller’s masterpiece) is the same director who brought Watchmen to life on the big screen – Zach Snyder.

The popularity of antiheroes like Wolverine and the Punisher began to grow because of this.

Mainstream comics are still going strong and are gaining more and more popular because people are getting interested thanks to the wide plethora of movies, video games, and TV series we see.

A few historical events have forever changed the course of the medium, which is always interesting to behold.

What would’ve comics looked like today if people hadn’t embraced the superhero concept?

What kind of comics would we be reading?

Would there still be comics at all?

Based on the fact that the industry has been so resilient over the years and is still here, we would say that it’s entirely possible. We can’t wait to see what will happen next.

The post Infographics : A Brief History and Introduction to Comics appeared first on The Artist.

Now: how do you feel? — Perhaps your first reaction might be a pleasure. People, like looking at colors, and seeing many beautiful shades jumbled together, is usually something we would find ourselves enjoying.

[quote_regular name=”” icon_quote=”no”] 2018 Design Trends reflect an interesting note — Pantone chooses a few bright colors with Ultra Violet as a star color. Vibrant colors, brave tones, and brighter pallets are coming into the mainstream to make an impact[/quote_regular]

But what else? Do you find the brighter colors distracting? Warming? Do you subtly feel the impact of color psychology? Do the blues and grays cool and comfort you? What about when you look away — do the feelings continue? Probably not. The reaction we have to color can be quite physical, even visceral, and it rarely lasts past the point when we no longer have the color in our eye line. The psychology of color depends on many factors such as tones, medium, pallattes etc.

[quote_colored name=”” icon_quote=”no”]In nature, light creates the color. In the picture, color creates the light. Hans Hofmann[/quote_colored]

And yet the fact that we have such discernible reactions to colors merits the question: why? Why these reactions, and why to these colors?

Color Theory: Our First Steps of Understanding

When you encounter something new, it tends to leave a mark. An impression.

Think of the proverbial example of a child seeing a bright light, and reaching out for it, only to discover that the light hurts you if you try to hold it. But then, the light also allows you to see. It warms you. It cooks your food. The child learns that nothing is ever simple. That bright light which drew him contains pleasure and pain in equal measure. The color psychology has subtly started its operation here at this moment

This is the way we learn.

Through either first-hand experience or observation, we find out the facts of our lives and ourselves, collecting impressions along the way. The moments we spend taking in the information are forgotten. It is very unlikely you would be able to pinpoint the exact moment you learned that a dog can run, or that a bird can fly. (You may remember learning that you yourself cannot fly, in the grand tradition of children falling out of trees, but that’s another matter.)

[quote_colored name=”” icon_quote=”no”]Red is such an interesting color to correlate with emotion, because it’s on both ends of the spectrum. On one end you have happiness, falling in love, infatuation with someone, passion, all that. On the other end, you’ve got obsession, jealousy, danger, fear, anger and frustration. – Taylor Swift [/quote_colored]

But the effects of the information remain, along with their impressions. And so it is with color, these concepts carrying all that we have learned with them. When that child, the one who learned not to try to touch a flame, grows up and comes across something which carries the same color as that first flame — vermillion, perhaps, or a bright amber or cadmium — memories of pain, pleasure, and brightness will stir in his psyche.

The purposes, motivations, intentions, and inspirations behind art are endless. Colors play a major role in this purpose

The Physical and the Spiritual Elements of Color

Let’s go back to that imaginary, color-filled surface again. While we’ve been talking about fire and falling, someone’s come along and painted the whole thing over in yellow. No fancy shades, just plain yellow. What do you feel when you look at it? Is it bright? Sharp? Is it too sharp — does it start to make you feel tense as you look at it? Or do you feel happy? Has the psychology of color started its act?

The brightness is a physical reaction, information from your eyes. The feeling — of tension, or happiness — one might say is spiritual. Emotional. Color theory responds in an imminent way. But although we experience each reaction distinctly, we cannot separate the two completely. the hidden and subtle aspects of color psychology applies here. Yellow might mean sunshine, after all, hence a feeling of pleasure, but you only know that because your body remembers what sunshine is. Or you might think it looks sour. But would you still think that if you had never tasted a lemon?

The Attributes of Color

Of course, there are more attributes to every color than their basic labels. Tone, warmth, and intensity all play a part, and all add to the impression given by the color.

 

A colbalt green, for example, may appear harder than a sap green. You might then think that the colbalt green looks dry, or flat, and untouchable. The sap green might look soft and be inviting. One is darker, one is brighter; one has undertones of blue, another of yellow; one is acute, the other gentle. And each elicits a different reaction. The color theory shifts its perspective based on tones and mediums that we choose.

Sounds and Vibrations – Foundation fo Color Psychology

Beyond these experiential associations, however, we find even more to unpack. Perhaps we may see a bright blue and become calm, thinking of a summer sky. But what of the doctor whose patient told him that he could taste “blue” in his food? Does the color itself have its own vibration that a more sensitive person can pick up?

We also have to wonder about these potential vibrations when we think of the relationship between color and sound. And it’s hardly one that varies from person to person; perhaps then the color is not all about perception.

 

Could any of us classify the light tinkling of the top notes of a piano as a bright tomato red? Or the sound of a thundering bass drum as pale green? Of course not. This seems to indicate that there might be something truly physical about the way we experience color, beyond the effect of memory.

[quote_colored name=”” icon_quote=”no”]I need to see my own beauty and to continue to be reminded that I am enough, that I am worthy of love without effort, that I am beautiful, that the texture of my hair and that the shape of my curves, the size of my lips, the color of my skin, and the feelings that I have are all worthy and okay. – Tracee Ellis Ross[/quote_colored]

There have been several experiments done on this subject; in fact, studies have found that red light can actually cause a quickening of the heart, while blue can cause short-term paralysis. Yet we have not been able to pin these effects only to the colors themselves, as the effects of color psychology could not be replicated with animal or plant subjects. So we have to wonder — how much of our association is responsible for these physical experiences?

Read 10 Reasons Why Good Colour Combinations are Important

Conclusion

There is power in color. From the emotions, we associate with it, to the undeniably real reaction we have to its varying forms. It is something we see, but also that we feel that we can touch taste or smell. Through our eyes, it links our souls to the outside world; though we may not understand how this happens, perhaps it is enough to recognize and celebrate, the fact that it does. The psychology of color remains an unprecedented contributor in our daily lives

The post Color Psychology: Why We Love Some and Hate Others? appeared first on The Artist.