SYNTHESIS

I will go through and analyse my intent and purposes.  believe my design expresses key themes from my essay, as a visual response in 4 main ways;

1. Planned irregularity of space and type

2. Use of custom type

3. Critical examination of pop culture

4. Design as a conceptual experience

(in relation to parody in graphic design) There could only be a genuine outcome if the viewer saw that the new version departs from its prior normality. 

I believe my piece does this. In relation to both Van Gogh and Mike Tyson’s actions, can be deemed acts of expression, I tried to keep Van Goghs style of expression, but added postmodern graphic design techniques, inspired by the likes of David Carson. I wanted the brutality of their actions conveyed with a level of satire. I have achieved this through mimicking in an absurd way the conventions and style of Van Gogh, in order to derive ridicule, ironic comment, or affectionate fun. 

How does my design relate to my essay? Well lets look at the themes described. I focused a lot on how postmodern design has impacted graphic design, in the sense that some of their traits are now employed in contemporary design, and are not even labelled postmodern anymore. 

I mentioned Neville Brody in my essay, his style is constantly replicated in contemporary graphic design, the application of cultural influences.  Brody’s work as he happily admits, bears witness to the many other ideas and sources of imagery that have influenced him-all feeding into this central concern; agitating, questioning, stripping-back towards what is really necessary, really ‘real’ underneath it all. This was not a theme expressed in any paradigm before postmodernism, and believe with the influence of pop art, it has impacted graphic design practice, which is why this trait needed to be included in my design.

Another postmodern trait I have tried to input in my design, is the use of typography, and the irregularity of space and alignment. Adopting techniques from Weingart, Carson and Fella. Employing the “new-wave” style into my typography, I tried to fully grasp the meaning behind this style, by looking at the design process, and disconnecting myself from the design principles focused around type, and focused more on looking at typography as a form of art expression. Disallowing any recurring style, pushing for irregularity, and planning deconstruction in my design. I believe my final resolution questions the established typographic practice, through use of alternative spacing, typeface, size, layout and placement.

I have tried to maintain and use these postmodern graphic design traits since the beginning of my design process, it is these traits that have impacted graphic design as a practice, which is why I have used these traits as the focal point of my design process. Overall the lack of coherency, and general combination of styles expresses my essay question visually, and believe I have created a piece that transcends a visual into how postmodernism has impacted graphic design, through demonstrating my knowledge into practice.