- 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.