- Hopefully, this course has provided inspiration
and new approaches to generating ideas.
There are many designers who are skilled at layout,
but the ability to see a project through the lens
of a compelling communication is a rare talent.
We discussed the prevalence of scenes
as a substitution for a strong concept.
A scene asks nothing of the viewer
other than recognizing the obvious.
We also looked at the solutions
that rely on pointless chaos.
Here, if something doesn't work,
just add more and hope for the best.
The result is typically an example of more is too much.
Symbols are the shortcut to understanding.
A symbol not only has an overt message,
for example, peace,
but also includes other messages.
In this instance, the 1960's youth culture,
the counter-culture movement and much more,
and better yet, symbols are often universal,
cutting across culture and language.
Working with visual symbols and metaphor
asks the viewer to solve the riddle.
He or she spends time with the concept
creating a more intimate connection
and once the viewer discovers that the American Flag
and paintbrush translates as American painting,
he or she feels a sense of delight.
For me, this process starts with writing down words,
then combining them in sketch form
before sitting down at the computer.
Taking the idea of fusing two metaphors or symbols together,
we can work with the typography to do the job.
By recognizing that typography
is really just pictures of words,
we can make the type do double-duty.
Communicate the message and be the headline.
A more complex approach to idea making is to combine images.
If one image conveys a message,
adding another changes the meaning.
This approach lends itself to complex
and dense subject matter
such as cultural issues, poetry or literature
when a simple symbol alone would trivialize the subject.
The trade-off from a symbol approach
is a less focused communication.
Everyone will bring his or her personal connection
to an image and the concept
may read differently to each viewer
and we covered a multilayered
and advanced approach of appropriation.
By borrowing an image or symbol that one group already knows
and reinterpreting it, we speak to the audience with a wink.
We also examine the use of humor in design
as a way to diffuse a difficult issue
or to add some joy into the audience's day.
We've wrapped up with alternative ways of making
that might require the use of your hands.
These range from drawing to ceramics
and help create a proprietary and fresh approach.
Ideas and concepts aren't easy.
It's harder to hone this skill than mastering composition.
But, like playing the piano,
the more you do it, the better you get.
I hope you enjoyed watching this course
as much as I had a great time making it.
So go forth and create amazing ideas.