History Of Design Reflection

Industrial Evolution & Graphic Reactions

In the previous lecture, we focused on typography as an aspect of graphic design and how it was used as an idea of documentation. However, in this lecture, we learn about the influence of the industrial revolution on graphic design. In this period of advancement and commercialisation, more graphical designs were needed as effective and efficient methods of reaching mass audiences.

 

Art Noveau

Amongst the various graphic design movements we learnt about, the Art Noveau movement caught my attention for both its unique style and story.

Art Nouveau is an international art movement popularised from the 1890s to the 1910s, which could often be seen employed on art, architecture, jewelery, poster design and illustrations. It was characterised by its use of long, sinuous, organic lines and sense of dynamism, often given by whiplash curves.

The art nouveau movement was a deliberate attempt at creating a new style, free of the imitative historicism that dominated much of the past movements. It was also inspired by the Japanese woodblock printing style “Ukiyo-e”. It really amazes me how the arts and design can transcend from region to region despite cultural and behavioural differences. It’s always heartwarming to see how the arts and design solely portray meaning and emotion through aesthetics and graphics that anyone can appreciate and understand despite language or educational barriers.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Nouveau

https://www.britannica.com/art/Art-Nouveau

History Of Design Reflection

Writing to Typography

 

In the first lecture, we learned about how type first came about and how they have evolved over the centuries. It was interesting to see how the environment and advancement of each era influenced the evolution of type, from simple carvings on the wall to ink on parchment followed by the great innovation of the printing press on paper.

 

Letterpress Printing

Through the lecture, letterpress printing was something that really piqued my interest. Letterpress printing is the technique of relief printing using a printing press, it was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid 15th century and remained a widely used technique until the second half of the 20th century. Not only did the invention make printing more efficient, but it also allowed the greater spread of communication materials. I believe this invention truly shaped the way we design type today.

 

 

Additionally, it is also really impressive how letterpress printing has been revived in this age as an artisanal form. Even in Singapore, there are multiple printing studios that focus on the craft of letterpress printing such as The Gentlemen’s Press and The Fingersmith Letterpress. It is great to see these traditional form of printing carry on a legacy, continuing to inspire the next generations of designers.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letterpress_printing

https://thegentlemenspress.com

Visual Communication II Task 2

Visualising Data

Infographic Poster

The term “Outrage of modesty” is a formal term used to describe the act of molestation. Such acts can happen anywhere, anytime and to anyone. Unfortunately, such acts have been on the rise in Singapore and more and more Singaporeans have fallen prey to molesters. Worse still, through my survey, I conducted I found out how unaware and uneducated Singaporeans are to this pressing issue. Using the information I collected, I created my infographic.

The concept of my infographic was inspired by caution and warning signs. This represented how alarming and crucial the rise of outrage of modesty cases in Singapore is. I used bright yellow in contrast with black and white along with bold illustrations to create a strong appeal for viewers. The headline “Please Do Not Touch” was meant to give a hint into the topic of molestation as well as a play on typical sign copy. 

 

Process

 

Final